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The Way Things Are Times are tough and this is not upbeat song but it was an enjoyable production and collaboration. Regardless of that caveat we hope you find it of interest and comments are both welcomed and appreciated. Big thanks to PeterF all the guitar parts and, as always, to PG Music for their products, support and this forum community. Lyrics are on SoundCloud. Janice: lead vocal, harmony vocal, melody & arrangement Peter: guitar solos / fills / rhythm & arrangement Bud: lyric, arrangement, mix & mastering Drums: RD AmericanaRoots16th-04-SdStk,Tms Bass: RT 2877 Acoustic, AmericanaSlow16thsByron Ev16 060 Piano: MidiSuperTrack / Logic Pro Grand Steinway sound RT/RD tracks comped from multiple generations Track Effects: Logic Pro X EQ / Nectar 2 / Waves CLA Drums / Neutron 2 / Waves CLA Unplugged / Waves Bass Rider Mastering: Logic Pro X EQ > Ozone Dynamics > Ozone Maximizer > Ozone Tonal Balance > YouLean Loudness Meter
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.
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Wow. One of the best I've heard from you. It feels like a long time since I've heard Janice sing a full song, as opposed to harmonies etc. for other people, so this was a real treat.
Who wrote the lyrics??? It's not clear from the SoundCloud post, but whoever did it ... hats off.
Please keep writing and creating ... these times are perhaps also an opportunity for us creators to create and alleviate some of the pain so many of us are going through, through music, lyrics ... in one word, through art. So let's do it. THANK YOU for regaling us with this beautiful, beautiful song!
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Wow. One of the best I've heard from you. It feels like a long time since I've heard Janice sing a full song, as opposed to harmonies etc. for other people, so this was a real treat.
Who wrote the lyrics??? It's not clear from the SoundCloud post, but whoever did it ... hats off.
Please keep writing and creating ... these times are perhaps also an opportunity for us creators to create and alleviate some of the pain so many of us are going through, through music, lyrics ... in one word, through art. So let's do it. THANK YOU for regaling us with this beautiful, beautiful song! Thanks James. I (Bud) wrote the lyric and I struggled to try and tell it from a child’s perspective using child like word choices. But Janice the eternal child  helped me. We much appreciate your generous comments! 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.
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Really enjoyed this one!
Great writing, Bud, man I wish I had skills in that department! My favorite of many:
"a friend said her neighbor
was gonna go to hell
they went to a different church
was all she could tell"
Janice as always sounds great, love it when she brings in the harmonies.
Peter sounds a bit like Clapton to me on this one, very good indeed (cool ending!)
And a pro sounding mix to top it all off.
Excellent!
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Nice to hear an original from you and what a touching one it is! Hopeless story, powerful lyric writing. I was expecting something relieving in the end, but that's the way things usually are in real life, no happy endings. But luckily the excellent production makes me smile, Janice's voice and the guitars sing the ode of sadness very gently.
Janne
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Oh Man, this is simply outstanding. Janice your voice is perfect for ballads, and it's time you did an album.
Peter, brilliant guitar work as always
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As usual, excellent production, clear mix, and emotive singing. Mind you, I'm not a fan of this sort of song, because they're as subtle as getting continually smacked over the head with a 2x4 cluestick. Then again, who likes taking medicine? So I guess you can put that down as a measure of the song's success.
-- David Cuny My virtual singer development blogVocal control, you say. Never heard of it. Is that some kind of ProTools thing?BiaB 2025 | Windows 11 | Reaper | Way too many VSTis.
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Hi Janice and Bud,
What beautiful song! Such a nice melody and so wonderfully performed. Only you can sing it that way, Janice!
You all, including Peter, did a very good job on this song!
You almost forgot what sorrow you sang about. Maybe I have to criticize you on that...
and what coincidence I have posted a song myself about that worrisome times we live in. And I sang very angry, maybe even ugly. But that nasty world made me do that ;-)
But then you sang: 'all you have to do is pretend it’s just a play'. Well, there I became speechless. What a cynical, but also wonderful way of telling how to deal with it!
I don't think you need more compliments, otherwise you will walk beside your shoes (a Dutch proverb meaning: you become too vain).
Hans
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Really enjoyed this one!
Great writing, Bud, man I wish I had skills in that department! My favorite of many:
"a friend said her neighbor
was gonna go to hell
they went to a different church
was all she could tell"
Janice as always sounds great, love it when she brings in the harmonies.
Peter sounds a bit like Clapton to me on this one, very good indeed (cool ending!)
And a pro sounding mix to top it all off.
Excellent! Dave, thanks for everything you said. Writing is a struggle for me but I try to eke out a few each year. Janice always has a zillion melodies in head so that helps Glad you liked the mix - my usual paucity of tracks. Yeah Peter does have that Clapton edge! Thanks 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.
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I wish I could write like Bud.
I wish I could sing like Janice.
I wish I could play guitar like Peter.
After hearing something so professional it almost makes me want to sell my instruments.
Everything is perfect, as usual from you all!
It takes courage for a man to admit his wife was wrong.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
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Wow. One of the best I've heard from you. It feels like a long time since I've heard Janice sing a full song, as opposed to harmonies etc. for other people, so this was a real treat.
Who wrote the lyrics??? It's not clear from the SoundCloud post, but whoever did it ... hats off.
Please keep writing and creating ... these times are perhaps also an opportunity for us creators to create and alleviate some of the pain so many of us are going through, through music, lyrics ... in one word, through art. So let's do it. THANK YOU for regaling us with this beautiful, beautiful song! Bud wrote an excellent lyric for this one and the vocal is sublime. A real pleasure to be asked to play. Peter
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The narrative & perspective are terrific.
"that's just the way things are"
Says it all really.
The lies we tell children, (science, faith & education are full of them as stepping stones to further understanding), form the adult they become.
Cool song on all levels.
Thank you.
Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
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Nice to hear an original from you and what a touching one it is! Hopeless story, powerful lyric writing. I was expecting something relieving in the end, but that's the way things usually are in real life, no happy endings. But luckily the excellent production makes me smile, Janice's voice and the guitars sing the ode of sadness very gently.
Janne Janne, that was a very eloquent response to our song. We thank you for those thoughts and are very happy that you liked it. 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.
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Janice and Bud, after all the comments here is hard for me to add anything to top it. Anything that you all do is simply great. Production, vocals ,lyrics, you name it. All perfect!
Mike B.
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Oh Man, this is simply outstanding. Janice your voice is perfect for ballads, and it's time you did an album.
Peter, brilliant guitar work as always Thanks Graham! We appreciate your comments and, yes, Peter did a great job. 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.
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What a collaboration and with BIAB too! Great lyrics. Absolutely outstanding. Wonderful and full vocals. Beautiful Great guitar playing. I love that style. Someone said Eric Claptop. Yes . I'd throw in Mick Taylor too. Great production (mix, etc.) too.
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As usual, excellent production, clear mix, and emotive singing. Mind you, I'm not a fan of this sort of song, because they're as subtle as getting continually smacked over the head with a 2x4 cluestick. Then again, who likes taking medicine? So I guess you can put that down as a measure of the song's success. Subtlety has never been my strong suit But, hey, no intentions of continually smacking you. Glad you survived the listen! We get it and ultimately take the compliment. It’s fun having one’s thoughts provoked! 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.
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Hi Janice and Bud,
What beautiful song! Such a nice melody and so wonderfully performed. Only you can sing it that way, Janice!
You all, including Peter, did a very good job on this song!
You almost forgot what sorrow you sang about. Maybe I have to criticize you on that...
and what coincidence I have posted a song myself about that worrisome times we live in. And I sang very angry, maybe even ugly. But that nasty world made me do that ;-)
But then you sang: 'all you have to do is pretend it’s just a play'. Well, there I became speechless. What a cynical, but also wonderful way of telling how to deal with it!
I don't think you need more compliments, otherwise you will walk beside your shoes (a Dutch proverb meaning: you become too vain).
Hans Thank you Hans. Your thoughtful comments are greatly appreciated. Even more so because you understand what we were attempting to say. We will stay in our shoes! 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.
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Ok, this song IS emotion! It's one of those songs that captures a feeling so well that you sort of lose sight that it's a song and feel like you've just witnessed something. It's a story told so unbelievably well.
To expand on that a little bit without going too far, The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald is one of those types of songs. I'm not saying this sounds like that, just the power of the writing and performance get you to that place.
You three have so expertly accomplished this through the use of a well-delivered melody and harmonies, fantastic guitar work, production, and extra attention to the details of the lyrics. Instead of using words like Mom or Dad you chose words like Mommy and Daddy. Those words I want really drive it home.
The feel has even taking on life in the cover photo. From what I've seen, a lot of your covers have a really cool blue Spectrum to them. The Earth Tones had me expecting something different, and it was delivered
I lend on the overall sobering subject matter. I commend you for bringing it into perspective for those of us who may have forgotten the fears of a child. it's especially poignant given the times were in.
I am sitting in sitting in a parking lot as I write this. And by right, I mean speak it into my phone. I'm quite certain there will be many typos and it's not overly easy for me to go back and put in correct. I'm getting better at not worrying about that and just getting the comment out. that's what's most important in a work as amazing as this is! Thank you so much for sharing this with us. It is truly top-notch in every aspect!
Chad (Hope that makes it easier)
TEMPO TANTRUM: What a lead singer has when they can't stay in time.
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Loved the intro. Love the tone of Peters guitar. Excellent vocal Janice. Professional level production. Well done
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Janice, Bud and Peter
Heartfelt, poignant lyrics from Bud, superb singing from Janice (who would expect anything else) and tasteful guitar work from Peter. Great job by all.
I know Peter will particularly enjoy the Clapton comparison in the comments. In our early teens, he and I both bought our first guitars cause we dreamed of playing like EC. These days, Peter actually can. Me, I’m still strumming a few simple chords to help me write lyrics. Goes to show that dedication, hard work and perseverance pays off (and vice versa).
Regards,
Leon
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Really enjoyed this one!
Great writing, Bud, man I wish I had skills in that department! My favorite of many:
"a friend said her neighbor
was gonna go to hell
they went to a different church
was all she could tell"
Janice as always sounds great, love it when she brings in the harmonies.
Peter sounds a bit like Clapton to me on this one, very good indeed (cool ending!)
And a pro sounding mix to top it all off.
Excellent! Thanks Dave - appreciate that! Peter
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Dear Janice, Bud & Peter,
this is really something special !!!
Thoughtful and heartfelt lyrics - Bud: KUDOS !!!. Janice you sing these outstanding lyrics with a deep emotion without any artificial sentimentality, that is just fantastic.
I love the arrangement and the overall sound of this production - oh Bud, you always get things right!
Peter, great playing (like usual).
Like I said, "This is really something special".
Stay healthy - there's more than just a storm ahead...
All the very, very best to all of you,
Stefan
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This website forum is the hidden gem on the internet for the best, most original, and creative artists, songwriters, and their songs.
THIS song is one of the reasons why.
Nicely done.
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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Love your genius, Bud, and Janice's superb delivery. Excellent song with so much sadness. Peter's guitar work is superb as always. What a great song!
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Janice, Bud, Peter...
Superb.
Everything is just as it should be to tell your story.
A solid write. Nice progression in the lyric/story. A well-matched melody.
The BAND does its job perfectly - as does the guy who put them in place...
Peter's guitar work is wonderfully supportive.
Seems silly to even mention Janice's vocal. PERFECTION.
A crystal clear mix. Sounds SO good on my monitors!!
One to be proud of (of course, they all are...)
fj
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Nice to hear an original from you and what a touching one it is! Hopeless story, powerful lyric writing. I was expecting something relieving in the end, but that's the way things usually are in real life, no happy endings. But luckily the excellent production makes me smile, Janice's voice and the guitars sing the ode of sadness very gently.
Janne Appreciate the comments Janne. Peter
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This is one of your best. Bud, I really like how your crafted that first verse to lead smoothly into the chorus--that really hooked me.
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I wish I could write like Bud.
I wish I could sing like Janice.
I wish I could play guitar like Peter.
After hearing something so professional it almost makes me want to sell my instruments.
Everything is perfect, as usual from you all!
Good grief. We’d love to have your instrumental, compositional and arrangement chops! Thank you! 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.
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The narrative & perspective are terrific.
"that's just the way things are"
Says it all really.
The lies we tell children, (science, faith & education are full of them as stepping stones to further understanding), form the adult they become.
Cool song on all levels.
Thank you.
We thank you Ray. Your reaction to that line is exactly the way we felt. Your thoughtful perspective is greatly appreciated. J&B Janice and Bud, after all the comments here is hard for me to add anything to top it. Anything that you all do is simply great. Production, vocals ,lyrics, you name it. All perfect!
Mike B. Thanks Mike! 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.
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Oh Man, this is simply outstanding. Janice your voice is perfect for ballads, and it's time you did an album.
Peter, brilliant guitar work as always Thanks Graham. Peter
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Well, I bet a lot of full grown adults wonder the same stuff every day, I know I do. I appreciate that in mentioning religion you touched on the good and the bad in it. Production was first rate as usual. And that voice! I'm out of superlatives. Thanks!
Windows 11, Intel Core I5 10400, 16 gig ram, Scarlett 2i2, Sony Acid Music Studio 10, BIAB 2020 UltraPlus Pak
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What a collaboration and with BIAB too! Great lyrics. Absolutely outstanding. Wonderful and full vocals. Beautiful Great guitar playing. I love that style. Someone said Eric Claptop. Yes . I'd throw in Mick Taylor too. Great production (mix, etc.) too. Thanks for the great supportive comments. We all appreciate them. And, hey, your mention of Mick Taylor was very cool. We love his playing! 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.
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J@B + Peter, Beautiful and sad original! I jumped into listening and was pretty sure I knew it. Turns out I did not Well, just wait 100(?) years and it will become a public domain... and somebody will re arrange and re-post it here. Very well done! Great teamwork! Thank you for sharing. Misha.
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Ok, this song IS emotion! It's one of those songs that captures a feeling so well that you sort of lose sight that it's a song and feel like you've just witnessed something. It's a story told so unbelievably well.
To expand on that a little bit without going too far, The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald is one of those types of songs. I'm not saying this sounds like that, just the power of the writing and performance get you to that place.
You three have so expertly accomplished this through the use of a well-delivered melody and harmonies, fantastic guitar work, production, and extra attention to the details of the lyrics. Instead of using words like Mom or Dad you chose words like Mommy and Daddy. Those words I want really drive it home.
The feel has even taking on life in the cover photo. From what I've seen, a lot of your covers have a really cool blue Spectrum to them. The Earth Tones had me expecting something different, and it was delivered
I lend on the overall sobering subject matter. I commend you for bringing it into perspective for those of us who may have forgotten the fears of a child. it's especially poignant given the times were in.
I am sitting in sitting in a parking lot as I write this. And by right, I mean speak it into my phone. I'm quite certain there will be many typos and it's not overly easy for me to go back and put in correct. I'm getting better at not worrying about that and just getting the comment out. that's what's most important in a work as amazing as this is! Thank you so much for sharing this with us. It is truly top-notch in every aspect! One thing that will always brighten our day is a review like this! We hugely appreciate your comments on the write. I (Bud) did my best to try and present it from a child’s view w/o it sounding stilted. And thanks for mentioning the photo. I thought it was appropriate for the tune. We thank you for all! 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.
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WOW!
This so worth the price of admission ... plus a fine dinner afterwards. there is so much fabulous talent on this forum. You two put out the cream of the crop entertainment in these parts ... and a lot of other parts, I would imagine.
Janice shines on this ... she always does, but this one is extra special. The harmony is beyond sweet. And Bud, you knob twisting talent is to die for.
Wishing you both everything good. take care ...
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
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I wish I could write like Bud.
I wish I could sing like Janice.
I wish I could play guitar like Peter.
After hearing something so professional it almost makes me want to sell my instruments.
Everything is perfect, as usual from you all!
Appreciate that Mario! Peter
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Loved the intro. Love the tone of Peters guitar. Excellent vocal Janice. Professional level production. Well done Thanks for listening and commenting Scott. 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.
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All around powerhouse of a track.
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The narrative & perspective are terrific.
"that's just the way things are"
Says it all really.
The lies we tell children, (science, faith & education are full of them as stepping stones to further understanding), form the adult they become.
Cool song on all levels.
Thank you.
Thanks Ray. Peter
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What a collaboration and with BIAB too! Great lyrics. Absolutely outstanding. Wonderful and full vocals. Beautiful Great guitar playing. I love that style. Someone said Eric Claptop. Yes . I'd throw in Mick Taylor too. Great production (mix, etc.) too. Thanks a lot (head swells). Peter
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Janice, Bud and Peter,
Wonderful collaboration!
Very nice intro guitar.
Very pop with a lot of Folk feel.
Janice's Vocals are excellent as usual.
Great production.
Enjoyed my listen a lot.
Best regards.
Shigeki Adachi
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Janice, Bud and Peter
Heartfelt, poignant lyrics from Bud, superb singing from Janice (who would expect anything else) and tasteful guitar work from Peter. Great job by all.
I know Peter will particularly enjoy the Clapton comparison in the comments. In our early teens, he and I both bought our first guitars cause we dreamed of playing like EC. These days, Peter actually can. Me, I’m still strumming a few simple chords to help me write lyrics. Goes to show that dedication, hard work and perseverance pays off (and vice versa).
Regards,
Leon
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.
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Ok, this song IS emotion! It's one of those songs that captures a feeling so well that you sort of lose sight that it's a song and feel like you've just witnessed something. It's a story told so unbelievably well.
To expand on that a little bit without going too far, The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald is one of those types of songs. I'm not saying this sounds like that, just the power of the writing and performance get you to that place.
You three have so expertly accomplished this through the use of a well-delivered melody and harmonies, fantastic guitar work, production, and extra attention to the details of the lyrics. Instead of using words like Mom or Dad you chose words like Mommy and Daddy. Those words I want really drive it home.
The feel has even taking on life in the cover photo. From what I've seen, a lot of your covers have a really cool blue Spectrum to them. The Earth Tones had me expecting something different, and it was delivered
I lend on the overall sobering subject matter. I commend you for bringing it into perspective for those of us who may have forgotten the fears of a child. it's especially poignant given the times were in.
I am sitting in sitting in a parking lot as I write this. And by right, I mean speak it into my phone. I'm quite certain there will be many typos and it's not overly easy for me to go back and put in correct. I'm getting better at not worrying about that and just getting the comment out. that's what's most important in a work as amazing as this is! Thank you so much for sharing this with us. It is truly top-notch in every aspect! Thanks a lot - we all appreciate that review. Peter
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Dear 'Bud', Ms. Janice and 'PeterF'... I think a song could be 'upbeat' even while it expresses sorrow, regret, anger, loss, or any other unwelcome feeling, because the act of setting to music the sentiments expressed in the lyrics is in itself an act of faith and hope. People normally don't raise their voices in song to purposefully make themselves feel bad -- they do it to release the bad feelings and free themselves from despair, as any worthwhile 'blues' song does. Thoughtful lyrics and Ms. Janice's gentle, empathetic vocal treatment of them make the song, The Way Things Are, something to take to heart. 'PeterF', I believe I have not heard you play an electric guitar in such a somber, questioning manner (to my ears, at least), but your performance cleared a quiet space for itself and deeply affected my experience of listening to the song. 'Bud', I think I would not use the word 'mixing' to describe what you do on the production end of a song -- instead, I would say that you tend to your 'sound gardens' with care, sensitivity, and love, even. If there are 'intelligent' aliens out there in the cosmos somewhere, I hope they'll detect this song, be moved by it, and come to Earth to help us fix things up  !!! LOREN
Last edited by bluage; 03/25/20 09:59 AM.
"Music is what feelings sound like."-- borrowed from a Cakewalk Music Creator forum member, "Mamabear".
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A very poignant listen. Janice's vocal very well covers the weary resignation of a parent in this world. The change of meter under the title line perfectly frames this. "Enjoy" is not a word to use, but it was a time of listening and reflecting and identifying that was much appreciated. The band softly supports and the mix sits just right. Peter leads the band here, even though I expect he came "last". Wonderfully summed up in his play.
Last edited by Tangmo; 03/25/20 02:55 PM.
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Love the "...wish on a star, ...that's just the way things are" hook Bud. One of my new fav Janice vocals and loved the guitar tone Peter used - fit like a glove.
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Dear Janice, Bud & Peter,
this is really something special !!!
Thoughtful and heartfelt lyrics - Bud: KUDOS !!!. Janice you sing these outstanding lyrics with a deep emotion without any artificial sentimentality, that is just fantastic.
I love the arrangement and the overall sound of this production - oh Bud, you always get things right!
Peter, great playing (like usual).
Like I said, "This is really something special".
Stay healthy - there's more than just a storm ahead...
All the very, very best to all of you,
Stefan Thank you Stefan. You are very generous with your comments. I (Bud) am obviously biased but I think the lack of artificial sentimentality is a hallmark of Janice’s vocals. She puts her heart into them. I much appreciate you mentioning that! 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.
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Loved the intro. Love the tone of Peters guitar. Excellent vocal Janice. Professional level production. Well done Thanks Scott. Peter
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WOW!!! This is a forum Wall of Famer for sure!! Everything is beautifully done!! Everything!!! An instant classic!!! Take care. Greg
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This website forum is the hidden gem on the internet for the best, most original, and creative artists, songwriters, and their songs.
THIS song is one of the reasons why.
Nicely done. Thanks Herb. We very much appreciate that!! J&B Love your genius, Bud, and Janice's superb delivery. Excellent song with so much sadness. Peter's guitar work is superb as always. What a great song! Thanks for listening and commenting! 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.
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Janice, Bud, Peter...
Superb.
Everything is just as it should be to tell your story.
A solid write. Nice progression in the lyric/story. A well-matched melody.
The BAND does its job perfectly - as does the guy who put them in place...
Peter's guitar work is wonderfully supportive.
Seems silly to even mention Janice's vocal. PERFECTION.
A crystal clear mix. Sounds SO good on my monitors!!
One to be proud of (of course, they all are...)
fj What a bright spot! We’ve only read it about a hundred times Obviously given your vocal, writing and production chops this review is very special to us. Thanks...a bunch! 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.
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This is one of your best. Bud, I really like how your crafted that first verse to lead smoothly into the chorus--that really hooked me. Thanks and we appreciate you mentioning the arrangement! 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.
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Hi, Janice.Bud & Peter !:))
This tune is very, very good
in every aspect, Janice´s vocals
Bud´s mixing and Peter´s playing
not to forget those lyrics !
What a wonderful collab
I like it very much !
Cheers
Dani
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J&B,
I think this is one of your best lyrics, Bud; engaging,accurate details of a child`s view and you can just hear the mum & dad`s caring, universal response.
Wonderful warmth and phrasing in Janice`s vocal- of course!!
Robert
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Well, I bet a lot of full grown adults wonder the same stuff every day, I know I do. I appreciate that in mentioning religion you touched on the good and the bad in it. Production was first rate as usual. And that voice! I'm out of superlatives. Thanks!
Thanks for the listen and the kind remarks!
J&B
J@B + Peter, Beautiful and sad original! I jumped into listening and was pretty sure I knew it. Turns out I did not Well, just wait 100(?) years and it will become a public domain... and somebody will re arrange and re-post it here. Very well done! Great teamwork! Thank you for sharing. Misha. Thank you Misha. Glad you liked it. Cool little scenario you painted
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.
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Hi Janice, Bud and Peter man this is good!! the vocal was super great changes guitar work fit perfect loved the lyrics thanks for sharing Eric
AMD (TM) 5950 4.9 GHz 16Core Processor 64 bit 32 bits of ram windows 10 pro 64 bit os. sound card Antelope ZenQ guitars Ibanez 2202a 1968 les Paul Custom and Cavin ae 185 Guitar boss Gt-100,GT1000 pedal Yamaha HS8 studio monitors
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WOW!
This so worth the price of admission ... plus a fine dinner afterwards. there is so much fabulous talent on this forum. You two put out the cream of the crop entertainment in these parts ... and a lot of other parts, I would imagine.
Janice shines on this ... she always does, but this one is extra special. The harmony is beyond sweet. And Bud, you knob twisting talent is to die for.
Wishing you both everything good. take care ...
Alan Thanks a bunch Al and, man, did we ever love your repost with Di singing! 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.
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All around powerhouse of a track. Thanks Ed. J&B Janice, Bud and Peter,
Wonderful collaboration!
Very nice intro guitar.
Very pop with a lot of Folk feel.
Janice's Vocals are excellent as usual.
Great production.
Enjoyed my listen a lot.
Best regards.
Shigeki Adachi Thanks for the nice comments Shigeki. They are appreciated. 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.
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Dear 'Bud', Ms. Janice and 'PeterF'... I think a song could be 'upbeat' even while it expresses sorrow, regret, anger, loss, or any other unwelcome feeling, because the act of setting to music the sentiments expressed in the lyrics is in itself an act of faith and hope. People normally don't raise their voices in song to purposefully make themselves feel bad -- they do it to release the bad feelings and free themselves from despair, as any worthwhile 'blues' song does. Thoughtful lyrics and Ms. Janice's gentle, empathetic vocal treatment of them make the song, The Way Things Are, something to take to heart. 'PeterF', I believe I have not heard you play an electric guitar in such a somber, questioning manner (to my ears, at least), but your performance cleared a quiet space for itself and deeply affected my experience of listening to the song. 'Bud', I think I would not use the word 'mixing' to describe what you do on the production end of a song -- instead, I would say that you tend to your 'sound gardens' with care, sensitivity, and love, even. If there are 'intelligent' aliens out there in the cosmos somewhere, I hope they'll detect this song, be moved by it, and come to Earth to help us fix things up !!! LOREN Loren, thank you for offering us some confidence that what we are attempting is perhaps meaningful. One never knows. But reading comments like this are inspiring to say the least. The attention to detail and eloquence in your descriptions never escapes us. We deeply appreciate and cherish it. 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.
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A very poignant listen. Janice's vocal very well covers the weary resignation of a parent in this world. The change of meter under the title line perfectly frames this. "Enjoy" is not a word to use, but it was a time of listening and reflecting and identifying that was much appreciated. The band softly supports and the mix sits just right. Peter leads the band here, even though I expect he came "last". Wonderfully summed up in his play. Thank you. Peter has a genuine feel for supporting not only the groove but also the feel of the lyric. We are glad you liked it. J&B Love the "...wish on a star, ...that's just the way things are" hook Bud. One of my new fav Janice vocals and loved the guitar tone Peter used - fit like a glove. Thank you Josie! J&B WOW!!! This is a forum Wall of Famer for sure!! Everything is beautifully done!! Everything!!! An instant classic!!! Take care. Greg Thanks Greg. J&B Hi, Janice.Bud & Peter !:))
This tune is very, very good
in every aspect, Janice´s vocals
Bud´s mixing and Peter´s playing
not to forget those lyrics !
What a wonderful collab
I like it very much !
Cheers
Dani Thanks for listening and commenting Dani. 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.
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J&B,
I think this is one of your best lyrics, Bud; engaging,accurate details of a child`s view and you can just hear the mum & dad`s caring, universal response.
Wonderful warmth and phrasing in Janice`s vocal- of course!!
Robert Thanks Robert for all and especially for mentioning the lyric. Your description nails what we hoped to achieve. MUCH appreciated. J&B Hi Janice, Bud and Peter man this is good!! the vocal was super great changes guitar work fit perfect loved the lyrics thanks for sharing Eric Thank you Eric. We are glad you liked it. 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.
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Wow, this sounds great y'all. Beautiful production, excellent guitar work, and stunning vocals as usual.
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Wow, this sounds great y'all. Beautiful production, excellent guitar work, and stunning vocals as usual. Thank David. Apologies for the late response. We do appreciate it. Stay safe.
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.
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Hi Folks (Janice and Bud),
Wow, really poignant lyrics. Captures the "lost age of innocence" we all live in.
Yet, the vocals somehow bring a soothing touch to them...
Wow
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J&B and Peter, this is a good one! The lyrics really penetrate the heart! Great vocal perfomance Janice! Peter's guitar has such good feeling in it...the bends and vibratos are super! As always from you guys the song is top notch! Thanks, Torrey
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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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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.
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows is Here!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows is here and it is packed with major new features! There’s a new modern look, a GUI redesign to all areas of the program including toolbars, windows, workflow and more. There’s a Multi-view layout for organizing multiple windows. A standout addition is the powerful AI-Notes feature, which uses AI neural-net technology to transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI—entire mixes or individual instruments—making it easy to study, view, and play parts from any song. And that’s just the beginning—there are over 60 new features in this exciting release.
Along with version 2026, we've released an incredible lineup of new content! There's 202 new RealTracks, brand-new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two new RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Special Offers
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows and save up to 50% on most upgrade packages during our special offer—available until December 31, 2025. Visit our Band-in-a-Box® packages page to explore all available upgrade options.
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK Add-ons
Our Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK are loaded with amazing add-ons! The Free Bonus PAK is included with most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows packages, but you can unlock even more—including 20 unreleased RealTracks—by upgrading to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49. Browse the full contents of each package and listen to demos here.
XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs Special Extended Until August 31st!
XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs Special Extended Until August 31st!
The XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs special offers are now available until August 31st at 11:59pm PDT!
Ready to take your Band-in-a-Box® 2025 experience to the next level? Now’s the perfect time! Expand your style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs—packed with a wide variety of genres to inspire your next musical creation.
What are XPro Styles and Xtra Styles PAKs?
XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with any version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). XPro Styles PAKS 1-9 includes 900 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). With over 3,500 styles (and 35 MIDI styles) included in Xtra Styles PAKs 1-20, the possibilities are endless!
Get the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Listen to demos and order now! For Windows or for Mac.
Note: 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.
Get Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 19 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Listen to demos and order now! For Windows or for Mac.
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 19 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.
Don’t miss this chance to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box setup—at a great price!
Mac 2025 Special Upgrade Offers Extended Until August 15th!
It's not too late to upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® and save! We've extended our special until August 15, 2025!
We've added many major new features to Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, including advanced AI tools like the amazing BB Stem Splitter and AI Lyrics Generator, as well as VST3 plugin support, and Equalize Temp. Plus, there’s a new one-stop MIDI Patches Picker with over 1,100 MIDI patches to choose from, all neatly categorized by GM numbers. The MultiPicker Library is enhanced with tabs for the SongPicker, MIDI Patch Picker, Chord Builder, AI Lyrics Generator, and Song Titles Browser, and the tabs are organized into logical groups. The Audiophile Edition is enhanced with FLAC files , which are 60% smaller than AIFF files while maintaining identical audio quality, and now ships on a fast 1TB SSD, and much more!
Check out all the new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® here:
Purchase your Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac during our special to save up to 50% off your upgrade purchase and receive a FREE BONUS PAK of amazing new Add-ons. These include the 2025 RealCombos Booster PAK, 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, and more!
Upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for just $49 and add 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and 20 RealStyles, FLAC Files for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks, Look Ma! More MIDI 14: SynthMaster, MIDI SuperTracks Set 45: More SynthMaster, Artist Performance Set 18: Songs with Vocals 8, and RealDrums Stems Set 8: Pop, Funk & More with Jerry Roe.
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs!
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