Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 2 1 2
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,382
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,382
If Tear Drops Were Dollars - Remix

Been away for couple of weeks - Di in the hospital again. Will listen to as many new posts as I can over the next few days.

First, I realize "Tear Drops" should be one word - "Teardrops". But when I registered it at BMI, I let my brain take a break and entered the title as Tear Drops, so I'm leaving it that way. DUH!

We posted this about a year ago and asked for comments to improve it. Floyd suggested the original vocal was too bright (too much treble), somewhat diminishing the vocal sound typical of the era. Although I didn't redo the vocal, per se, I worked it over pretty good. I took off quite a bit of the high EQ, added a small amount of lower-mids and pulled it back very, very slightly in the mix. I also trimmed the vocal reverb to almost nothing. He told me to leave the horns as they were and work on the vocal. The only thing I did, instrument wise, was add a little more bottom to the acoustic bass. I left everything else as I originally recorded it. Let me know what you think. And thanks in advance.

Alan

Here were Floyd's comments on the original:

This is really well done. Quite special.
You did a GREAT job of using the horns to create the sound of the era.
The write also does a good job of "being of the era".

A couple of things struck my as somewhat "outside" the era. Your vocal (which is quite good, btw) is "too bright" for that time - vocals of the era never had that high end (which makes this stand out as being "modern recording"). The other is the word "cents"...I think it would feel much more "authentic" if it were "a hundred pennies".

Really enjoyed this. Great job!

fj



File:If Tear Drops Were Dollars.SGU
Key=Bb , Tempo 116, Length (m:s)=3:43
Style is _JAZFRED.STY (Jazz Fred w/ Piano)

RealTracks in style: ~~768:Bass, Acoustic, Jazz Sw 110
RealTracks in style: ~~771:Piano, Acoustic, Rhythm Jazz Sw 110
RealTracks in style: ~~938:Guitar, Acoustic, Rhythm JazzFreddie Sw 110
RealTracks in song: 2633:Horn Section, Background JazzBallad2PartJack Sw 085
RealTracks in song: 2593:Horn Section, Background CroonerBigBand9-Part Sw 110
RealDrums in style: JazzBrushes: a: Brushes Swirling b: Brushes Busier



If Teardrops Were Dollars
© 2017 Alan D. David, BMI / Diana Randall, BMI

(v1)
If teardrops were dollars
I’d be the world’s richest man
I could buy New York City
And maybe even Amsterdam
But since the day I left you
I stand on shifting sand
I was a fool to let you go
Now I hold the pauper’s hand

CHORUS
If teardrops were dollars, I wouldn’t have a care
I’d buy a magic potion that would dry my misty air
But my tears ain’t turned to money, so I have this cross to bear
Yes if teardrops were dollars, I’d be a millionaire

INSTRUMENTAL VERSE

CHORUS


(v2)
If I had a hundred cents
For every tear I’ve cried
I’d drive a brand new Cadillac
And drink water purified
I’d buy a fancy penthouse
Yet not be satisfied
I’ll never want to smile again
Without you by my side

REPEAT CHORUS


Last edited by Al-David; 10/07/18 11:50 PM.

BIAB 2024 Ultra Plus-all StylePaks*Win11*32GB DDR5*Rhyzen 9745x*AT 2035 Mic*Peavey Nashville 112 Amp*Ibanez ART120* Acoustic/Electric/Washburn D200S Acoustic*Stromberg Monterey Jazz Guitar

Loops: https://aldavidmusic.wixsite.com/bestmusicloops

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 7,975
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 7,975
This is so smooth Alan. Loved this piece. Reminds me of a Sinatra so. Such a excellent vocal. Super back track. Well done. Very cool lyric


Scott Collingwood
https://soundcloud.com/scottt709
https://soundcloud.com/spiritlevel-ca
https://www.youtube.com/@SpiritLevel-ge3hm/
User Showcase
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 1,677
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 1,677
Al-David,

what the heck is this? AMAZING !!!!

Closed my eyes and felt like sitting in a 40s ball-room. And yes, after the song had finished I felt very much like having the singer drink on me for the rest of the night.

Loved the lyrics, melody, arrangement and the way you're using BB.

Very very nice.

User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,468
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,468
Alan,

Super. You'd give Frank a run for his money.

fj

User Showcase
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 19,839
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 19,839
Alan,



This is excellent. It's nearly 3:00 am here in Melbourne right now and your singing and this fantastic backing track is a perfect fit for this time of day! I thoroughly enjoyed everything about this composition. I love what you've done with the vocals. You've created a crooner's edge to the sound now and in my headphones, it's a really great fit with the big band backing. The chord progression you've used is outstanding (as your chord progressions always seem to be).

More superb music from a master craftsman!

Please say 'Hi' to Di and let her know that I'm still bombarding the two of you with healing thoughts.

All the best,
Noel


MY SONGS...
Audiophile BIAB 2025
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,051
G
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
G
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,051
Sounds great Al!! I think I heard the original version. It is an excellent tune....authentic feel with a catchy melody and wonderful lyric. Love that era, and this song fits right in the pocket!! Take care. Greg

User Showcase
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 2,965
PG Music Staff
Offline
PG Music Staff
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 2,965
Tear Drops or Teardrops! Doesn't matter, the song is still fantastic. Thanks for sharing!


Cheers,
Ember
User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 6,979
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 6,979
The modification of the vocal worked really well - it lessened the essing as well.
The only other thing I'd suggest is using ReaTune or similar to smooth the vibrato or increase it either would work.


Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
User Showcase
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 3,414
PG Music Staff
Offline
PG Music Staff
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 3,414
Wow - this is incredible! It sounds so lush and professional. The swingin' groove in this is superb, and your vocals are top notch. It really sounds like an old school crooner tune from the 50's/60's. You totally nailed it.

Great work, and thanks for sharing smile


Cheers,
Deryk
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,410
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,410
Croonin' and swingin'

Right in our wheelhouse.

Nice to revisit this and enjoy it again!

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.
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,644
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,644
Alan

Nice to hear this again. One of the best uses of this style I've heard.
Excellent.

Peter

User Showcase
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 3,357
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 3,357
Al,
Very, very good use of the style. I remember the original and its improved here. You sound right at home: crooner smooth, sir!

Robert

User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 1,381
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 1,381
The world turned a beautiful nuanced black-and-white listening to this. Much enjoyed.


BIAB 2021 Audiophile. Windows 10 64bit. Songwriter, lyricist, composer(?) loving all styles. Some pre-BIAB music from Farfetched Tangmo Band's first CD. https://alonetone.com/tangmo/playlists/close-to-the-ground
User Showcase
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 2,360
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 2,360
This is so cool!

Everything sounds great, nice write and melody

nice mix too,

enjoyed,

Kenny

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,382
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,382
A really big "Thank You!" to all who have left a comment. I sure do appreciate all those kind words. Would reply individually, but don't have the time at the moment. Please know I've read each and every one of the. Ya'll make an old guy smile - thank God wrinkles don't hurt!

Again, many thanks to each of you. Wishing all of you the very best.

Alan


PS: Di told me to say "Hi" to all and thanks for your warm thoughts. I echo her sentiments.


BIAB 2024 Ultra Plus-all StylePaks*Win11*32GB DDR5*Rhyzen 9745x*AT 2035 Mic*Peavey Nashville 112 Amp*Ibanez ART120* Acoustic/Electric/Washburn D200S Acoustic*Stromberg Monterey Jazz Guitar

Loops: https://aldavidmusic.wixsite.com/bestmusicloops

User Showcase
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 5,468
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 5,468
Wow did you ever do a great job on this one Alan! Your mix is superb and those instruments really pop and the vocal is great! Thanks, Torrey

User Showcase
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 4,494
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 4,494
Hi, Al !:))

I love this piece Al !
It has a wholeness that
sooths my ears immensely !!
I just love those big band
brass sounds and your singing
is as fine as ever !

Super ! One of your best !!!

Cheers
Dani

Last edited by dani48; 10/12/18 12:01 PM.
User Showcase
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 3,034
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 3,034
Hello, Alan

Nice to hear this again.
I feel again this is entirely a song of Sinatra with Nelson Riddle orchestra.
Really nice use of this style.
I tried listening to the previous version as well.
I am also always puzzled very much about the depth of reverb and how to apply EQ, so I could not judge which is better.
But, enjoyed my listen a lot again this time.

Best regards.

Shigeki Adachi

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,382
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,382
Originally Posted By: Torrey Bliss
Wow did you ever do a great job on this one Alan! Your mix is superb and those instruments really pop and the vocal is great! Thanks, Torrey


Thank you, Torrey. I worked on this remix pretty hard. Glad it turned out okay. Thanks for the input and kind words.

Alan


BIAB 2024 Ultra Plus-all StylePaks*Win11*32GB DDR5*Rhyzen 9745x*AT 2035 Mic*Peavey Nashville 112 Amp*Ibanez ART120* Acoustic/Electric/Washburn D200S Acoustic*Stromberg Monterey Jazz Guitar

Loops: https://aldavidmusic.wixsite.com/bestmusicloops

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,382
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,382
Originally Posted By: dani48
Hi, Al !:))

I love this piece Al !
It has a wholeness that
sooths my ears immensely !!
I just love those big band
brass sounds and your singing
is as fine as ever !

Super ! One of your best !!!

Cheers
Dani


Dani!

Thanks so much. I'm delighted you enjoyed it. Wishing you the very best.

ALan


BIAB 2024 Ultra Plus-all StylePaks*Win11*32GB DDR5*Rhyzen 9745x*AT 2035 Mic*Peavey Nashville 112 Amp*Ibanez ART120* Acoustic/Electric/Washburn D200S Acoustic*Stromberg Monterey Jazz Guitar

Loops: https://aldavidmusic.wixsite.com/bestmusicloops

Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 2 1 2

Link Copied to Clipboard
ChatPG

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.

PG Music News
New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2025!

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

Check out all the 202 New RealTracks (in sets 456-467)

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!

The 2025 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2025 49-PAK!

Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box 2025 for Mac!

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

Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®!

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!

Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 20.

Video: Xtra Styles PAK 20 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch 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!

Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.

Video: XPro Styles PAK 9 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch 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!

Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 20.

Video: Xtra Styles PAK 20 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch 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!

Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.

Video: XPro Styles PAK 9 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch 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

Join the conversation on our forum.

Forum Statistics
Forums58
Topics84,377
Posts778,423
Members39,632
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
Newest Members
HHsbks, Mr. Artless, Marcel Rock, Liam Hunter, HUGO FERREIRA DE L
39,632 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 155
DC Ron 113
WaoBand 109
rsdean 89
dcuny 74
Today's Birthdays
L, Lmoore, packerboy444, Patricio (Nashville Producer), sax80
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5