|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,510
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,510 |
Yes, the loss in PR is greater than words can express. Back in the 1980s I gigged on cruise ships for 3 years and San Juan was our long port. I met a lot of very nice people there, some musicians, some merchants, and I feel really badly for them. Luis Angel taught me how to properly play Salsa music, and in return I gave him tips on North American music. Junior Laredo could play two keyboards, kick bass pedals, manipulate two drum machines at the same time, and sing so well he sounded like a Salsa/Merengue orquesta. I didn't have enough Spanish in my mouth nor did he have enough English for us to get very far in conversation, but we had a nice talk anyway. Ronnie, who worked a kiosk at the cruise port and was born in New York but didn't learn English until he moved to PR one day closed his shop for a while to drive us to a Salsa Festival in Bayamon where a dozen of the top Salsa and Merangue bands were playing, headlined by the Gilberto Santa Rosa Orquestra, and told us to call him if we couldn't get a ride back. Edwino took us to El Bosque Nacional El Yunque (rain forest) where we saw exotic vegetation, clouds forming as the wind blew through a mountain pass only to disappear at the other end of the pass, and when nightfall came, the chorus of the coqui frogs was overwhelming and delightful. I suppose El Morro still stands, I hope the Pablo Cassals museum didn't lose it's collection, and I hope the coqui come back, but most of all, I hope the transitions of lives of the survivors is a quick and efficient as possible on their way back to normal. As we know Irma set records on high wind speed duration making it the second most powerful storm ever, exceeded to only one typhoon in the Pacific. And the typhoons are generally a lot more powerful than the Atlantic storms because the Pacific is bigger and they have more time to grow. It was also the most powerful Atlantic storm on record and the first time we had two storms of that magnitude in the Atlantic at the same time. Followed again by Maria and I've never seen a hurricane season like this one. I know that isn't proof of climate change, but it certainly makes one think the scientists are right about it, since more powerful storms are one of the predictions they made as far back as the 1950s when they first started studying the long-term effects of this. And now that we are one of only two nations that haven't agreed to the Paris agreement, we are no longer the leaders in this respect - and in the eyes of the rest of the world, we are no longer those "Nice Americans" but instead a scourge on the planet. I saw an interview with a resident of one of those Pacific islands that are no longer habitable due to ocean rise, and when the reporter asked her who is to blame for this, her immediate response was "America". Perhaps because I live in a hurricane zone and have survived over a dozen so far, or because I've seen the Indian River Lagoon rise, or because I've seen the over 90% decrease in wildlife in the Everglades National Park, I'm easier convinced than others about the human contribution to climate change. It's not a Chinese hoax or a liberal one either (even Rush Limbaugh fled the hurricane after trashing it as a liberal plot - they shouldn't have let him leave after that). There is an overwhelming amount of good science that points to this, and yes, science can be wrong, but science is self correcting and moves towards better understanding of the world. My clean up is almost done, the battery lanterns put away, the emergency radio recharged and put away, the storm awnings up, the storm panels down, most of the plant debris is in huge piles waiting for the socialist trash pickup to come and take them away (they're working as hard as they can), the extra generator gas slowly going into the car's gas tank, and for me, life is returning to normal. We even have non-cancelled gigs this weekend  For those in the Antilles and Houston, it won't be so easy. Please think about global warming, do what you can to limit your pollution, and don't vote for climate change deniers from any political party. And that's as political as I intend to get here. Insights and incites by Notes
Bob "Notes" Norton  Norton Music
https://www.nortonmusic.com
100% MIDI Super-Styles recorded by live, pro, studio musicians for a live groove
& Fake Disks for MIDI and/or RealTracks
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 4,335
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 4,335 |
"San Juan just got slammed so hard it makes Irma look like a summer breeze because Irma wasn't a direct hit like Maria was." Say What? Irma's eye came directly over my house with winds clocked at the airport at 142 mph. It couldn't have been more direct and definitely not a summer breeze. I agree Puerto Rico is a dire situation and I have been there and wish them well. Power out for 11 days but just came on. Many still without and many more lost everything and are homeless. SW Florida is in shambles but in time we will recover. Tom
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,235
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,235 |
"San Juan just got slammed so hard it makes Irma look like a summer breeze because Irma wasn't a direct hit like Maria was." Say What? Irma's eye came directly over my house with winds clocked at the airport at 142 mph. It couldn't have been more direct and definitely not a summer breeze. I agree Puerto Rico is a dire situation and I have been there and wish them well. Power out for 11 days but just came on. Many still without and many more lost everything and are homeless. SW Florida is in shambles but in time we will recover. Tom Amen brother. I’m not a denier but hair splitting re causality and severity doesn’t help somebody standing in line for a bottle of water and sleeping in a shelter. There are a zillion sites to debate climate issues but only one site to express best wishes to and hear from our forum members who have been through a very tough time. Per the original intent of this thread I’ll say it again. We are thinking about you and others on a daily basis and will help anyway possible. Hang in. Janice and Bud
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697 |
"San Juan just got slammed so hard it makes Irma look like a summer breeze because Irma wasn't a direct hit like Maria was." Say What? Irma's eye came directly over my house with winds clocked at the airport at 142 mph. Tommy, how can you misread something as crystal clear as what I wrote? Do you live in San Juan? I was talking about Puerto Rico not Florida. Damn. Sorry man but this is just too much and is how so many things get completely misunderstood in our modern world. People simply glance at a written page, do not really read it or understand it, just glance at it while they're doing something else and then think they know what is written. If that's not it then how did you think I was talking about Florida? Bob
Biab/RB latest build, Win 11 Pro, Ryzen 5 5600 G, 512 Gig SSD, 16 Gigs Ram, Steinberg UR22 MkII, Roland Sonic Cell, Kurzweil PC3, Hammond SK1, Korg PA3XPro, Garritan JABB, Hypercanvas, Sampletank 3, more.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 4,335
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 4,335 |
"San Juan just got slammed so hard it makes Irma look like a summer breeze because Irma wasn't a direct hit like Maria was." Say What? Irma's eye came directly over my house with winds clocked at the airport at 142 mph. Tommy, how can you misread something as crystal clear as what I wrote? Do you live in San Juan? I was talking about Puerto Rico not Florida. Damn. Sorry man but this is just too much and is how so many things get completely misunderstood in our modern world. People simply glance at a written page, do not really read it or understand it, just glance at it while they're doing something else and then think they know what is written. If that's not it then how did you think I was talking about Florida? Bob Bob, Thanks for the insights on reading comprehension. You are correct. I misunderstood. I may be experiencing post traumatic hurricane stress syndrome. My apologies sir, Tom
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697 |
I understand and if you're having a rough time I apologize. I was a little edgy this morning myself but nothing like getting hit by a hurricane...
Bob
Biab/RB latest build, Win 11 Pro, Ryzen 5 5600 G, 512 Gig SSD, 16 Gigs Ram, Steinberg UR22 MkII, Roland Sonic Cell, Kurzweil PC3, Hammond SK1, Korg PA3XPro, Garritan JABB, Hypercanvas, Sampletank 3, more.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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!
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®!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,448
Posts805,200
Members40,123
| |
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