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.
Life is short so make sure you spend as much time as possible on the Internet arguing with strangers.
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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
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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!
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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
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®.
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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.
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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)
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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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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.
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