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OP
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"She Looked Back" (instrumental) 1 of 7 - Tangled Roots Project I plan to share all 7 tracks and welcome any feedback! Lead Guitar (clean): 511: Guitar, Electric, Soloist Dire Ev 140 (Darin Favorite) Lead Guitar (efx): 1530: Guitar, Electric, Soloist PopPower Ev 120 (Dave Cleveland) Rhythm Guitar: 1099: Guitar, Electric, Rhythm JazzSwingFreeComp Sw 110 (Oliver Gannon) Electric Piano: 1772: Piano, Electric, Rhythm JazzFunkMovin Ev16 130 (Jeff Lorber) Flute: 704: Flute, Soloist Bossa Ev 140 (P.J. Perry) Electric Bass: 1769: Bass, Fretless Electric, JazzFunkMovin Ev16 130 (Alex Al) Drums & percussion: Mino Cinelu (courtesy of Loop Loft) Additional Percussion, Keyboards, Composition & Arrangement: MW Gilbert https://soundcloud.com/mwgilbert/tangled-roots-ep-01-she-looked-backHere's some background; I'll post this once and link back with other tracks. Tangled Roots Project: I grew up listening to all kinds of American music, jazz, blues, rock, folk, bluegrass, R&B. When I started composing my own music, even though these many wonderful influences were shaping my compositions, I never worked directly in these idioms. Since my own music is a coming together of many tangled roots, I wanted to step outside my comfort zone and try to write pieces that went back to this rich pool of musical influences. The initial step of each piece was the entering of the music/changes (first worked out and hand-written) into the BiaB lead sheet view. As the instrumentation and the arrangement (in this case which instruments play in which bars) were also already worked out, these details were entered in the (mute/back to normal) dialogs for each relevant bar. After, there was a long time spent ‘auditioning’ RealTracks for each instrumental part. I ran three takes of each chosen part, exporting individual tracks as clean audio; each instrumental part had three audio stems. The stems were then imported into Pro Tools. The big task was editing each part, picking excerpts, bars, or phrases from each of the takes to create a hopefully coherent part for each instrument. This was done in an order allowing for some perceived virtual ‘interaction’ between instruments; a part being worked on could be edited to respond to an already completed part. Once the performances were set, in some cases I added additional parts, either live or sampled percussion/loops, or some other instrumentation or doublings. In one case I did not use the RealDrums part I started with, constructing a new drum & percussion part from samples and loops. Finally, the pieces were mixed in Logic Pro X using my usual array of plugins and techniques, and then mastered by Tom Waltz ( http://waltzmastering.com) in Boston, who had just done a phenomenal job on my most recent album release (Secret Stories http://www.mwgilbert.com/recordings.html) . While some things were done a little bit differently from piece to piece, the process overall was about the same for all of them. I invite anyone who thinks that this process has “the computer just writing all the music”, or thinks this will not be an incredibly time-consuming amount of work, to try it for themselves! Band in a Box is a very interesting tool, especially given the overall incredible quality of the RealTrack performances. Making these into real music takes a lot of work and artistic choice, but is well worth it. It became a challenge to myself to produce finished tracks that would honestly represent my musical intentions. It felt like the role of a producer working with session musicians and then slowly crafting the results into the final product. I hope you find that the results fit together as a project, and stand alone as representative of related but distinct genres. - MW Gilbert
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Welcome mw!! I think you did an amazing job linking these fragments into a very coherent musical piece. My only issue is the percussion seems too busy at times. For the most part, the segments work wonderfully. Looking forward to more!! Take care. Greg
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Hi MW,
welcome to the forum.
Great first post.
I enjoyed my listen.
Thanks for the background story.
Guenter
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Quote: "It felt like the role of a producer working with session musicians and then slowly crafting the results into the final product." is and excellent explanation of half of the Band in a Box experience. The other half is from the 'artist' who derives the melody, chord progression, lyrics and the vibe of a song. The one that gives life to the song, then the producer has to make sure the right energy is there to convey the intended mood and message.
You did a good job on both counts. I'm looking for to hearing more of your Tangled Roots Project.
Charlie
BIAB 2025:RB 2025, Latest builds: Dell Optiplex 7040 Desktop; Windows-10-64 bit, Intel Core i7-6700 3.4GHz CPU and 16 GB Ram Memory.
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Hello,
Welcome to the forum!
We tend to agree with Greg about the busy drums.
Apart from that, this is a very nice post, a professional sounding song.
Well done!
Rob & Anne-Marie
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Like it; seems to have a bit to much verb on it as a whole. Still outstanding programming here; thanks for sharing! One tip is try ducking instruments in and out of the mix as you do toward the end maybe either every 4 or 8 bars throughout. Sometimes just killing the drums for 1 bar changes the whole song feel. Do this with the lead instruments as well, Still outstanding work; thanks for sharing!
My TunesPsalm 57:7 My heart, O God, is steadfast, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music.
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Thanks for all the feedback- it's especially useful as it comes from musicians who use BiaB and understand the way it works, and themselves work in a whole range of different kinds of music. I'm traveling so I will post the next track after the weekend.
I've also started listening to other forum members' music and have been impressed by the talent. I will try to take some time and weigh in on tracks I especially enjoyed.
- MWG
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MW,
I think you've done a great job with this - sounds great already, and the suggestions given may make it even better.
I enjoyed the description of the background and production of your song. I'm looking forward to hearing the rest of the project as well.
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I think you're going to be impressed by the journey you've decided to take. Enjoy the experience.
I found "She Looked Back" to be busy, unconventional and experimental but well crafted. The drums are too out front.
Dispite the negative feel of my feedback I had an enjoyable listening experience and I'm looking forward to hearing future releases.
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Expert
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gotta love that fretless bass! I enjoyed the song very much and like the tonal changes in the guitars as the song moved along
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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.
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Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: AI Stems & Notes - split polyphonic audio into instruments and transcribe
This video demonstrates how to use the new AI-Notes feature together with the AI-Stems splitter, allowing you to select an audio file and have it separated into individual stems while transcribing each one to its own MIDI track. AI-Notes converts polyphonic audio—either full mixes or individual instruments—into MIDI that you can view in notation or play back instantly.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®
With your version 2026 for Windows 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®!
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- The 2026 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 27 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
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-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)
- Android Band-in-a-Box® App (included)
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 PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
Video: New User Interface (GUI)
Join Tobin as he takes you on a tour of the new user interface in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®! This modern GUI redesign offers a sleek new look with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, and a smoother workflow. The brand-new side toolbar puts track selection, the MultiPicker Library, and other essential tools right at your fingertips. Plus, our upgraded Multi-View lets you layer multiple windows without overlap, giving you a highly flexible workspace. Many windows—including Tracks, Piano Roll, and more—have been redesigned for improved usability and a cleaner, more intuitive interface, and more!
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
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Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 10 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
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.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 10 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
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.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
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