Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 3 1 2 3
#274598 12/14/14 03:14 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,052
G
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
G
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,052
Dear PG music friends. This will probably be my last song posted this year. It has been a wonderful year of music sharing and thanks so much to all of you for your support, inspiration, and the wonderful music you've provided to the site this year. In Marin County, one of the most beautiful places in the US, is a little town on the bay called Sausalito. My dad used to have a sailboat there when I was young and the family would sail on the SF bay. I have always considered it a magical place. The first few lines for the chorus came to me while driving (as many ideas have). It turned out to be the same day my father-in-law died suddenly of a heart attack while dancing with his wife (I guess there's something to be said for dying while doing something you love). You may note in the lyrics where I sing "village square". It's supposed to be "Village Fair" which was a multi-story open-air market above the yacht harbor. By the time I realized the mistake, the vocal was done and I was happy enough with it. I decided it may be tricky to fix and that it still made sense, although technically less accurate. I can't access the tracks used by numbers (my old PC is flaking) but it is: 1) Liverpool piano, 2) ac gtr fingerpicking, Nashville?, and 3) B-3 organ. Not sure on the bass and the drums are ezdrummer Nashville EZX. Hope you enjoy the song. Comments encouraged. Take care. Greg

https://soundcloud.com/gjohnson-2/sausalito11bgldvoced1expt

Sausalito

When I’m tired and feeling tangled up in life’s defeats
I often seek my refuge on your bayside streets
And gaze out at the water like my dad once did
On those sunny days together when I was just a kid

Sausalito, Sausalito, you bring a freedom to my mind
And set my memories reelin’ back to simpler times
There’s a melancholy sweetness in the heart of your embrace
Sausalito, you’re my kind of place

Looking down upon the harbor from the Village Fair
I think about my first true love I kissed right there
The silhouettes of sailors and their seadogs on the piers
Is like a painting hanging in my mind throughout the years

Sausalito, Sausalito, I love to feel your tender breeze
I’m home among your restaurants and galleries
There’s a melancholy sweetness in the heart of your embrace
Sausalito, you’re my kind of place

Every spirit has a longing for a place to call its own
Every sailor has a port of which he dreams
When the depths of me are burnin’ for a place I feel at home
You are my Valhalla so it seems

Sausalito, Sausalito, I love to feel your tender breeze
I’m home among your restaurants and galleries
There’s a melancholy sweetness in the heart of your embrace
Sausalito, you’re my kind of place

User Showcase
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,987
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,987
Greg,

This is really beautiful! It has a little bit of a Jackson Browne feel to it, and that's always a good thing for me. Thanks for sharing it! I look forward to hearing what next year brings to you.

Steve


Steve Young
Music
"In order to compose, all you need to do is remember a tune that nobody else has thought of." - Robert Schumann
User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,893
C
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
C
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,893
Beautiful song Greg. We all have those special places and it is even more special when there's someone such as yourself with the talent and imagination to create images with words and music to allow you to share such intimate memories with the rest of us. Great job and thanks for posting. Sorry to hear of your father in law's passing and that such sadness is linked to such a memorable bright spot from your past.


Charlie


BIAB 2026:RB 2026, Latest builds: Dell Optiplex 7040 Desktop; Windows-10-64 bit, Intel Core i7-6700 3.4GHz CPU and 16 GB Ram Memory.
User Showcase
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,086
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,086
Originally Posted By: c_fogle
Beautiful song Greg. We all have those special places and it is even more special when there's someone such as yourself with the talent and imagination to create images with words and music to allow you to share such intimate memories with the rest of us. Great job and thanks for posting. Sorry to hear of your father in law's passing and that such sadness is linked to such a memorable bright spot from your past.


Charlie


+1 Beautiful and love those harmonies too.

Josie

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,419
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,419
Beautiful song Greg. Heartfelt lyrics. Everything so very well done


Scott Collingwood
https://soundcloud.com/scottt709
https://soundcloud.com/spiritlevel-ca
https://www.youtube.com/@SpiritLevel-ge3hm/
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,318
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,318
Stunning! As mountain bikers Janice and I dream
of Marin country.

That is a fine write full of great imagery and nailed
with the vocal and instrumental arrangement.

Have a great Holiday season.

J&B

May your in-law RIP and, yes, if you must go there
could be many worse ways...


Our albums and singles are on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Pandora and more.
If interested search on Janice Merritt. Thanks!
A few of our videos are here on our website: https://www.janiceandbud.com/our-music.html
User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 13,019
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 13,019
Greg,

Another excellent write.

"And set my memories reelin’ back to simpler times
There’s a melancholy sweetness in the heart of your embrace"

THAT is wonderful.

"...silhouettes of sailors and their seadogs on the piers"
(nice alliteration)

Beautiful production and excellent vocal (I think you may have found that perfect vocal place you've been journeying towards...)

Steve is right about the Jackson Browne feel (with the Eagles doing harmonies...those are sweeeeeet) - but it really reminded me of one of my all-time favorite albums... The Great Pretender by Michael Dinner. Never released on CD (few people have ever heard of it - a real shame). I think you would appreciate it. Have a listen to Pentacott Lane https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ShcRLkwezuA or Sunday Morning Fool https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1okY8mTlHMk
(produced by John Boylan with the whole So Cal gang...)

I will listen to this a number of times.

So glad you found this little corner of the world.

I am a fan.

floyd

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 25,028
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 25,028
Originally Posted By: Sundance
Originally Posted By: c_fogle
Beautiful song Greg. We all have those special places and it is even more special when there's someone such as yourself with the talent and imagination to create images with words and music to allow you to share such intimate memories with the rest of us. Great job and thanks for posting. Sorry to hear of your father in law's passing and that such sadness is linked to such a memorable bright spot from your past.


Charlie


+1 Beautiful and love those harmonies too.

Josie


A big +1.

You have our condolences and if possible have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.


Life is short so make sure you spend as much time as possible on the Internet arguing with strangers.

64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 5,139
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 5,139
Greg - love this one. Condolences for your loss.

We also love Sausalito. Picked out our houseboat already (the brown one in the middle). Only need to save another million dollars. grin









Merry Christmas!


Bob

User Showcase
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 127
Apprentice
Offline
Apprentice
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 127
Hi Greg, this song is beautiful!! Nice melody and vocal harmonies. And I like very much your voice and the feel you put here.Really good job.

Tha name Sausalito transports me to my fifteen years, 1973, when my first guitar hero, Santana, released the album Welcome where a beautiful instrumental song Samba de Sausalito is included. Sausalito, a beautiful name for me, that opened my imagination, which remained forever in my memory...


User Showcase
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 2,888
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 2,888
Hi Greg,

what a beautiful song. Great lyrics and nice tune.
I especially love the background vocals.
Condolences for your father-in-law.

Guenter

User Showcase
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 4,335
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 4,335
Well there it is again. THE VOICE! Another spectacular piece. The background vocals are great. The feel is definitely the Cali sound. This could have been written in Laurel Canyon in the seventies, but it stands up perfectly today. Jackson Browne wishes he could sing like this. The beauty is so overwhelming to me, all I can say is I get emotionally involved in the song and it is a great pleasure to be a part
of your music, if only as a listener. I Feel It. Unbelievably written and produced. Tom

User Showcase
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 4,067
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 4,067
Hi Greg,

Did we tell you you're getting better any song (.... oh, yes we did :))
This one is The Eagles all over again.
Beautiful composition and we especially like the backing vocals (we assume you did those yourself?)
This way we're looking more and more forward to your next contribution.

Keep the coming,
Rob and Anne-Marie


We are Rob Meulman and Anne-Marie Bovenkamp from The Netherlands.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1gsdNLE7_Gy8qavoOplQow/videos
http://rnam.net/


User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,052
G
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
G
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,052
THanks for the kind words Steve. Jackson Browne has always been one of my favorites. I basically taught myself to sing by singing along with Late for the Sky. It is a very flattering comparison for me. Thanks again. Take care. Greg

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,052
G
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
G
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,052
Thanks Charlie. It has been many years since I wrote this song. My father-in-law was a sweetheart of a guy. I still miss him. My son was named after him (middle name Jesus-that's in Spanish for all who think I'm being irreverent) Take care. Greg

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,052
G
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
G
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,052
Thanks Josie! I'm sure you know I'm always anxiously awaiting your feedback. Love to hear from you and thanks for the nice words. Take care. Greg

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,052
G
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
G
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,052
Thanks so much Scott. The town always will be a part of me. I tell people that if I win the lottery (not much chance since I very rarely play) I will buy a house on the hill in Sausalito. Thanks for taking time to listen and comment. Take care. Greg

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,052
G
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
G
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,052
Thanks J and B! It was quite a long time ago that my father-in-law passed but I still miss him. I'm sure he's watching over us when he's not playing bingo in heaven (I bet everybody wins there!) Thanks again for your kind words. Take care. Greg

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,052
G
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
G
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,052
THanks so much Floyd! A compliment from you about lyrics is certainly high regard in my book. When I first recorded this song, the bridge had no backgrounds and it seemed to drag. I got the idea for the feel from Late for the Sky (I don't know how much you've listened to it, but you should check out THE LATE SHOW-I think that's the track the cover came from-"It's like you're standing in a window of house nobody lives in and and I'm sitting in a car across the way. Let's just say...it's an early model Chevrolet, Let's just say...it's a warm and windy day. Pack up all your sorrow, the trash man comes tomorrow, leave it at the curb, and we'll just drive away"----BRILLIANT! Love those BG harmonies. Thanks for the musical link-I'll check it out in the next day or two. Thanks again. Take care. Greg

User Showcase
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,674
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,674
Greg,

"Sausalito" is a magnificent peace of song-crafting. What really grabbed me was how you used personification to strengthen and to develop the lyric experience.

I loved everything about this song. It's really beautiful and very skilfully assembled.

All the best,
Noel


MY SONGS...
Audiophile BIAB 2026
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,052
G
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
G
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,052
Thanks Mario! Absolutely loved your newest one! Always nice to hear from you. Thanks for listening and commenting. Take care. Greg

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,052
G
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
G
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,052
THanks Bob! Very nice to get such a nice compliment from you. It has been a while since my father-in-law passed but I still miss him. Yes, Sausalito is incredible! I really regret that the SF bay area has become so wealthy-it is so beautiful but the money and traffic make it less accessible. I grew up in San Mateo, about 30 miles south of Sausalito. Interesting bit of trivia-I imagine you remember the franchise H Salt Esquire Fish and Chips. I believe they were bought out by KFC. My first fish and chips were from Sausalito and the older English couple who prepared them were the originators of that business. They were delicious (the fish and chips that is). Take care, and thanks again. Greg

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,052
G
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
G
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,052
Thanks Rafa!! And thanks for the link. I'm guessing this song also relates to the town of Sausalito. Santana is a SF native. A kid who went 2 years to my high school (Aragon High) named Neal Schon dropped out to join Santana at age 16. Turned out pretty good for him. I remember hearing my brother and other kids talking about him when he played in dances at Borel Junior High (I went there too). In fact, a guitar player I knew when he was in 7th grade and I was in 5th grade once said "I'd kiss myself if I could play like Neal Schon". I had no idea who Neal Schon was but I thought it was a pretty unusual thing for a junior high kid to say. I guess I'm rambling. THanks again and take care. Greg

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,052
G
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
G
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,052
Thanks Guenter! I really appreciate the kind words you always have for my songs. THanks again for listening and taking time to comment! Take care. Greg

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,052
G
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
G
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,052
You are too kind Tom (but please stay that way, you make my day!). The California sound, and California itself (as much as I despise the crowds, the expense, and the flaky politics) are part of my soul. I first became aware of the Eagles when I heard Take it Easy on the radio in about '72 while my brother, I, and a friend were driving to the beach in Half Moon Bay. HMB is another beautiful town I've thought about writing a song about. You've probably heard of Maverick's (renowned big waves). That is right over the hill in northern HMB. I used to body surf there as a kid and never knew it existed, nor did anyone I knew. There is a film about it I want to see (Chasing Mavericks). Anyway, I fell in love with that sound immediately--"We may lose or we may win but we will never be here again, so open up I'm climbin' in,to take it easy". That still gets me, even though I've heard it a thousand times. Thanks so much for your great support this year. I love what you're doing and I love hearing from you. It would be great to meet you and Floyd when I make it someday back to Florida. THanks so much Tom. Take care. Greg

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,052
G
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
G
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,052
R and AM, thanks so much!! You guys are unbelievably prolific and such a great presence on the forum (that 90s thing was really cool and unique on the forum-I have a song that I'm going to shape more that way after hearing what you pulled off). Your productions are first class and so diverse. Those BG vocals were me. I remember my harmony teacher in community college saying, when a part was really high, "the sopranos are going to have to tighten their belts on this one". Well...I hit about the highest note I'm capable of. The BGs in the bridge were an afterthought and I think they helped prevent the song from getting too boring. THanks again for all your encouragement, AND great posts! Take care. Greg

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,052
G
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
G
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,052
Thanks Noel! Always appreciate your very thoughtful comments. I don't know where I got the idea to use personification. When I think about it, the example I remember from relatively modern pop is Winchester Cathedral. I did enjoy (and still do) those oldies. People seemed to think and explore much more in those days than they do now-guess their too busy on their iphones! Thanks again Noel, and keep posting! New Xmas tune is great! Take care. Greg

User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 13,019
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 13,019
Greg...

I WORE OUT Late For The Sky. At school - McGill University, Montreal '74 - my roommates were a Who fan and a King Crimson fan... I wore them down and they both became JB fans...

User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 3,079
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 3,079
Quote:
Steve is right about the Jackson Browne feel (with the Eagles doing harmonies...those are sweeeeeet)


Yeh I TOTALLY agree with floyd.

I like your style of music and really look forward to what 2015 brings,

Happy Christmas,

Alyn

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,052
G
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
G
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,052
Yeah Floyd, I pretty much wore out his first 4 albums. I believe Running on Empty was the 5th. It was very good but I felt that it did not hold up to the first 4. That was when he caught on with the mainstream. Funny how the general public is always a little late. Funny that you mention THE WHO. I have always been a huge fan. Pete Townshend, along with JB, is one of maybe 20 people in rock/pop that I consider to be a true genius. Take care. Greg

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,052
G
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
G
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,052
Thanks Alyn! Really appreciate you taking time to listen and comment. Really got a kick out of your new one. I guess telemarketers are as bad in the UK as here in the states. Thanks again. Take care. Greg

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,371
ROG Offline
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,371
Hi Greg.

I love a song which paints pictures and this one filled my mind with wonderful images.

A beautiful song, expertly delivered. I particularly liked your arrangement of the BVs.

Regards, ROG.

User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 11,016
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 11,016
Wow... I really like that song. Yeah, I too caught a Jackson Brow kinda vibe from this and like someone else pointed out, that's a good thing.

You are one of the better wordsmiths here... you have a natural way with turning a phrase.... Loved it. Painting pictures with words....


You can find my music at:
www.herbhartley.com
Add 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: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,674
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,674
Originally Posted By: Greg Johnson
Thanks Noel! Always appreciate your very thoughtful comments. I don't know where I got the idea to use personification. When I think about it, the example I remember from relatively modern pop is Winchester Cathedral. I did enjoy (and still do) those oldies. People seemed to think and explore much more in those days than they do now-guess their too busy on their iphones! Thanks again Noel, and keep posting! New Xmas tune is great! Take care. Greg


Greg,

When I think of personification, the songs that always spring to my mind are "Galveston" (a Jimmy Webb composition sung by Glen Campbell) and "I Write The Songs" (Barry Manilow). The town/city 'Galveston' in "Galveston" is personified in second person and 'music' in "I Write the Songs" is personified in first person: two different approaches with two different lyric effects.

Like your song, "Galveston" also uses a construction technique called apostrophe. This is a great lyric writing strategy and has been used by a number of highly successful lyricists. Apostrophe involves addressing an absent person, thing or place in second person and as if it is present and will 'answer' (hence the personification).

I really like what you've done with "Sausalito". I agree with Herb. You are definitely one of the forums best wordsmiths.

Regards,
Noel


MY SONGS...
Audiophile BIAB 2026
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,052
G
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
G
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,052
THanks ROG. Much appreciated! I always loved the use of BG vocals. I had none in the bridge originally but I thought the song dragged a bit and then got the idea for putting them there, which I think helped. Really nice to hear from you. Loved your last video! Enjoyed the song even more the second time around-great vocal and vibe! Take care. Greg

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,052
G
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
G
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,052
Thanks for the kind words Herb! It still sticks with me what a great compliment you gave me on Take Me Down. I love your thoughtful feedback, and really love hearing your music. You can really play!! And your vocals are pretty darn good too. Thanks for listening and taking time to comment. Merry Xmas! Take care. Greg

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,052
G
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
G
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,052
Thanks for the great compliment Noel!! I hear a lot of great lyrics on this site and it is indeed very flattering to be considered among the better. I remember Galveston somewhat but I'll have to listen again. I LOVE Jimmy Webb (Wichata Lineman, My Beautiful Balloon, Adios, McCarther Park, etc.....). You should check out What Does a Woman See in a Man by JW. It combines extremely clever humor with some touching sentiment. It is one of his many gems. Thanks for the kind words. Merry Xmas! Take care. Greg

User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 3,079
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 3,079
Greg,

I enjoyed the song and now I enjoy your stories in the replies.

Great song, great stories.

My ears are glad we met on this forum grin

Have a good Christmas

Alyn

User Showcase
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 313
Journeyman
Offline
Journeyman
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 313
Hi Greg,
What's more to say? Beautiful backing vocals, loved all of it!
Have a great Christmas time!
Fred

Last edited by FredM; 12/19/14 03:39 AM.
User Showcase
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,141
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,141
Greg

Exactly what we have come to expect from you. Songwriting genius.

This is a really beautiful song of nostalgia. A great arrangement, perfect balance, laid-back with a really nice easy country feel.

I've actually been to Sausalito. What a beautiful harbor town

This song should definitely be in the charts.

Thanks for all of your songs over the past year.

Trevor


BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Pro & Windows 11, Cakewalk Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Session Keys Grand S & Electric R, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M, Pioneer Active Monitors.
User Showcase
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109
Hi Greg!

I'm late to the party, but only because today is the first time I could get the song to play! Everybody else must have been wearin' it out, tying up all the bandwidth! And now that I've heard it, I can see why! Lots to say here...

first of all, your vocal range really blind-sided me... I was not expecting that after SCOTCH AND CIGARETTES, which had a different vocal feel altogether... both of which are excellent, by the way!

I'm a big Jackson Browne fan, but what I heard was Eagles all the way... especially since SAUSALITO has the same number of syllables as DESPERADO, and the notes sung on the word are almost identical to the notes of the word DESPERADO. Add the richly crafted backing vocals and that California 70s sound, and it was almost impossible NOT to hear the Eagles!

The song also resonated with me because I visited the Bay area for the first time last September, and the memories of the things you sing about are still fresh. I didn't make it to Sausalito... the closest I got was the ferry ride from Alameda to the ferry building marketplace in San Francisco. Just BEAUTIFUL there! I loved being out on the bay!

Getting back to the song, I liked the way you rhymed loosely to keep a natural feel for the song. Rhymes like "MIND + TIMES" and "BREEZE + GALLERIES" aren't perfect matches, but they work wonderfully in terms of painting the images you did so well. Very cool!

Also, I liked the way you deviated from the strict cadence of the beat in order to speak the phrase as opposed to letting it get "sing-songy" (for lack of a better term).. for example, the first time you sing "Sausalito, you're my kind of place". But I notice you also pushed the words ahead of the beat at the end of most verses. I thought that worked VERY well.

And regarding the clarity of the song's mix... well, it really is! (clear that is). It really shows off the real tracks too... the guitar intro just sparkles!

Another home run here, my friend! Keep 'em coming!

User Showcase
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 4,497
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 4,497
Hi, Greg !:))


This is simply great !
and your vocals are top notch
too ! I congratulate you for
this wonderful tune and wish you
a Most Merry Christmas as well as
a Most Happy New Year !:))

Cheers
Dani

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,052
G
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
G
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,052
Thanks for the kind words Alyn. My ears are just as glad we met! You are a river of creativity and I enjoy all of your songs. Merry X-mas! Take care. Greg

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,052
G
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
G
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,052
Thanks Fred. You are no slouch at BG vocals (or lead vocals for that matter) yourself! Your recent vocal harmonies on one of your last posts were amazing!! Thanks again and Merry Xmas! Take care. Greg

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,052
G
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
G
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,052
THanks Trevor. I think you're overstating my talent BUT don't think I don't appreciate it! Always love hearing from you. You've given me great support over this past year. Merry Xmas and take care. Greg

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,052
G
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
G
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,052
Thanks so much Pat! I know I can always count on a detailed listen from you. You pointed out things I did not realize. You're right about the Sausalito/Desperato comparison. I do love that song! It's particularly interesting you commented on the acoustic guitar. I originally had the piano as the dominant instrument but in this song the steady bang/bang got to be overwhelming but the picked guitar really humanized it and sweetened it. There was a place where the beat was supposed to push. At the "heart of your embrace" I wanted the suspended chord for 3 beats and the next for 5 but it didn't work in BIAB. I've occasionally had some issue with that. Anyway, thanks for all of your kind words and great support as of late. It is a HUGE deal to me! Take care, and Merry Xmas! Greg

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,052
G
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
G
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,052
THanks Dani!! Always love to hear from you. Really loved your last Dixieland tune! AND, I'm so glad you're having a great time with your new novia. I'm looking forward to getting to the point where I get to travel more. Have a great time and a Merry Xmas!! Take care. Greg

Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 3 1 2 3

Link Copied to Clipboard
ChatPG

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.

PG Music News
Peter Gannon Talks Band-in-a-Box with zplane

zplane recently interviewed Peter Gannon, the founder and creator of Band-in-a-Box, about the software's early days, what sets it apart from AI, how zplane's audio algorithms are used in Band-in-a-Box, and more!

Special thanks to the team at zplane for their continued support.

Check out the full interview here: https://products.zplane.de/blog/peter-gannon-interview-pg-music

Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!

Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PDT today!

We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!

Version 2026 introduces a modernized GUI redesign across the program, with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, and a new Dark Mode option. There’s also a new side toolbar for quicker access to commonly used windows, and the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, making it easier to customize your workspace.

Another exciting new addition is the amazing new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. View the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to transcribe an entire track or transcribe specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.

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!

Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Mac® to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!

Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.

If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!

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!

Forum Statistics
Forums57
Topics86,603
Posts807,334
Members40,167
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
Newest Members
allu, Guitar Player 60, anjones98, RickyFord, GaryW
40,166 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 84
rsdean 80
WaoBand 58
Today's Birthdays
dani48
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5