These lyrics were written by the fantastic Elizabeth Petty for 50 90 and are pretty awesome as usual but the music is something completely different (for me anyway). Firstly, it is a spiritual song, which is a genre I don't usually attempt, and secondly it is my first co-write with my duo partner Lebz Muzo who provides the lead vocal and guitar on the track, with me on the harmonies.
The RealTracks were: RealTracks in style: 1397:Bass, Electric, Soul70sSync Ev16 100 RealTracks in style: 1404:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm Soul70sWarmA-B Ev16 100 RealDrums in style: Soul70sPercEv16^1-a:CldHHSn, b:BsyBs
Lyrics: I am open and I am trying while I'm waiting for You yes I'm open and I am trying while I wait for You
I am present and I'm seeking and I'm praying to You yes I am present and I am seeking while I pray
I am open I am trying yes I'm waiting for You yes I'm open and I am trying while I wait for You
I am present and I'm seeking while I'm praying to You yes I am present and I'm seeking while I pray
I am open present hopeful grateful all because of You I'm trying seeking striving dancing just to be close to You
waiting praying standing singing I'll do anything waiting praying standing singing all for the love of You
I am hopeful I am striving I am standing by You yes I'm hopeful and I'm striving while I stand by You
I am grateful truely grateful and I'm dancing with You
said I'm grateful and I'm dancing while I sing
yes I'm grateful and I'm dancing I am singing with You and I'm grateful so I'm dancing while I sing
Honest feedback is always much appreciated. (After all how else will I learn? lol)
Sure did enjoy this! Great lyric and loved the arrangement. Everyone did a super job. The vocals were terrific - lead and harmony. The acoustic lead was real nice. Everyone take a bow!
Sure did enjoy this! Great lyric and loved the arrangement. Everyone did a super job. The vocals were terrific - lead and harmony. The acoustic lead was real nice. Everyone take a bow!
Alan
I agree. Great collaborative effort!! Really pretty, pleasant song. Everything works for me! Take care. Greg
Really nice work here Joanne The harmonies here are unreal, and the groove is a real toe tapper. It has such a joyous tone to it as well. I really like how upbeat and positive it sounds.
Joanne, I've liked everything that you have done thus far and this song rapidly went to the top of the list.
Your vocal is exceptional, I didn't know that you could sing so low. Your harmonies were fantastic as were the backing tracks. Your guitarist is one of the best; he knows exactly when and what to play. He is a true lead guitarist.
Everyone should really be proud of this song.
I got banned from Weight Watchers for dropping a bag of M&Ms on the floor. It was the best game of Hungry Hippos I've ever seen!
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
Yes, this tune is completely different from your usual style. Your duo partner Lebz Muzo who provides the lead vocal and guitar on the track is very nice. I like the chord progression. And your harmonies are fantastic as are the backing tracks. Your challenge to 50 90 is wonderful. Enjoyed my listen a lot.
Joanne, your harmonies are stellar as expected. I felt the guitar and main vocal go a little astray at different point along the way. Having read how you create your harmonies made this an even more interesting listen. Your voice is the Prix L'Amour in this track.
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
We enjoyed the stripped down backing tracks...perfect for the tune.
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.
Yes, this was a bit of a surprise - definitely different to what I've heard you do before.
This song has a feel to it as though it could have been written by Tracey Chapman. Just something about the openness of the guitar part, the arrangement and the way the melody worked in. Super.
well done to all who were involved - great writing and performances.
Beautiful collaboration! I think this works so well because the lyrics are simple and uncluttered and have a nice repetitive pattern that works so well for song composition. Skillful use of the real tracks provides the perfect style and background. And the guitar solo was light and fit right in. Love the work!
Windows 11, Intel Core i5-8600T 2.3Ghz, 16 gig ram, BIAB 2025 MegaPak, SampleTank 4, Keystation49 Kybd, Neewer NW-800 mic
Oh lord, I really enjoyed this one as I always do with your songs Joanne
Thank you Graham. Appreciated.
Originally Posted By: Al-David
Hi Joanne - and Everyone Else On The Song,
Sure did enjoy this! Great lyric and loved the arrangement. Everyone did a super job. The vocals were terrific - lead and harmony. The acoustic lead was real nice. Everyone take a bow!
Alan
Thanks so much Alan. High praise indeed. I will pass it on to Lebz.
Originally Posted By: Greg Johnson
I agree. Great collaborative effort!! Really pretty, pleasant song. Everything works for me! Take care. Greg
Thanks for taking the time to listen and comment, Greg
Originally Posted By: Deryk - PG Music
Really nice work here Joanne The harmonies here are unreal, and the groove is a real toe tapper. It has such a joyous tone to it as well. I really like how upbeat and positive it sounds.
Great job - thanks for sharing!
Thank you deryk. I used my normal "cheat" method for the harmonies laid out here...https://www.joannecooper.co.za/blog/blog/recording-and-processing-vocals-using-realband-melodyne-and-izotope-nectar plus I used a trick that Lebz taught me and that is to record the harmonies in "bits". So I will record the low harmony for the phrase from, say, bar 12 to bar 16; then I will go straight back to bar 12 and record the mid harmony for the same phrase and then I will go back to bar 12 and record the high harmony for the same phrase. I find it very quick and easy to record harmonies in this way because the phrasing that the lead singer used is already in your head.
A wonderful tune with wonderful lyrics and superb performances by the two of you - congrats on a superb collab !
I liked everything with it !!
Cheers Dani
Thank you Dani. Appreciated
Originally Posted By: Ember - PG Music
This song had a really wonderful flow to it, and I adored the use of RealTracks. Awesome stuff.
Thank you
Originally Posted By: MarioD
Joanne, I've liked everything that you have done thus far and this song rapidly went to the top of the list.
Your vocal is exceptional, I didn't know that you could sing so low. Your harmonies were fantastic as were the backing tracks. Your guitarist is one of the best; he knows exactly when and what to play. He is a true lead guitarist.
Everyone should really be proud of this song.
Hi Mario. I am so glad you enjoyed it. I enjoyed producing it. The lead vocal was sung by Lebz. I just did the harmonies and yes, his guitar playing is really so unique. He plays a wonderful mixture of the harmony and melody at the same time.
Originally Posted By: animarorecords
Hello, Joanne
Yes, this tune is completely different from your usual style. Your duo partner Lebz Muzo who provides the lead vocal and guitar on the track is very nice. I like the chord progression. And your harmonies are fantastic as are the backing tracks. Your challenge to 50 90 is wonderful. Enjoyed my listen a lot.
I wasn't crazy about the guitar for some points in the song.
Thank you beatmaster, especially for your honesty. I really appreciate it.
Originally Posted By: rayc
Joanne, your harmonies are stellar as expected. I felt the guitar and main vocal go a little astray at different point along the way. Having read how you create your harmonies made this an even more interesting listen. Your voice is the Prix L'Amour in this track.
Thank you Ray. It seems that the jury is out about the live guitar recording on the track. I find that the more I work with Realtracks the less accepting I am of "live" guitar that may not be perfect. I do tend to run out of patience long before we get a perfect guitar track down. lol... I am also finding that as I work more and more with Melodyne my ears are becoming accustomed to hearing perfectly tuned vocals. PS. Have a look at my previous reply to Deryk were I talk about another little cheat I used on recording these harmonies.
Originally Posted By: Janice & Bud
Uplifting and most pleasant collab.
Nice tight harmonies too.
We enjoyed the stripped down backing tracks...perfect for the tune.
J&B
Thank you Bud and Janice. I am so glad you enjoyed it.
Joanne, I enjoyed the relaxed style- which is a good fit for Lebz Muzo`s vocal. Super harmonies. Good collaboration.
Robert
Thank you Robert.
Originally Posted By: ROG
Hi Joanne,
Yes, this was a bit of a surprise - definitely different to what I've heard you do before.
This song has a feel to it as though it could have been written by Tracey Chapman. Just something about the openness of the guitar part, the arrangement and the way the melody worked in. Super.
well done to all who were involved - great writing and performances.
ROG.
Hi ROG. Lebz will be absolultey delighted with the Tracy Chapman comment because she is his hero! I will pass your comment onto him.
Originally Posted By: Tano Music
Beautiful collaboration! I think this works so well because the lyrics are simple and uncluttered and have a nice repetitive pattern that works so well for song composition. Skillful use of the real tracks provides the perfect style and background. And the guitar solo was light and fit right in. Love the work!
Thank you Tano. I appreciate you taking the time to listen and comment.
I find that the more I work with Realtracks the less accepting I am of "live" guitar that may not be perfect. I do tend to run out of patience long before we get a perfect guitar track down. lol...
The surety of BIAB is seductive but it does also generate a generic patina that desperately needs something to break the surface. Some of the guitar ideas were excellent and a dose of slice, slide, copy & paste may have given you the goods. The steadiness of BIAB also make a "live" feel sound sloppy in comparison. There are ways around the problem but patience, rehearsal and time are a requisite for all. Doing the harmonies in blocks reminds me of Brian Wilson's methodology when recording his teen symphonies era work. Modern technology is perfect for "construction" and as long as it sounds like a performance all is well.
Last edited by rayc; 07/23/1801:18 AM.
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
We’ve expanded the Band-in-a-Box® RealTracks library with 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 449-467) across Jazz, Blues, Funk, World, Pop, Rock, Country, Americana, and Praise & Worship—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Blues & World (Sets 449–455):
These RealTracks includes “Soul Jazz” with Neil Swainson (bass), Mike Clark (drums), Charles Treadway (organ), Miles Black (piano), and Brent Mason (guitar). Enjoy “Requested ’60s” jazz, classic acoustic blues with Colin Linden, and more of our popular 2-handed piano soloing. Plus, a RealTracks first—Tango with bandoneon, recorded in Argentina!
Rock & Pop (Sets 456–461):
This collection includes Disco, slap bass ‘70s/‘80s pop, modern and ‘80s metal with Andy Wood, and a unique “Songwriter Potpourri” featuring Chinese folk instruments, piano, banjo, and more. You’ll also find a muted electric guitar style (a RealTracks first!) and “Producer Layered Guitar” styles for slick "produced" sound.
Country, Americana & Praise (Sets 462–467):
We’ve added new RealTracks across bro country, Americana, praise & worship, vintage country, and songwriter piano. Highlights include Brent Mason (electric guitar), Eddie Bayers (drums), Doug Jernigan (pedal steel), John Jarvis (piano), Glen Duncan (banjo, mandolin & fiddle), Mike Harrison (electric bass) and more—offering everything from modern sounds to heartfelt Americana styles
And, if you are looking for more, the 2025 49-PAK (for $49) includes an additional 20 RealTracks with exciting new sounds and genre-spanning styles. Enjoy RealTracks firsts like Chinese instruments (guzheng & dizi), the bandoneon in an authentic Argentine tango trio, and the classic “tic-tac” baritone guitar for vintage country.
You’ll also get slick ’80s metal guitar from Andy Wood, modern metal with guitarist Nico Santora, bass player Nick Schendzielos, and drummer Aaron Stechauner, more praise & worship, indie-folk, modern/bro country with Brent Mason, and “Songwriter Americana” with Johnny Hiland.
Plus, enjoy user-requested styles like Soul Jazz RealDrums, fast Celtic Strathspey guitar, and Chill Hop piano & drums!
With your version 2025 for Mac Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Or upgrade to the 2025 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 2025 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 33 new RealTracks and 65+ new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 29 new RealTracks and 45+ new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 20 new RealStyles.
Look Ma! More MIDI 13: Country & Americana
Instrumental Studies Set 22: 2-Hand Piano Soloing - Rhythm Changes
MIDI SuperTracks Set 44: Jazz Piano
Artist Performance Set 17: Songs with Vocals 7
Playable RealTracks Set 4
RealDrums Stems Set 7: Jazz with Mike Clark
SynthMaster Sounds and Styles (with audio demos)
128 GM MIDI Patch Audio Demos.
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyles,
FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
Look Ma! More MIDI 14: SynthMaster,
Instrumental Studies Set 23: More '80s Hard Rock Soloing,
MIDI SuperTracks Set 45: More SynthMaster
Artist Performance Set 18: Songs with Vocals 8
RealDrums Stems Set 8: Pop, Funk & More with Jerry Roe
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Mac!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 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 and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 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.
New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Mac!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!
We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!
If you're itching to get a sneak peek at what's included in XPro Styles PAK 9, here is a small helping of what you can look forward to: Funky R&B Horns, Upbeat Celtic Rock, Jazz Fusion Salsa, Gentle Indie Folk, Cool '60s Soul, Funky '70s R&B, Smooth Jazz Hip Hop, Acoustic Rockabilly Swing, Funky Reggae Dub, Dreamy Retro Latin Jazz, Retro Soul-Rock Fusion, and much more!
Special Pricing! Until July 31, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 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!
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.
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Windows!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 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 and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 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.
New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Windows!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!
We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!
If you're itching to get a sneak peek at what's included in XPro Styles PAK 9, here is a small helping of what you can look forward to: Funky R&B Horns, Upbeat Celtic Rock, Jazz Fusion Salsa, Gentle Indie Folk, Cool '60s Soul, Funky '70s R&B, Smooth Jazz Hip Hop, Acoustic Rockabilly Swing, Funky Reggae Dub, Dreamy Retro Latin Jazz, Retro Soul-Rock Fusion, and much more!
Special Pricing! Until July 31, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 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!
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.
Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®: VST3 Plugin Support
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® now includes support for VST3 plugins, alongside VST and AU. Use them with MIDI or audio tracks for even more creative possibilities in your music production.
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Macs®: VST3 Plugin Support
Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®: Using VST3 Plugins
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