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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913
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Veteran
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913 |
I wouldn't say using backing tracks is cheating, personally. For a small time local musician, hiring a whole band isn't possible. We have the resources now, might as well use them.  If you're a big name artist though and still using backing tracks, I'll find it questionable. Almost any pop music act is using backing tracks these days. Everyone.
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 131
Apprentice
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Apprentice
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 131 |
Here in the Orlando 'jazz' scene - tracks ARE considered cheating...despite my duo's extensive/creative jazz standards repertoire, we can't buy a gig in the so-called 'jazz rooms'... we had one steady gig at an upscale restaurant that was always advertised on the local PBS gig calendar - until 'someone' called them & said we were using tracks, and they refused to list us after that...what we do is unique - 90% of our list consists of 2 song 'medleys' - segueing one song into another (with similar chords/feel) and then back into the first...for example - Haven't We Met into Bluesette and back into HWM: https://soundcloud.com/dennisanddodi . The other tracks are with vocals and are mini-versions of our tunes. I've spent countless hours creating these tracks with BIAB, but due to the 'tracks are cheating' attitude of jazz clubs/musicians in this area, we are gig-less...
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,868
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,868 |
Here in the Orlando 'jazz' scene - tracks ARE considered cheating...despite my duo's extensive/creative jazz standards repertoire, we can't buy a gig in the so-called 'jazz rooms'... we had one steady gig at an upscale restaurant that was always advertised on the local PBS gig calendar - until 'someone' called them & said we were using tracks, and they refused to list us after that...what we do is unique - 90% of our list consists of 2 song 'medleys' - segueing one song into another (with similar chords/feel) and then back into the first...for example - Haven't We Met into Bluesette and back into HWM: https://soundcloud.com/dennisanddodi . The other tracks are with vocals and are mini-versions of our tunes. I've spent countless hours creating these tracks with BIAB, but due to the 'tracks are cheating' attitude of jazz clubs/musicians in this area, we are gig-less... Well doesn't that just bite? I could see a club that advertises and is known for full bands only..... doing that... but all of them? But hey... I guess it's their choice.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.comAdd 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.
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,715
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,715 |
Here in the Orlando 'jazz' scene - tracks ARE considered cheating...despite my duo's extensive/creative jazz standards repertoire, we can't buy a gig in the so-called 'jazz rooms'... we had one steady gig at an upscale restaurant that was always advertised on the local PBS gig calendar - until 'someone' called them & said we were using tracks, and they refused to list us after that...what we do is unique - 90% of our list consists of 2 song 'medleys' - segueing one song into another (with similar chords/feel) and then back into the first...for example - Haven't We Met into Bluesette and back into HWM: https://soundcloud.com/dennisanddodi . The other tracks are with vocals and are mini-versions of our tunes. I've spent countless hours creating these tracks with BIAB, but due to the 'tracks are cheating' attitude of jazz clubs/musicians in this area, we are gig-less... Well doesn't that just bite? I could see a club that advertises and is known for full bands only..... doing that... but all of them? But hey... I guess it's their choice. My take on this is that the musician's union is very strong in Orlando. YMMV
OK, a random thought;
Why does toilet paper need a commercial? Who's not buying it?
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 131
Apprentice
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Apprentice
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 131 |
With few (if any) exceptions - the musician's union is non-existent here in 'Mouseland'... and seriously, the pay is not significantly different than when I was here in '75 with a bar band...me thinks it's time to move !!
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 892
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 892 |
Music is a journey that has no end.
No matter how much you know, there is more to know.
Jazz is a music that must be played in order to grow.
Your setup allows you to play out and learn and grow.
That is a beautiful thing.
Musicians will come along as time and opportunity present themselves.
Perhaps you will find a like minded bass player.
Guitar/Bass Jazz duo is a great setup with lots of room.
Over time a drummer will show up, They always do.
Meanwhile,just keep playing, playing, playing.
Work on those melodies. Hear the notes before you play them.
Don't ignore the comping. Perhaps some drop 2 voicings into your solos like Wes used to do?
As The late great David "Scotty" Scott once said: Play the Guitar, brother.
That's all that matters.
biab2026(Mac) Latest Build
Mac OS (Latest)
Apple Mac Mini M2 pro 32GB Ram
Logic Pro (latest or pretty close)
Blue and White Sea Star
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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.
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Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac Videos
With the release of Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac, we’re rolling out a collection of brand-new videos on our YouTube channel. We’ll keep this forum post updated so you can easily find all the latest videos in one convenient spot.
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Check out this forum post for "One Stop Shopping" of our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Videos!
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