By modern jazz styles Pg Music often means smooth jazz. That's ok, but consider this. Bass players after 1970 don't walk all over the chorus any longer. They switch between walking and octaves and small higher octave melodies. The feel is much more free and sustained notes alternate with eigth notes and so on. Same for drums. I long for drum styles that play different ride patterns than the same old stuff. Sorry, but nobody plays standards in this way any longer. The fifties were great, but great musicians changed the sound and feel of the rhythm section. And Pg Music should honor that. Examples are: Jarrett Trio, Joey Calderazzo, Geri Allen, Fred Hersch, Charles Lloyd. In the Modern Jazz Pianist series there is some great contemporary playing. If there were styles like that, that'd be great. If you hear software like iReal Pro it just gets on your nerve, the same outdated rhythms. Pg Music should bring modern jazz standard playing into our practice room. Odd times, relaxed comping, Dave Holland styles, Jason Moran, Adam Nussbaum, Joey Baron, McBride...
Last edited by Dzjang; 11/16/1612:36 AM.
Biab, Kontakt, Sampletank and lots of nice libraries, from Fluffy audio to Abbey Road drums. Check out these great contemporary Jazz Styles: www.jazzstylezz.com
This post request is probably better suited in the "Styles and RealTracks Wishlist" forum
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.
Dear PG Music: Add all the new, modern styles you like to keep everyone happy; but, please, don’t substitute that for the older jazz styles. At least keep what we’ve already got.
Dear PG Music: Add all the new, modern styles you like to keep everyone happy; but, please, don’t substitute that for the older jazz styles. At least keep what we’ve already got.
Sigh... Earlier posts don't always seem to be noticed.
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.
Since we are staying here, let me just observe that I've often seen PG Music make minor fixes to RealTracks but never change the feel. I suspect they would continue to make new styles without changing existing ones.
And what is this 'nobody' reference? Not all of us have discarded these styles being mentioned. There's plenty of life left in the 'older' jazz styles as jazz evolves.
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
Keeping the existing ones is important. You are right that there should be some preservation. Point is, if you dig into the realtracks bass, you notice there's not many different styles and same goes for midi supertracks. You would be amazed how many "different" styles use the same rhythm section. And, more importantly, not everyone wants to play in an older fashion. If Ellington were still alive, he'd play with Steve Coleman, I think.
Biab, Kontakt, Sampletank and lots of nice libraries, from Fluffy audio to Abbey Road drums. Check out these great contemporary Jazz Styles: www.jazzstylezz.com
Dear PG Music: Add all the new, modern styles you like to keep everyone happy; but, please, don’t substitute that for the older jazz styles. At least keep what we’ve already got.
Sigh... Earlier posts don't always seem to be noticed.
Originally Posted By: VideoTrack
Originally Posted By: J. Larry
Dear PG Music: Add all the new, modern styles you like to keep everyone happy; but, please, don’t substitute that for the older jazz styles. At least keep what we’ve already got.
Sigh... Earlier posts don't always seem to be noticed.
Well, if browsing were easier, we would all be on the same page. The forum is too complex. There should be tags or a tree structure, cause this way nobody finds anything. Think: biab style browser, but worse.
Biab, Kontakt, Sampletank and lots of nice libraries, from Fluffy audio to Abbey Road drums. Check out these great contemporary Jazz Styles: www.jazzstylezz.com
Well, if browsing were easier, we would all be on the same page. The forum is too complex. There should be tags or a tree structure, cause this way nobody finds anything.
Yep, that Styles and RealTracks Wishlist forum certainly is hard to find. Sure is buried deep...
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.
No, I didn't mean that. You pointed me to the right forum, so I tried to delete my entry. But, since you answered, deleting was no longer an option. So, thanks for helping, but sadly it made matters worse,
Biab, Kontakt, Sampletank and lots of nice libraries, from Fluffy audio to Abbey Road drums. Check out these great contemporary Jazz Styles: www.jazzstylezz.com
I entirely agree that BIAB remains limited wrt modern jazz (meaning roughly the past couple of decades). But I don't think your post quite hits the nail on the head.
I think the key characteristic of a lot of modern jazz - the younger stars; the players you mention, 'different ride patterns' etc - is that it tends to be even, not swing, feel.
PG (along with all other music software companies) tends to regard 'jazz' as swing-feel. Check out 99% of jazz-drum midi packs, for example.
In BIAB, even-feel jazz is essentially limited to bossa & samba rhythms, plus the busy Terry Clarke even RDs, and funk Ricky Lawson.
In other words, I think the modern jazz we are interested in falls into a large Even-feel gap between bossa/samba jazz and the plethora of rock/funk even rhythms.
So, to conclude with a New Year wish: Piano MSTs; RT String Bass and RDs with an Even, not swing, jazz feel.
Excellent observation, Andy. That would dramatically change the feel. I'm not sure how much I would use an even feel jazz style, but it would be fun to experiment with even feel Latin percussion. My writing involves a lot of hybrid styles.
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
<<I'm not sure how much I would use an even feel jazz style>>
Off the top of my head, check out any of the following (ordered by instrument.)
Brad Mehldau, Aaron Goldberg, Aaron Parks, Fred Hirsch, Jason Moran, Ethan Iverson Ambrose Akimmusire, Seamus Blake, Joshua Redman, Chris Cheek, Bill Stewart, Jeff Ballard, Jorge Rossy, Eric Harland, Brian Blade, Adam Nussbaum, Nasheet Waits, Jochen Rueckert Avishai Cohen, Larry Grenadier, Eric Penman, Eric Revis, Matt Brewer, Reuben Rogers Kurt Rosenwinkel, Mike Moreno, Lage Lund, Adam Rogers, Wolfgang Muthspiel Maria Schneider,
They're all in the tradition and love to play standards, but their own newer material tends to be even-feel, often with hits in odd places, 5's, 7's etc...
Thanks very much for these suggestions. I am very familiar with only a few on this list, particularly Joshua Redmond and Maria Schneider. Kurt Rosenwinkel is a monster. And I only have heard something from about half of those players, so thanks.
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
Don't generalize many of us still play and love jazz with the swing feel and traditional Duke Ellington Ella Fitzgerald Joe Pass Barney Kessel, Wes Montgomery. Etc Etc,
If you like what you call also called more modern style of jazz which I understand some people play. Although most of them I've heard our technical monsters but lack the swing feel and the emphasis on Melody.
This is of course my opinion and the way I feel about it just like you stated your opinion but to make a statement like you did that nobody plays jazz like this anymore is absolutely ridiculous!
One other thing, is while Band In A box is an excellent Learning resource you should transcribe your favorite players anyway and not depend on a software program to improve your musicianship............
Sure, the OP exaggerated but there is a valid point in there. We all know jazz players who favor, or might be stuck in, each era. Tons of 20s, 30s, 50s, 70s jazz is still played out there and if the player is good, the music's good. There is plenty of room to add styles for newer trends. All the existing RealTracks will still be there. By the way, I'm hearing some pretty hip playing in some of the new 2017 styles.
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
Agree, what about support for 5/8 7/8 13/8 etc - at the moment (BIAB 2016) we have to do 5/8 as 3/4 + 2/4 which doesn't sound quite right and also doubles the amount of bars in the piece and then we run into the 255 bar limit. At least there is now (2017) proper support for 3/4 and cut time and double time, (yay!) but it doesn't really help us odd people who are into odd time signatures or eastern european folk music etc. HAS the 255 BAR LIMIT been lifted in 2017. please someone say yes! I don't have 2017 yet and can't find any info on the pg site on my aforementioned dilemma but can anyone tell me if for example doing a (4+3)/4 in double tempo with cut time (in BIAB 2017) will give me a reasonable 7/8? and does anyone know when the pdf manual is coming out? cheers!
Last edited by oddworld; 12/08/1604:42 PM.
guitarist artist producer videographer film scorer and writer PC + Sibelius, Logic, Cubase, BIAB, but my preferred technology is instrument plus mic - also pen and paper.
Welcome to the forum. That's a mouthful for a first post.
The PDF full manual usually takes a bit after a new release.
As far as I know, the 255 bar limit is still there. There was no discussion, but I didn't test it because I just don't hit the limit. I do realize doing double measures to simulate 5/4, for example, will run up the count quickly.
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!
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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!
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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®.
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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.
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)
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