Beautiful, Andrew and Marg! I love that Xmas album on Apple.
What would a walk through the East Gate Mall be during the holidays, take away "Walking in a Winter Wonderland," bouncing ball and all. Not so sure about the rental center, though. Aren't they akin to check cashing outlets?
The generic restrictions might not be so necessary. I found myself in Montana, with a huge collection of popular gospel, you know, as opposed to Handel, though he was there, too. What else but to host an "Hour of Power" radio show, Sundays, 10-12? Do you know, the one that brought the most rave phone calls was Aretha Franklin. Everybody loves Aretha. I'm not talking about Aretha's Christmas Album, either, but the get down Southern versions heard in the authentic southern churches.
Stan Kenton’s A Merry Christmas album (vinyl) in 1961 made quite an impression on me and is still remarkable to hear.
I'll have to look for it. Quite a bit of what Kenton did was remarkable.
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We wrote our own words for "Winter Wonderland" (and copyrighted them) figuring that Florida is the real Winter Wonderland. We put a lot of Sunshine, golf, tennis, fishing and other activities in it.
Since we have millions of 'snowbirds' that come to Florida in the winter to escape the cold, it goes over well.
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Since we play music for a living, I look forward to have the opportunity to play holiday songs. Christmas songs we get to play for a month, St.Patrick's day songs are only good for a few days. But the seasonal parties are both good for our spirits and our wallets.
My current favorites are "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" because I love to hear Leilani sing that one and "Silver Bells" because we do a duet with some call and response. I must admit, like most pop music, Christmas Music is more fun to play than to listen to.
I'm pretty neutral about Christmas music personally. I'm not a very festive person, and never have been - but while I'll never seek out Christmas music on my own terms, I don't let it bother me if I heard in the background. But if it comes on the radio, I change the station is all I'm sayin'....
My man! All that religionistic hypocritical stuff coming 'round the bend once again especially 'round Xmas time... PS you might like this one then, F:
I do love Christmastime... it was even better when my daughter was small, but that's for another post.
Christmas music it great. The only thing I have against it being played in the mall is they start playing it the day after Halloween...the first of November. By the time Christmas finally gets here I'm usually very overloaded with it.
Interesting note about Stan Kenton: Gary Burton claims that Kenton is one of the few of his era that really didn't know anything about music theory; particularly the chord, scale, voice leading and soloing theory that is common language amongst jazz musicians.
Gary talks about this in his Berklee Jazz Improvization class (which kicked my butt to kingdom come).
Simply put, I hate it. Since Oct 23rd when I first heard it in a store and said out loud to everybody who could hear me, "It isn't even ^%@%$% Halloween yet!!"
Simply put, I hate it. Since Oct 23rd when I first heard it in a store and said out loud to everybody who could hear me, "It isn't even ^%@%$% Halloween yet!!"
Apparently not loud enough ... , we're still pestered. PS the 'industry' needs more of this kind of sh!tty stuff, here are some suggestions: breakfast music, showering music, visiting the john music, wake up or go to sleep sleep music, you name it ... We BIAB users have an advantage, it's all in there, we can sit back while making automatic 'pick your nose' music, no need to shop in any store ... just press Shift-F5, piece of cake. F
That is one thing that I dislike is Holiday music being played before Halloween. It's the same thing with going to the store in early October and their Halloween display is practically non-existent but their Winter Holiday displays are massive/aisles long.
Last edited by Ember - PG Music; 12/19/1810:55 AM.
That is one thing that I dislike is Holiday music being played before Halloween. It's the same thing with going to the store in early October and their Halloween display is practically non-existent but their Winter Holiday displays are massive/aisles long.
We don't play Christmas music until after Thanksgiving unless someone requests it as a requirement for hiring us. I think most good things can be overdone.
Simply put, I hate it. Since Oct 23rd when I first heard it in a store and said out loud to everybody who could hear me, "It isn't even ^%@%$% Halloween yet!!" _________________________ I will continue to post in the songwriters forum but will pretty much be keeping my opinions to myself as far as the off topic forum goes.
You have to admit your reply to this "off topic" thread and your signature is at least mildly funny.
I'm with you on the no Christmas music at Halloween. To me it seems a bit obvious. I mean, can you imagine the looks you would get blasting "The Monster Mash" during Christmas? People would think it's weird. Well, that is the point!
Thanks for the smile Eddie. It's great to see you posting again more.
Chad (Hope that makes it easier)
TEMPO TANTRUM: What a lead singer has when they can't stay in time.
You have to admit your reply to this "off topic" thread and your signature is at least mildly funny.
Some subjects merit me stepping out of my self imposed silence.
Get me started on how the #metoo women are okay with ads that infer and imply that if you give a woman a diamond for Christmas, you will get laid. Talk about a stereotypical concept, yet one widely accepted by women who want that diamond.... hypocrisy at it's commercial finest.
And if you DON'T give the diamond you run the risk of being accused of something you did not do by a woman who later retracts her front page claim (with the retraction buried on page 39 by the grocery store ads) admitting she has never even met you.....
The whole of the holiday nonsense is just a vile extension of how evil society has become.
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.
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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!
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.
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)
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