Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 3 1 2 3
#515796 01/06/19 11:53 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,717
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,717
Through the 16th and 17th centuries, European explorers searched for a legendary (mythical) "City Of Gold" - El Dorado - in the New World ... (see below links to learn more)

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/archaeology-and-history/archaeology/el-dorado/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/El_Dorado

In 1849, Edgar Allan Poe published a poem about the search for El Dorado.
I will post that below...

In 1979, The Philadelphia Inquirer published a 2-page story about an all-night diner in the bowels of downtown Philly... and the cast of characters that found their way there in the wee hours of the morning. The El Dorado Diner. (I tried, but could not find an archve of the story).


I combined it all into a song (a rather long one - there was a lot to tell).
There are references to the Poe poem - which you will only "get" by reading the poem (the post below this - it's quite short).
Most of the characters in the song came from the Philadelphia Inquirer article.

Telling the story (singing the song) with just an acoustic guitar is "okay", but lacks something...
That "something" is now available (to me... to us), by the magic that is provided by Band-In-A-Box.
May the golden gods bless everyone at PG Music for giving us this incredible gift!!!


EL DORADO

he stops in the door til he's noticed
shouts that he's journeyed long
from somewhere in space
but they all know his face
old man, quit putting us on

the food and the coffee are cheap here
so the talk fits in just fine
spaceman orders pot roast
potatoes and gravy
gets the coffee for his panhandled dimes

   your search for el dorado
   is coming to a close
   the city is cold
   where shadows unfold
   to reveal what the gallant night knows

they drink their filled of what they can afford
then flock to the el dorado
the bars have all closed
each of them knows
there's no other place he can go

the sign in the window invites "tables for ladies"
but no lady would ever come near
so they provide their own company
talk to themselves
or to the shadows that directed them here

   your search for el dorado
   is coming to a close
   the city is cold
   where shadows unfold
   to reveal what the gallant night knows

the general talks of the big war
he bought his bravery from a man down the street
a pawn shop hero
battling beer
oh, too often he falls in defeat

joseph is a prophet of doom
the stock market will crash, wait and see
so jimmy gave his savings
for holy cross in the seventh
doc gives them opinions for free

   your search for el dorado
   is coming to a close
   the city is cold
   where shadows unfold
   to reveal what the gallant night knows

swaying to the jukebox while doc sing along
JP serves his ghetto gourmets
a spatula for his septor
a crew cut for his crown
his kingdom, this all-night cafe

jimmy and the general dream of winning
the spaceman and the prophet watch the door
JP and the ladies
who never come near
dance one final waltz 'round the floor

   your search for el dorado
   is coming to a close
   the city is cold
   where shadows unfold
   to reveal what the gallant night knows
   the gallant night knows





The Golden BAND:

Style is _JBALADP.STY (Jazz Ballad with Piano (85 RS))

RealTracks in style: ~481:Bass, Acoustic, Jazz Ballad Sw 085
RealTracks in style: ~487:Piano, Acoustic, Rhythm Jazz Ballad Sw 085
RealTracks in song: ~750:Sax, Tenor, Soloist Jazz Ballad Sw 060
RealDrums in style: JazzTerryClarke^02-a,b:Brushes



I hope you enjoy the journey.
The search continues...

floyd

floyd jane #515798 01/06/19 11:54 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,717
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,717
Eldorado
By Edgar Allan Poe

Gaily bedight,
A gallant knight,
In sunshine and in shadow,
Had journeyed long,
Singing a song,
In search of Eldorado.

But he grew old—
This knight so bold—
And o’er his heart a shadow—
Fell as he found
No spot of ground
That looked like Eldorado.

And, as his strength
Failed him at length,
He met a pilgrim shadow—
‘Shadow,’ said he,
‘Where can it be—
This land of Eldorado?’

‘Over the Mountains
Of the Moon,
Down the Valley of the Shadow,
Ride, boldly ride,’
The shade replied,—
‘If you seek for Eldorado!’


Source: The Complete Poems and Stories of Edgar Allan Poe

floyd jane #515806 01/06/19 12:39 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,647
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,647
floyd,

Well that was stunning. Wonderful story telling, melodic chorus, nice jazz band (an unexpected twist) and no surprises an excellent vocal.
Lots of talent on display and another excellent song to add to your list.

Peter

floyd jane #515817 01/06/19 01:45 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,016
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,016
Well, it's exactly as you described it, with exactly the same level of polish I'd expect from you.

More importantly, I enjoyed the listen. smile


-- David Cuny

My virtual singer development blog
Vocal control, you say. Never heard of it. Is that some kind of ProTools thing?

BiaB 2025 | Windows 11 | Reaper | Way too many VSTis.
floyd jane #515835 01/06/19 03:35 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,052
G
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
G
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,052
WOW!!!!!!! What a tale, what a vibe, what a production, and WHAT a vocal....love the performance and the rich sound!! This is absolutely captivating, ABSOLUTELY!!! Some of the best writing I've ever heard ANYWHERE!!!! This is pure DORADO!!!!! Wonderful Floyd!!!! Take care. Greg

floyd jane #515848 01/06/19 05:07 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,170
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,170
A bit of Tom Waits with a gallery of characters ankle deep in life archived by an excellent melody and a fine, fine, fine voice.
Up there with the sipp'n whiskey Floyd.


Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
floyd jane #515900 01/07/19 02:07 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 5,885
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 5,885
Well, that has to be one of the coolest songs I've ever heard on this site!

Really well done, Floyd, loved everything about it.

floyd jane #515904 01/07/19 02:28 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,555
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,555
Floyd,

I'm blown away by this song...

I love the way you have put this together and also the way it showcases your versatility.

"swaying to the jukebox while doc sing along
JP serves his ghetto gourmets
a spatula for his septor
a crew cut for his crown
his kingdom, this all-night cafe"

AMAZING STUFF!

Bob

floyd jane #515929 01/07/19 04:43 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 1,664
PG Music Staff
Offline
PG Music Staff
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 1,664
Great work on this Floyd! Quite enjoyed the overall vibe to this. Thanks for sharing!


Cheers,
Joe
floyd jane #515930 01/07/19 04:45 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 2,360
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 2,360
gallant night (knight) love it

stretching the writing muscles !!!

a fine write, great presentation

reminds me of BJ Piano Man (great scenery, fleshed out characters)

It's like I know these guys, I've wandered into this place needing a late night caffeine fix

I can smell the grease and feel the dying dreams

feel a bond with these soldiers

enjoyed the heck out of it,

Kenny

floyd jane #515935 01/07/19 05:08 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,440
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,440

Floyd,

This is really cool. I like arrangement you chose for this.

I can totally hear Tom Waits doing this. In fact, it sounded very much like a Tom Waits song to me, just sung by someone with a silky smooth voice, and not a truck load of gravel.

Great write man!!!

smile

floyd jane #515965 01/07/19 06:50 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 723
Journeyman
Offline
Journeyman
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 723
Pure wonderful story telling here. Love all the imaginary. I sure it was challenging to write but you pulled it off masterfully. Reminds me of Jimmy Webb's storytelling. The vocals are excellent and love the foreboding melody. The instruments provide a sassy, jazzy sort of 1920s backdrop for this story. Great prosody!!!

floyd jane #515998 01/07/19 08:44 AM
User Showcase
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 1,685
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 1,685
what a mix, what a story, what a song, and what a singer.


Excellent sound all round on this.

Really enjoyed this.


win 10 64 bit 16gb,i7 chip, ssd 500gb, m-audio air, ,Roland BK-7M, 1000,shure sm7b,sonar,acid,mixcraft, variety of plugins.Sample tank 3,Kontakt. TC Helicon Voicelive 3 2 .
https://beatmaster1.bandcamp.com/releases

PeterF #516041 01/07/19 10:31 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,717
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,717
Originally Posted By: PeterF
floyd,

Well that was stunning. Wonderful story telling, melodic chorus, nice jazz band (an unexpected twist) and no surprises an excellent vocal.
Lots of talent on display and another excellent song to add to your list.

Peter


Thanks for that very nice review, Peter!!

floyd jane #516065 01/07/19 12:24 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 3,357
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 3,357
Floyd,

One of the best lyrics I`ve ever read on this site ( yup, they make a darn good read without the music),and the music is just right to get the feel of that diner and those brokedown characters.
Brilliant in all respects!

Robert

dcuny #516185 01/08/19 03:08 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,717
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,717
Originally Posted By: dcuny
Well, it's exactly as you described it, with exactly the same level of polish I'd expect from you.

More importantly, I enjoyed the listen. smile


Thanks, David. Glad you enjoyed it...

floyd jane #516192 01/08/19 03:21 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,664
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,664
cool take on some jazz. I like reading the poems of the classic writers.


You can find my music at:
www.herbhartley.com
Add nothing that adds nothing to the music.
You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both.

The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
floyd jane #516251 01/08/19 08:44 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,454
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,454
Very nice feel. The story and the band bring images from time of gold rush. Excellent arrangement and vocals.

Janne


Hear My Music:

Soundcloud
YouTube

floyd jane #516258 01/08/19 08:52 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 2,296
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 2,296
With my bronchitis I'm not supposed to be around smoke; but this club was worth it!

I'm not kidding when I say I NEVER know what your songs are going to sound like. Seriously. Over the course of a few months think of the styles you've covered.Saying it's a Floyd Jane song only gives you that it will be a well written, well produced, well delivered song. Beyond that...you'll just have to listen.

You know I love the "mood" a song creates. This is ALL mood with a great story. What an ambitious lyric write that is pulled off (seemingly) effortlessly.

Quote:
to reveal what the gallant night knows


This line specifically gave me goose bumps/pimples/? with how you sang it. Your timbre was PERFECTION for it. The whole song was sung really well.

I found the bongo solo in the middle out of place though (just seeing if you are paying attention). The sax was beautiful as was the treatment of the bass and drums.

That's all I've got without going on too long. Great song man! Great song!


Chad (Hope that makes it easier)

TEMPO TANTRUM: What a lead singer has when they can't stay in time.
floyd jane #516305 01/08/19 12:46 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 1,944
Jim Offline
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 1,944
Excellently thought out, written, sung, & produced...
I also liked the play on Poe's words, like your use of "to reveal what the gallant night knows"...
It makes me wonder...
If Poe were alive today would he only be a poet, or would he also be a songwriter presenting songs on this forum?


Jim
†=☮&♥
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 3 1 2 3

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
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®!

Video: New User Interface (GUI)

Join Tobin as he takes you on a tour of the new user interface in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®! This modern GUI redesign offers a sleek new look with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, and a smoother workflow. The brand-new side toolbar puts track selection, the MultiPicker Library, and other essential tools right at your fingertips. Plus, our upgraded Multi-View lets you layer multiple windows without overlap, giving you a highly flexible workspace. Many windows—including Tracks, Piano Roll, and more—have been redesigned for improved usability and a cleaner, more intuitive interface, and more!

Watch the video.

You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!

Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!

We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!

Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.

Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!

Special offers until December 31st, 2025!

All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 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 10 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.

Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!

Xtra Styles PAK 21 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 Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!

Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!

In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!

Special offers until December 31st, 2025!

All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!

Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.

Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!

Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 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.

Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!

We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!

Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.

Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!

Special offers until December 31st, 2025!

All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 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 10 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.

Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!

Xtra Styles PAK 21 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 Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!

Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!

In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!

Special offers until December 31st, 2025!

All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!

Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.

Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!

Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 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.

Forum Statistics
Forums57
Topics85,296
Posts790,706
Members39,854
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
Newest Members
StratMan1965, CPIA2002, janhardo, Minstrel, Deb D
39,854 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
jpettit 321
MarioD 213
DrDan 210
Noel96 161
DC Ron 146
Rob Helms 127
Today's Birthdays
Kara Music Production, Алик
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5