|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109 |
Tommy... as I read through your replies to each person's review, I can't help but notice that even your casual snippets of thought are all suitable for framing as sound bytes in a song! You speak in nuggets of wisdom! we can't be friends anymore. I'm too jealous of your talent(s)  (kidding of course.. but not about the talent)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,808
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,808 |
Tommy, nicely done, and very powerful. I lost my Dad last year at age 96, and watching his slow demise was painful and made me really look at the time we have and the love we share. I remember the day before he passed I was trying to get him to a chair so that my mom and I could freshen up his bed and allow him to sit for a while. Sadly his legs were gone, and he could not walk anymore. half way their he could go no further, and as he was a big guy I could not carry him by myself, and he slowly slumped to the floor. I tried and tried to get him up, but to no avail. He looked up and me and simply said "well i'm in a mell of a hess"
That is what I miss the most his spirit, and outlook on life. At his darkest moment he still saw the humor in it all.
Sadly when our parents leave, much wisdom goes with them, I wish I was half the man he was.
I am writing a song about his last days, and hour, but I wonder if I will ever have the courage to sing it.
Thanks for sharing this with us.
HP Win 11 12 gig ram, Mac mini Sonoma with 16 gig of ram, BiaB/RB 2026, Reaper 7, Harrison Mixbus 11 , Presonus Audiobox USB96
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109 |
this song was just featured on PGMusic's facebook page!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 1,831
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 1,831 |
Having worked with the elderly for the past 17 years I can relate. great song!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 4,335
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 4,335 |
Beautifully done, Tommy.
Too sad for words.
ROG. Thanks ROG, Tom It's all been said, a lot more eloquently than I could.
Excellent guitar solo. David, Thanks for the kind words about the guitar solo. Tom WOW!!! What a beautiful song. Amazing write and equally great delivery. The vocal and guitar are emotionally incredible. This is what songwriting is all about!! I'll be back for more listens tomorrow. Wonderful! Take care. Greg Greg, Thanks for continuing to support my music. As you well know, the songwriting is the important part. Tom
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 4,335
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 4,335 |
Tommy,
What a nice song. In a sensitive way you tell about a hard reality. I smiled as I listened, seeing the story of my elders in your song. That, for a songwriter is my greatest compliment.
This is wonderful.
G
F Fred, Thank you for the wonderful compliment. Tom A very powerful write and testament to your overall extraordinary musical skills. Compelling images in your lyrics with the right feel and vibe from the backing instrumentation. Although I did not have a deep emotional connection to the story because my parents both died young, 46 and 57, I was able to connect from what I saw other families faced with aging parents. This is a good song.
Charlie Charlie, I wasn't quite sure I was going to post this song. It is quite personal and a bit sad. However I was talked into it by the insightful Bud Merritt who mentioned in his earlier comments that he hoped people in the same situation could relate and feel less alone. It also is relevant to most of us here cause we ain't getting any younger. Thank you for your generous comments. Tom Just amazing.
Excellent in so many ways.... from the insightful lyrical word-smithing... to the instrumentation to the superbly recorded guitar to the clear and emotion filled vocal delivery.
It's sad when we have to see our parents in a situation such as this. I lost my mom just about a year ago now. She was well into her mid 90's. She never lost her sharp wit until just a few days before she passed. We all were so fortunate in that respect. I remember a month before she passed, we were setting there discussing something that happened back when my sister and I were kids. Mom chimed in... "Oh No, no, no.... that's not how it happened.... " then she proceeded to set the record straight, and she was absolutely right.
This song is such a poignant, and well written look at the issues facing all of us as we age.... and complete our life's journey. And it's done with finesse and grace.
One of your best. Herb, I wanted to tell you that you indirectly helped with this. I originally recorded it in Studio One. I have been thinking of switching my DAW. Because I don't know what I am doing it was recorded way too hot - also the ending was a mess. I had Bud preview it and he told me to do whatever I could to make it work. I couldn't salvage the track but I was afraid I wouldn't be able to recapture the vocal and the lead. Then I remembered what you said somewhere along the line " If I played it once I can play it again" - That solved that problem and I started from scratch in Logic. Thank you for your wonderful comments. My Dad was very sharp till the end but my Mom suffered with Alzheimer's. We are both very lucky to have them for so long. Best, Tom
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 4,335
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 4,335 |
Tom,
So heartfelt and relatable... Beautiful.
Bob Bob, Thanks much. Tom Great to hear some lyrics that probe the depth of our human experience. You don't hear songs like this at the Junos anymore.  Wonderfully done! Joe, Thanks a lot. I appreciate it. Tom Hi Tom,
Pat stated it nicely. Bud, too... I could not do better than that. All the usual accolades apply, and yet, don't seem to really matter...
I'm touched. What a beautiful song. Guenter Guenter, I am glad that it touched you. I appreciate you taking the time to let me know. Tom Hi, Tommy !:))
Yes, it´s all been said
and I can only join in on
the superlatives ! This is
really a very touching song
so sincere so real ! The
time and situation you are
describing is slowly closing
in on us too I believe, but....
as you say we are not afraid....
Regards
Dani
Dani, You are correct. This song is as much about us as anything. Thanks for your nice comments. Tom
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 4,335
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 4,335 |
Tommy... as I read through your replies to each person's review, I can't help but notice that even your casual snippets of thought are all suitable for framing as sound bytes in a song! You speak in nuggets of wisdom! we can't be friends anymore. I'm too jealous of your talent(s) (kidding of course.. but not about the talent) Hey Marr, I got your nuggets right here! About that friend thing. It doesn't work like that. You are now stuck with me. Best, Tom
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 169
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 169 |
Thank you for the reminder, I really hadn't addressed it for years, must be a time of reflection.
Ecclesiastes 3:2.
Bitter sweet.
DA...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 1,831
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 1,831 |
You have captured that scenario well. Job well done all around.
Great opening acoustic guitar both the recording and the riff itself!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 577
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 577 |
Hi Tommy,
Beautiful yet melancholy song with perfectly judged lyrics.
Makes me wonder what lies ahead for my 88 year old Mum.
Nicely played acoustic guitar solo too.
Thanks for sharing.
Rec
BIAB 2022 UltraPAK, CbB, Studio One 5 Pro, Fender USA Tele, Harley Benton Fusion & others.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,343
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,343 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2,936
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2,936 |
Hi Tommy.
That is an amazing and heartfelt song. Very touching. I listened a day or so ago but I am busy travelling and haven't had much chance to sign onto my computer. It really was a breath of fresh air to listen to. Thank you! You are an inspiration.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,761
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,761 |
Tom,
Pat stated it nicely. Bud, too... I could not do better than that. All the usual accolades apply, and yet, don't seem to really matter...
This is very special. And you are a very special person.
floyd
Dad, how will I know when I've become an adult.
When your day is ruined because they rearranged the grocery store.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 4,335
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 4,335 |
Tommy, nicely done, and very powerful. I lost my Dad last year at age 96, and watching his slow demise was painful and made me really look at the time we have and the love we share. I remember the day before he passed I was trying to get him to a chair so that my mom and I could freshen up his bed and allow him to sit for a while. Sadly his legs were gone, and he could not walk anymore. half way their he could go no further, and as he was a big guy I could not carry him by myself, and he slowly slumped to the floor. I tried and tried to get him up, but to no avail. He looked up and me and simply said "well i'm in a mell of a hess"
That is what I miss the most his spirit, and outlook on life. At his darkest moment he still saw the humor in it all.
Sadly when our parents leave, much wisdom goes with them, I wish I was half the man he was.
I am writing a song about his last days, and hour, but I wonder if I will ever have the courage to sing it.
Thanks for sharing this with us. Rob, Much the same thing happened to me. My Dad and I both on the floor laughing. Thanks for the comments. You should finish that song. I'll be watching for it. Tom
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 4,335
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 4,335 |
Having worked with the elderly for the past 17 years I can relate. great song! Thanks Lawrence, it's great how we learn a little about each other on this forum, Tom Thank you for the reminder, I really hadn't addressed it for years, must be a time of reflection.
Ecclesiastes 3:2.
Bitter sweet.
DA... DA, Very true. A time for everything. Thanks, Tom
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 4,335
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 4,335 |
Hi Tommy,
Beautiful yet melancholy song with perfectly judged lyrics.
Makes me wonder what lies ahead for my 88 year old Mum.
Nicely played acoustic guitar solo too.
Thanks for sharing.
Rec Thanks for listening Rec. I appreciate it. Tom Thanks Scott. Tom
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 958
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 958 |
Tommy,
Sensitive and profound tune.
Dean
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 3,615
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 3,615 |
Great story telling.
Excellent country vocals.
Good work.
Rob
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 4,335
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 4,335 |
Hi Tommy.
That is an amazing and heartfelt song. Very touching. I listened a day or so ago but I am busy travelling and haven't had much chance to sign onto my computer. It really was a breath of fresh air to listen to. Thank you! You are an inspiration. Thank You so much for your more that generous comments! Safe travel Joanne, Tom Tom,
Pat stated it nicely. Bud, too... I could not do better than that. All the usual accolades apply, and yet, don't seem to really matter...
This is very special. And you are a very special person.
floyd Mario, I always like hearing from you. Thanks, Tom
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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 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!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac Videos
With the release of Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac, we’re rolling out a collection of brand-new videos on our YouTube channel. We’ll keep this forum post updated so you can easily find all the latest videos in one convenient spot.
Whether you're exploring new features, checking out the latest RealTracks or Style PAKs, this is your go-to guide for Band-in-a-Box® 2026.
Check out this forum post for "One Stop Shopping" of our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Videos!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac is Here!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac is here and it is packed with major new features! There’s a new modern look, a GUI redesign to all areas of the program including toolbars, windows, workflow and more. There’s a Multi-view layout for organizing multiple windows. A standout addition is the powerful AI-Notes feature, which uses AI neural-net technology to transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI—entire mixes or individual instruments—making it easy to study, view, and play parts from any song. And that’s just the beginning—there are over 100 new features in this exciting release.
Along with version 2026, we've released an incredible lineup of new content! There's 202 new RealTracks, brand-new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two new RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Special Offers
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac and save up to 50% on most upgrade packages during our special offer—available until May 15, 2026. Visit our Band-in-a-Box® packages page to explore all available upgrade options.
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK Add-ons
Our Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK are loaded with amazing add-ons! The Free Bonus PAK is included with most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac packages, but you can unlock even more—including 20 unreleased RealTracks—by upgrading to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49.
Holiday Weekend Hours
As we hop into the Easter weekend, here are our holiday hours:
April 3 (Good Friday): 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM PDT
April 4 (Saturday): Closed
April 5 (Easter Sunday): Closed
April 6 (Easter Monday): Open regular hours
Wishing you an egg-cellent weekend!
— Team PG
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,296
Posts802,889
Members40,085
| |
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