|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,052
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,052 |
This is the first blues tune I've ever written. I was inspired by the cool stuff Tom Adams (my blues guru) has been doing (alone and with Janice). It stuck a chord in me (a blues chord, maybe a dominant 7th). Anyway, this is what I came up with. For some reason, the vocal seems to get compressed near the end of the first and second verses. I did not notice this until I burned it to disc. Aside from that, please tell me what you think. I think the vocal processing may be a little boxy. Still playing with it. Any feedback much appreciated. Take care. Greg https://soundcloud.com/gjohnson-2/dont-come-around
Last edited by Greg Johnson; 07/13/14 08:48 PM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,719
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,719 |
Hi Greg. Enjoyed the lyrics very much and think your voice is excellent for the blues. Liked the bass and the solo guitar. Cheers.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 2,888
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 2,888 |
Hi Greg,
I have no problems with the vocals.
What is that nice guitar?
Although it's not the typical blues scheme it
sounds very bluesy.
Like it.
Guenter
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 1,831
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 1,831 |
You've got the groove in the vocal and lyrics, and the drums, bass, and lead guitar are super!
The horns and rhythm guitar (I think it's a rhythm guitar) seem to be fighting each other. They are down in the mix and seem to be competing for the same rhythmic soundscape.
You may try one or the other, or perhaps a more legato horn section that holds its notes longer. I'm not sure.
Or even eliminate the horns and rhythm guitar?
Anyway great listen. Just my opinion.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,646
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,646 |
Hopefully this won't be your last blues, nice; thanks for sharing!
My TunesPsalm 57:7 My heart, O God, is steadfast, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,936
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,936 |
You've got the groove in the vocal and lyrics, and the drums, bass, and lead guitar are super!
The horns and rhythm guitar (I think it's a rhythm guitar) seem to be fighting each other. They are down in the mix and seem to be competing for the same rhythmic soundscape.
You may try one or the other, or perhaps a more legato horn section that holds its notes longer. I'm not sure.
Or even eliminate the horns and rhythm guitar?
Anyway great listen. Just my opinion.
Greg, I'll +1 pretty much everything Lawrence said. A fine blues lyric. The vocal works. The guitar is perfect. The "problem" with the horns - they just don't have the pizzazz they need for blues or rock. They have more of a pad feel and get redundant quickly (the times I've tried them out) - they don't have the punch they need to carry something like this. More guitar!!! Good job on "your first blues number".... I enjoyed it. floyd
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,171
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,171 |
Well for a first shot (or many shots later) at the blues that's a fine effort. All music connects emotionally on some level but for me blues is on a higher tier....and againthis is just my ole phart ramblings...but I think every component of a blues song needs to scream the blues. John Lee Hooker said "every lines of a blues song has a meaning" and I'll add that every solo or fill or rhythm part needs to support the meaning. So....all this means is that I agree with gruve and floyd re the horns. They don't, IMO, support the feel that you've established. BIAB encourages a lot of experimentation and that is a great thing......so there are likely many, many folks who will think the horns work or don't distract. Heck, if you want more of a soul/RB sound than blues they sound fine. But I'd throw a gritty rhythm in there and see what happens  You definitely have both the vocal feel and voice timbre for this style -- many try it who don't and unfortunately never realize it. Love the "unwelcome mat" line! Just my fav line of a great write.
Our albums and singles are on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Pandora and more. If interested search on Janice Merritt. Thanks! Our Videos
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 4,067
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 4,067 |
Hi Greg,
a cool song! Well sung, and we like the guitar solo.
Which real tracks did you use?
mmm.. definitely inspires us to do a blues song too one-day.
Regards,
R & AM
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,894
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,894 |
It's amazing how hearing a song can inspire one to write something cool.
Good job.
Instantly, as the song started it reminded me of Dark Eyed Cajun Woman by the Doobies. One of my favorite songs from that band back in the day. They had so many good songs..... and your tune reminded me of this one. Albeit, a bit slower.
Last edited by Guitarhacker; 07/15/14 12:07 PM.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.comAdd nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both. The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 4,335
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 4,335 |
Greg, First of all it is highly unusual that I am referred to as an inspiration. Most of my life I have been called a bad influence. So maybe I've turned a corner. Thanks for that. I appreciate it. Your ability to communicate the emotion of the song vocally makes you a force to be reckoned with in the world of the blues. Really solid write. Great chord changes! These kind of outside the box chord progressions push this into a more modern blues sound. I agree the horns and rhythm guitar don't work. I have found that one of the most difficult things in the blues is to get those backing instruments right. There's a lot to choose from and I have sometimes spent hours just trying to find the right rhythm guitar part. I have taken it to the point where it would have been easier just to play it. I have been wanting to do something with horns but like floyd said they sound very generic. I am taking a run at one that I found buried deep in the archives of BIAB that has midi horns but it is going to take mucho massaging and may not work. Congratulations on a fine song and another outstanding vocal. I'll be watching closely. Tom
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 4,497
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 4,497 |
Hi, Greg !:))
I did enjoy your blues
really much ! :)) It is
no easy genré but you did
just great !:))
Cheers
Dani
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 506
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 506 |
Do I detect a little Santana influence here?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 216
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 216 |
Great job. Your vocals sound great on this as does everything. Loving the guitar solo. Made me want to turn it up... which I did.
Last edited by Frankp; 07/18/14 03:51 PM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,606
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,606 |
Hi Greg,
I enjoyed listening to this a great deal! Tommy is DEFINITELY the man to be inspired by when it comes to blues. You sure took that inspiration and ran with it!
All the best,
Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 277
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 277 |
Great first blues indeed. Enjoyed the lyric. Now I am wondering if she will be there or not at the end of your road . Yikes! Thanks for posting.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,052
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,052 |
Richard, Guenter, and Robert, thanks so much for your attention and your kind words. It means a lot to me. I really appreciate the encouragement.
Floyd, Lawrence, J@B, and Tom, I think you are all correct in your analysis. The vibe is too cluttered and too mixed in style. I am working on a different feel and will post it soon. Really appreciate your great ears and your comments were extremely helpful. And, Tom, Yes, you are very inspirational--dig the way you play them blues! I, unfortunately am a totally incompetent musician so I have to rely totally on the box.
Much appreciated all. Take care. Greg
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,052
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,052 |
Herb, R and AM, and Dani, Thanks so much for the positive words. Very much appreciated, and I always enjoy hearing from you guys (music and feedback).
Robb, it's funny you mention Santana. It was only in the past few years that it really hit me that Black Magic Woman is really minor blues. The Thrill is Gone is another great minor blues tune. I guess I'm kind of drawn to that. It was Tom's interesting changes that made me think, "Maybe I would like to write a blues tune" THanks for listening and for the kind words. Take care. Greg
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,052
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,052 |
THanks Frank and Noel!! And, yes, I agree, Tom is definitely the blues guru! Thanks for the kind words and keep posting. Take care. Greg
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Special Offers Extended Until May 31st!
Good news- we've extended our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® special offers until May 31, 2026!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 is packed with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can transcribe an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PDT on May 31st, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Check out the Band-in-a-Box® for Mac packages page to find the best package for you.
Holiday Weekend Hours
It's Victoria Day Long Weekend in Canada. Our Customer Service hours are:
Saturday, May 16: Closed
Sunday, May 17: Closed
Monday, May 18: 8:00am - 4:00pm
Regular hours resume Tuesday, May 19th!
Today's the Last Day of the Band-in-a-Box 2026® for Mac Special!
Order before 11:59pm PDT today (May 15, 2026) to save up to 50% off your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrade and receive a FREE Bonus PAK loaded with great new Add-ons to use with this new version!
Don't wait - order today!
Check out all the new features in the redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!
Order before 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th and SAVE up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 for Mac Upgrade packages... and that's not all! With your version 2026 for Mac purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks... that's 222 NEW RealTracks available with version Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac!
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® today for as little as $49! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all available purchase options.
Learn more about the Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK here.
If you have any questions about which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We're here to help!
202 New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2026!
With Band-in-a-Box® 2026, we've released 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 468-488) in a variety of genres—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Funk & World (Sets 468-475):
Our new jazz, funk & blues RealTracks include a groovin’ collection of RealTracks and RealDrums! These include more requested “soul jazz” RealTracks featuring artists Neil Swainson (bass), Charles Treadway (organ), Brent Mason (guitar), and Wes Little (drums). There are new “smooth jazz” styles (4), which include a RealTracks first: muted trumpet, as well as slick new smooth jazz brushes options for drums. Blues lovers will be thrilled—there are more “classic acoustic blues” styles, including guitar (5), bass (4), and drums (10) with blues master Colin Linden, featuring understated and tasty background acoustic soloing, plus brushes drums and acoustic bass. There are also new electric blues RealTracks, including electric blues with PG favorite Johnny Hiland (3) and soulful electric slide guitar from Colin Linden (4). If you love funk & gospel, there are great new options this year, including gospel organ (3) from Charles Treadway, as well as new funk, tango, and rock ’n’ roll drums (3) and bass (1). And for big, bold arrangements, we have uptempo soul horns (4) featuring a three-part hip horn section with options for a full mix or stems of each individual horn — plus an accompanying rhythm section (4) of drums, bass, guitar, and electric piano!
Rock & Pop (Sets 476–482):
Our new rock & pop RealTracks bring a powerful mix of requested favorites, fresh genres, and modern chart-inspired styles! We have more of our popular “Producer Layered Acoustic Guitars (15)” featuring Band-in-a-Box favorite Brent Mason. We’ve continued our much-requested disco styles (10), and added new Celtic guitar (5) with a more basic, accessible approach than our previous Drop-D or DADGAD offerings. There are also highly requested yacht rock styles (17), inspired by the smooth, polished soft-rock sound of the late ’70s and early ’80s — laid-back grooves, silky electric pianos, warm textures, elegant harmonic movement, and pristine production aesthetics. Fans of heavier styles will love our new glam metal (13), capturing the flashy, high-energy sound of ’80s arena-ready guitar rock. We also have a set of rootsy modern-folk rock (18), with a warm, organic sound combining contemporary folk textures and driving acoustic strumming. And we’ve added lots of new modern pop styles (16) — the kinds of sounds you’re hearing on the radio today, featuring exciting new drums, synths, and cutting-edge RealTracks arrangements.
Country, & Americana (Sets 483–488):
Our new country & Americana RealTracks deliver a rich collection of acoustic, electric, and roots-inspired styles! We have new country pop (9) with legendary guitarist Brent Mason. There is also a potpourri (14) of bouzouki, guitars, banjo, and more, perfect for adding texture and character to contemporary acoustic arrangements. We’ve added funky country guitar (5) with PG favorite Brent Mason, along with classic pedal steel styles (5) featuring steel great Doug Jernigan. There are more country songwriter styles (8) that provide intimate, rootsy foundations for storytelling and modern Americana writing. Finally, we have “background soloing” acoustic guitar (12) with Brent Mason — simpler, but still very tasty acoustic lines designed to sit beautifully behind vocals or act as a subtle standalone solo part.
Check out all the 202 new RealTracks (in sets 468-488)!
And, if you are looking for more, the 2026 49-PAK (for $49) includes an impressive collection of 20 bonus RealTracks, featuring exciting and inspiring additions to add to your RealTracks library. You'll get new country-rhythm guitar styles from PG Music favorites Johnny Hiland and Brent Mason, along with modern-pop grooves that capture today’s radio-ready sound! There are also new indie-folk styles with guitar, bass, 6-string bass used as a high-chording instrument, acoustic guitar, and banjo. Plus, dedicated "cymbal fills" RealDrums provide an added layer that work very well with low-key folky styles with other percussion.
The 2026 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2026 49-PAK!
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
With your version 2026 for Mac Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons for FREE! Or upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for only $49 to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks!
These PAKs are loaded with additional add-ons to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box®!
This Free Bonus PAK includes:
- The 2026 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 27 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 25 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 12 new RealStyles.
- MIDI Styles Set 92: Look Ma! More MIDI 15: Latin Jazz
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 46: Piano & Organ
- Instrumental Studies Set 24: Groovin' Blues Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 19: Songs with Vocals 9
- Playable RealTracks Set 5
- RealDrums Stems Set 9: Cool Brushes
- SynthMaster Sounds Set 1 (with audio demos)
- iOS Android Band-in-a-Box® App
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
- 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyle.
- FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
- MIDI Styles Set 93: Look Ma! More MIDI 16: SynthMaster
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 47: More SynthMaster
- Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 20: Songs with Vocals 10
- RealDrums Stems Set 10: Groovin' Sticks
- SynthMaster Sounds & Styles Set 2 (sounds & styles with audio demos)
Learn more about the Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
XPro & Xtra Styles PAK Sets On Sale Now - Until May 15, 2026!
All of our XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs are on sale until May 15th, 2026!
It's the perfect time to expand your Band-in-a-Box® style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs. These additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® offer a wide range of genres designed to fit seamlessly into your projects. Each style is professionally arranged and mixed, helping enhance your songs while saving you time.
What are XPro Styles and Xtra Styles PAKs?
XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with any version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). XPro Styles PAKS 1-10 includes 1,000 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 includes 3,700 styles (and 35 MIDI styles)!
The XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs are not included in any Band-in-a-Box® package.
The XPro Styles PAKs 1-10 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
The Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the Xtra Styles PAK Bundle for only $199 (reg. $349)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
Note: XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 19 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version as they require the RealTracks included in the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Supercharge your Band-in-a-Box today with XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAK Sets!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,315
Posts803,249
Members40,094
| |
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean