|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,200
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,200 |
https://soundcloud.com/rayc/silent-waltz-pygmy-beat-expanded-featuring-miriam-webbThis track was 1st recorded about a decade ago but my parts were pretty messy and, having been recorded to cassette 4 track, fairly "lo fi". I took the original tracks - transferred them to Reaper, re recorded the guitars, edited the cellos and added BIAB drums as well as organ. I specifically bought RealDrums 07 for this project - and that set specifically for RealDrums:Swing8Waltz. Organ: background B3. Miriam Webb sang and played the good cello parts as well as writing the cello arrangement & vocal melody. Gerry Steele of The Hamilton Steele Band played the lovely dual guitar solo. I played the bad cello, bass, 12 & 6 string acoustic guitars. The bass was DI. The cellos were recorded with a Sony Electret 19b microphone. New guitar parts recorded digitally with an MSH-4 which is a small diaphragm condenser with a built in micro-tube, (hand made at Naiant Studios), into a Focusrite Scarlett Mixed in Reaper using ReaComp ReaVerb (imported convolution file - Wide chamber) ReaEQ PSP Vintage Warmer 2 Mastered by Fran Ashcroft of Happy Beat Studio. https://soundcloud.com/rayc/silent-waltz-pygmy-beat-expanded-featuring-miriam-webb Silent Waltz Silent morning memories of evening and of pain, presence in old yesterdays of day old drops of rain. Silent circus masquerades of such pleasantries, painted on another face of different histories. magic morning miracles of daylight in the rain, tree and leaf and painter beyond the window pane. Silent old apostles forgetful of their words, peak hour pedestrian audience of silence naught is heard. Farewell parting speeches of what cannot be said, distant recollections of memories almost dead. magic morning miracles of daylight in the rain, tree and leaf and painter beyond the window pane Silent clay cast gentlemen of nothing much to say, routine morning daydreams dreaming of the day... magic morning miracles of daylight in the rain, tree and leaf and painter beyond the window pane Yet almost silently the day breaks…it breaks…it breaks
Last edited by rayc; 04/27/18 01:03 PM.
Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,816
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,816 |
ray,
that was a most interesting listen.
An "artsy" song and recording. Could have come out of San Francisco in the early 70's... Miriam has a vocal similar to early Joni Mitchell (For The Roses era).
The stream-of-consciousness lyric occasionally lost me, but the music never did...
fj
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,200
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,200 |
ray,
that was a most interesting listen.
An "artsy" song and recording. Could have come out of San Francisco in the early 70's... Miriam has a vocal similar to early Joni Mitchell (For The Roses era).
The stream-of-consciousness lyric occasionally lost me, but the music never did...
fj Thanks fj, I was quite influenced by a Tolkien short story when I wrote the lyrics, (in about 77). It's an almost unknown but significant story called Leaf by Niggle. It's about social/community obligation. Yes, Miriam does have a Roses quality. I don't know if she plays or sings currently as she's busy with two youngsters. Sadly the chap who made the mic, Naiant, no longer ships outside continental North America. Thanks for your generous words.
Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,727
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,727 |
Ray,
I really like this. I agree with Floyd on the overall sound - you have really captured it well here.
Very nice job!
Bob
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 266
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 266 |
The voice and the lyrics go really well together. The voice is more like an instrument here, and I, too, sometimes let the meaning of the words disappear and just listened to the sounds.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,236
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,236 |
Loved the backtrack and vocal on this tune. Well done. Love the feel to this song. Well done.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,200
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,200 |
Ray,
I really like this. I agree with Floyd on the overall sound - you have really captured it well here.
Very nice job!
Bob Thanks Bob, Nothing like some tape, some digital, some BIAB & some weird little mics to make a vibe.
Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,200
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,200 |
The voice and the lyrics go really well together. The voice is more like an instrument here, and I, too, sometimes let the meaning of the words disappear and just listened to the sounds. Marty, I don't think the singer was born when I scrawled the lyrics but she was/is a perfect fit. As much as I love lyrics they are a carrier for the signal more than anything else.
Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,200
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,200 |
Loved the backtrack and vocal on this tune. Well done. Love the feel to this song. Well done.
Scott, You're very kind. This remake is much dreamier than the original - for a start I excised the strident cello parts - as much as I liked the aggression and slight discord of them they jolted in and out of the dream state.
Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 1,664
PG Music Staff
|
|
PG Music Staff
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 1,664 |
Fantastic work rayc! Really dig the chord progression and the tremolo guitar. The vocals are great too. Thanks for sharing! 
Cheers,
Joe
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,369
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,369 |
Rayc, this is a very interesting well composed song. The vocals were just perfect as was the guitar lead.
This reminded me of songs from the late 1960's.
This is very well done!
I haven't lost all of my marbles but there is a small hole in the bag someplace!
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,200
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,200 |
Fantastic work rayc! Really dig the chord progression and the tremolo guitar. The vocals are great too. Thanks for sharing! Thanks Joe, I was tempted to cut the trem guitar as it was in a bust space but panned it out of the jumble and it sounds cool I agree. Ah, as a bassist I know only a few chords so am lucky that those I know cobble well. Thanks for your kind words.
Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,200
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,200 |
Rayc, this is a very interesting well composed song. The vocals were just perfect as was the guitar lead.
This reminded me of songs from the late 1960's.
This is very well done! The late 60s is a lovely reference point - I was 12 in 69. The solo is cool - Gerry Steele is a superb player and has contributed about 90% of solos on my songs. Thanks you very much for your generous assessment.
Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 4,335
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 4,335 |
That definitely has the feel of a 70's dreamscape type of song. The vocal has a really nice delicate and soft quality about it. I like how the rhythm guitars drop out for the solo. The lyrics are so poetic and stream of self consciousness that it reminded me of waking up and remembering a dream you just had and thinking " What does this mean?" Therefore it stays with you a little bit and that is a good thing. I enjoyed it, Tom
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 3,357
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 3,357 |
Ray,
Tom summed up my thoughts on the lyrics - on a song like this you let them drift around in the dreamlike feeling.
I really liked the melody on this and use of cello as a rhythm instrument.
Lovely vocals, as others have mentioned. I was reminded of Rennaissance ( Brit. prog rock band).
Well worth your efforts to revive and massage the original recordings.
Robert
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,647
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,647 |
Ray
Excellent work - evocative and quite distinctive. Agree with most of the prior comments. Nicely done and an interesting recording process. (I think there are a number of us here that were 12 in 1969).
Peter
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,200
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,200 |
That definitely has the feel of a 70's dreamscape type of song. The vocal has a really nice delicate and soft quality about it. I like how the rhythm guitars drop out for the solo. The lyrics are so poetic and stream of self consciousness that it reminded me of waking up and remembering a dream you just had and thinking " What does this mean?" Therefore it stays with you a little bit and that is a good thing. I enjoyed it, Tom Thanks Tom, you're very kind. The arrangement decision for the solo was easy to make - It sounded so perfect I wanted it to shine and not be crowded. Gerry has done wonderful solos across a range of genre for me in the last 15 years or so. Lyrics - I enjoy writing them - some are worked on and ground out otehrs, like this one, arrive fully free formed.
Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,200
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,200 |
Ray,
Tom summed up my thoughts on the lyrics - on a song like this you let them drift around in the dreamlike feeling.
I really liked the melody on this and use of cello as a rhythm instrument.
Lovely vocals, as others have mentioned. I was reminded of Rennaissance ( Brit. prog rock band).
Well worth your efforts to revive and massage the original recordings.
Robert
Robert, A comparison to Renaissance? I'll happily take that generous assessment. My cello is out of its case, on a stand and stares at me - condemning me for it's inaction of late. I'll have to loosen the shoulders and spend some time getting to know it again.
Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,200
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,200 |
Ray
Excellent work - evocative and quite distinctive. Agree with most of the prior comments. Nicely done and an interesting recording process. (I think there are a number of us here that were 12 in 1969).
Peter Hello Peter, '69 - ah, the days of relative innocence, a life of creeks, cartoons and having no understanding of the world. Thanks for your kind words.
Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,996
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,996 |
We thought about the Rose album also. Our favorite of hers.
We like Tom's word "dreamscape." That says a lot in two syllables.
It is remarkable that you were able to update this so well...we have a LOT of those 4-track Tascam cassettes around but have only tackled a few revisions.
The performances are outstanding. Wish y'all could do more.
Thanks for the song and the backstory!
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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 Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, January 15, 2026!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
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 new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. You can view the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to process an entire track or focus on specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
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, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Windows to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 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 for Windows® Special Offers Extended Until January 15, 2026!
Good news! You still have time to upgrade to the latest version of Band-in-a-Box® for Windows® and save. Our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® special now runs through January 15, 2025!
We've packed Band-in-a-Box® 2026 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 process 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, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PST on January 15th, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® today! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.
Happy New Year!
Thank you for being part of the Band-in-a-Box® community.
Wishing you and yours a very happy 2026—Happy New Year from all of us at PG Music!
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®!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics85,840
Posts796,834
Members39,969
| |
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean