Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 3 1 2 3
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,869
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,869
The Rising Sun Blues

(For SoundCloud problems an alternative link is provided at the bottom of the page)

This public domain tune with it’s melody dating back to British 1700's tavern songs and a lyric suggesting a “house of ill repute” has been, in our opinion, too often presented from the male perspective (as started by the Animals in 1964) and/or simply as a pretty folk song. Janice and I attempted, after a lot of lyric research, to re-create (via writing several new verses) what in our opinion was likely the original intention, i.e, the story of a young prostitute. Keeping with the New Orleans setting we arranged and recorded the song with a “jump blues” feel fitting the location. We feel this song has long begged for a more bluesy gritty interpretation and I hope we did it justice.

BTW, here’s a great article on the song’s history including a link to a book written about chasing the song’s origins.
A Brief History of House Of The Rising Sun

EDITED: Additional info regarding the 1700's British origins of the melody:
Notes On House Of The Rising Sun

Some might feel that the piano and/or the sax are too prominent through the song but we were looking for, as mentioned, the 30’s-40’s jump blues sound and those groups tended to play in this manner. Perhaps a better description would be that of a somewhat bawdy sound -- as might have been played in a “house" of that time.

Janice: vocal via Rodes NT1 mic and BlueIcicle USB interface
Bass: 2425 Rockabilly
guitar R: 2436 New Orleans Shuffle
Drums: BluesRockShuffle
Piano R: 2437 New Orleans Shuffle
Piano L: 2123 Country Shuffle (comped from several regens for turnarounds and fills)
Sax: 2134 Blues Shuffle
Bud: production stuff via Logic Pro X and Izotope plug-ins
Photograph: E. J. Bellocq, 1912, New orleans Prostitute, Public Domain.

Thanks to floyd jane, Tommyad, and gruverider for diplomatically steering me away from my original intro and to floyd for suggesting an a cappella approach. As Bob Dylan said “it seemed like a good idea at the time” smile

The Rising Sun Blues
Trad. Arr. © 2016 Janice and Bud Merritt

there is a house in New Orleans

they call the Rising Sun
it's been the ruin of many a poor girl

and me, oh God, I'm one

i could have a good man and family
if I hadn’t fallen into a life of sin
and now I'm working at the house
Just trying to please all them men

mama works all day at the mill

she sews those new blue jeans

and my daddy was a gambler, Lord

he lost his life down in New Orleans

somebody, go tell my baby sister

tell her not to do what I done
stay away from that house

the one they call the Rising Sun

I ain't gonna leave New Orleans

my race is almost run

yeah, I gave up all my young life

beneath, beneath, the rising sun

yeah, I gave up all my young life

beneath, beneath, the rising sun

Alternate Link To Play Song

www.janiceandbud.com

Last edited by Janice & Bud; 01/27/16 04:27 AM.

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 are here on our website.
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,647
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,647
Janice & Bud
Superb rendition. Clever take on the lyrics and the backing perfectly compliments the great vocal.
Sax sounds great. A thoroughly professional sound.

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,176
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,176
I love this song. You guys did an awesome version. Well done


Scott Collingwood
https://soundcloud.com/scottt709
https://soundcloud.com/spiritlevel-ca
https://www.youtube.com/@SpiritLevel-ge3hm/
User Showcase
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,719
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,719
Enjoyed that! Very together.
Love Janice's blues voice as usual.
I think the sax could be up a bit more during the vocals.
Is that the baritone sax in there also? Cheers.

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,869
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,869
Originally Posted By: PeterF
Janice & Bud
Superb rendition. Clever take on the lyrics and the backing perfectly compliments the great vocal.
Sax sounds great. A thoroughly professional sound.


Thanks for taking the time to listen and comment. Glad the lyric and vocal worked for you. It was fun trying to take it to a new place and comments like this make us feel it was worth the effort.

J&B


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 are here on our website.
User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,576
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,576
Janice & Bud,

This is outstanding! Love the vocal and a very cool twist on the lyrics - just great stuff. This version would sound so cool in a live venue.

Bob

User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,676
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,676
Very cool version. I like what you did with the lyrics.

I do believe I have heard a female perspective on this somewhere in the past. But your version with the new writing is top hat all the way.


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: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,869
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,869
Originally Posted By: Scottt709
I love this song. You guys did an awesome version. Well done


Thank you very much Scott. We appreciate both the listen and the kind comment.


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 are here on our website.
User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 3,079
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 3,079
Janice and Bud,

The Animals version is one of the songs that helped define the course of my music from the moment I first heard it but THIS version stands there proudly hand in hand with that.

Wonderful vocals by Janice and the arrangement compliments her voice so well.

Good mix Bud!!!

As Bob (rsdean) said this would sound incredible live.

excellent

Alyn

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,353
ROG Offline
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,353
Hi there J&B.

Like Alyn, I grew up listening to and playing the Animals version and never realised the history of the song. I followed the link and read the whole fascinating article - many thanks for that.

Once I got my head round the change in timing, I really found myself absorbed in your new and fresh version. Everything is beautifully put together and of course, the icing on the cake, a super vocal from Janice.

Going back to listen again.

Cheers, ROG.

User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,752
C
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
C
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,752
Stunning version. Stunning mix, arrangement, production and performance. Stellar on every level.


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.
User Showcase
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 2,888
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 2,888
Hi Janice & Bud,
Originally Posted By: Charlie Fogle
Stunning version. Stunning mix, arrangement, production and performance. Stellar on every level.

This was the first song I played with my first
"Beat" band. This evokes some distant memories. Thanks a lot for the background story.
I enjoyed your version a lot.

Guenter

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,869
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,869
Originally Posted By: RichMac
Enjoyed that! Very together.
Love Janice's blues voice as usual.
I think the sax could be up a bit more during the vocals.
Is that the baritone sax in there also? Cheers.


Thanks. Glad you liked it. Yes that is the same sax. It's a solo-accompaniment track and I comped it for fills, a turn around and vocal backing. I had it up a bit more with the vocals but was beginning to compete a bit. Maybe I could split the difference!

J&B

Originally Posted By: rsdean
Janice & Bud,

This is outstanding! Love the vocal and a very cool twist on the lyrics - just great stuff. This version would sound so cool in a live venue.

Bob


Thanks Bob. We are always aiming for a live feel. We appreciate the comments!

J&B


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 are here on our website.
User Showcase
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,085
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,085
Quote:
Janice and I attempted, after a lot of lyric research, to re-create (via writing several new verses) what in our opinion was likely the original intention, i.e, the story of a young prostitute. Keeping with the New Orleans setting we arranged and recorded the song with a “jump blues” feel fitting the location. We feel this song has long begged for a more bluesy gritty interpretation and I hope we did it justice.


I love this! It sounds just as I imagine an old Nawlins' brothel would have sounded when the song was originally written.

In every respect, I'd say y'all NAILED IT!



Last edited by Sundance; 01/27/16 02:19 PM.
User Showcase
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 532
SRP Offline
Journeyman
Offline
Journeyman
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 532
Hey guys I think most of us grew up with the House but since hearing your version I have already forgotten The Animals...now Janice and Bud are the new classic. Stellar job and I love the female side of the story that you guys gave us. Everything that you did to create this song was brilliant. Loved it!
Sonny

User Showcase
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 4,335
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 4,335
B&J, This has that truly authentic sound. The bass was an excellent choice - pairs up perfectly with the drums to find that infectious groove. Great Mix and editing. I have heard many versions over the years including of course The Animals. This is now my very FAVORITE version. A Classic. And Oh that VOICE! WOW! Tom

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,869
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,869
Originally Posted By: Guitarhacker
Very cool version. I like what you did with the lyrics.

I do believe I have heard a female perspective on this somewhere in the past. But your version with the new writing is top hat all the way.


Thanks Herb. There are some female versions that we ran across. Interestingly some of them use the Animals lyrics so I guess that they're just sung by ladies but not a lady's perspective. I simply grew weary of listening to different versions as there are literally hundreds.

And thanks for mentioning the re-write.

J&B


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 are here on our website.
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,052
G
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
G
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,052
Wonderful twist on and old classic!!! Great arrangement. Vocal is kick-axx (kept it clean). The track is fresh, energetic and just sounds great. Very clever "re-write" (I love what you guys added). I remember hearing on the radio that Dylan used to perform this but after the Animals did it, he basically said "can't match that" and gave it up. This is one of the first songs I learned to play on guitar by ear-just realizing at that time that I could play by ear. AWESOME!!! Take care. Greg

User Showcase
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 1,679
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 1,679

I like a lot the way you arranged this great song.

It comes great in shuffle style. Very energic in some points.

Great voice as usual.

Sergio



Sergio
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,633
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,633
Hey You Two ...

What is left to say after saying "Super-Duper Fabulous!"? Actually, I (Alan) was somewhat familiar with the history of the song. I took a music appreciation class in college and this song was one that was dissected to show how the evolution of music tends to follow the evolution of society.

GREAT version! That driving, walking 4/4 bass and sultry sax were perfect! And what's left to say about Janice's vocals? Susan Tedeschi would be envious!

Great job with the lyrics, as well. What a great listen! Standing & applauding ...

Alan & Di


BIAB 2024 Ultra Plus-all StylePaks*Win11*32GB DDR5*Rhyzen 9745x*AT 2035 Mic*Peavey Nashville 112 Amp*Ibanez ART120* Acoustic/Electric/Washburn D200S Acoustic*Stromberg Monterey Jazz Guitar

Loops: https://aldavidmusic.wixsite.com/bestmusicloops

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
Season's Greetings!

Wishing everyone a happy, healthy holiday season—thanks for being part of our community!

The office will be closed for Christmas Day, but we will be back on Boxing Day (Dec 26th) at 6:00am PST.

Team PG

Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: The Newly Designed Piano Roll Window

In this video, we explore the updated Piano Roll, complete with a modernized look and exciting new features. You’ll see new filtering options that make it easy to focus on specific note groups, smoother and more intuitive note entry and editing, and enhanced options for zooming, looping, and more.

Watch the video.

You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!

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®!

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)
  • 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!

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 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.

Forum Statistics
Forums57
Topics85,438
Posts792,000
Members39,886
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
Newest Members
Doug825, charliereal, Laceymoon77, Don Curt1, Mike Kennedy
39,885 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 192
jpettit 149
DC Ron 128
Noel96 118
DrDan 105
Today's Birthdays
Michael Schnell, Rickplaze
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5