|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 4,786
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 4,786 |
Yes, you heard correctly, this is both jazzy and 'experimental' to boot!  So you're in for some pretty Avant Garde snuff here, and I'm not going to be the least surprised or miffed in the slightest if this one gets a pass from most if not all of you  But just in the off chance someone here takes that trippy trip, here's some outline of what you are about to get yourselves into by giving this one a shot, and for a change I'll start with the fundamentals, for some sense of familiarity if nothing else: ****** Song Summary ******
Title: Dim the Nights
Key: Cm , Tempo: 90
Style: WlzModal.STY
Melody harmony: Miles + Tenor in Octaves(90)
Soloist: Ballad1 Sw. Ballad - Tenor (280)
Style MIDI Instruments: Acoustic Bass (33), Acoustic Piano (1),
MIDI Drums: 33 Jazz Drums (33)
Plugins: EZ Drummer, PG's own Acoustic Bass & some quality soundfonts for the Mtd Trumpet, Ten. Sax & Piano.
*******************Now, the original idea for this little weirdness comes from a simple complaint my dad made about his little keyboard where he said "I just wish I could do dim chords on it" - and that tiny seed gave me the idea to outright base an entire song from the dim chord concept. This in turn lead me to look up the only 7-note scale I knew to include a dim, which is the "locrian" scale of white notes from B-B on a keyboard (genuinely had to look all of this up myself, btw). From that I now built a chord set of 7 chords, all using only notes of that particular scale, and presto - a chord sheet started to form (the A-part if you notice is simply all those 7 chords in descending order, btw). Next was to figure out what on earth to actually play over this weirdness, and for this I turned to the Melodist - firmly expecting the outcome would be something utterly hilarious! - but to my surprise, the program somehow managed to come up with a melody that genuinely makes sense, if not weirdly pretty, even. And that's why I'm sharing this little 'experiment'  YT link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AMH4Nxm9ZG0
SC link: https://soundcloud.com/eddie-icelander/dim-the-nights
p.s. I have to hand it to the makers of BBox, I never in a million years would've made a thing like this before I got this program 
Just because you can, doesn't mean you should!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
BBox 2022 Audiophile, Mac Pro Intel, OSX 10.6.8, 800x600 (TV VGA)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 299
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 299 |
Wow, has a real modern jazz vibe to it. Those drums and bass, really something.
The melody is not bad, it makes me think of 3 views of a Secret. The melodist could do with a more “human” feel: more dynamics, soft and loud playing. But as a melody in itself: great stuff.
The sax solo misses out on most of the chords and sounds rather bad.
The point that it’s a locrian progression, or Ebm6 (which is the same) is wasted on the sax player. Fire him.
But for the rest, reminds me of Kenny Wheeler!
Really great experiment.
Biab, Kontakt, Sampletank and lots of nice libraries, from Fluffy audio to Abbey Road drums. Check out these great contemporary Jazz Styles: www.jazzstylezz.com
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,633
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,633 |
Hello Eddie ...
That was very interesting! I think there's a lot of room for some more "tinkering". But using that scale does have its limits for doing so. But it gave me a few ideas... but I would have to go outside the parameters of that scale. I appreciate your creativity and "out of the box" approach.
Best to you ...
Alan
BIAB 2024 Ultra Plus-all StylePaks*Win11*32GB DDR5*Rhyzen 9745x*AT 2035 Mic*Peavey Nashville 112 Amp*Ibanez ART120* Acoustic/Electric/Washburn D200S Acoustic*Stromberg Monterey Jazz Guitar Loops: https://aldavidmusic.wixsite.com/bestmusicloops
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 4,786
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 4,786 |
Wow, has a real modern jazz vibe to it. Those drums and bass, really something. Yeah, I was really jumping for joy when I discovered that style as it fit my intentions just perfectly! And to think, it's one of PG's oldest "All-Midi" styles, which are so often overlooked & underestimated now days in our times of RTs. Come to think of it, there isn't a single RT in this whole piece at all, not something I deliberately set out as premise, I just didn't feel there really was any need to add anything to the style as designed. The sax solo misses out on most of the chords and sounds rather bad.
===
The point that it’s a locrian progression, or Ebm6 (which is the same) is wasted on the sax player. Fire him. I just might have to agree on your core sentiment there, the sax is indeed a bit "all over the place"... I just hoped because of the fast runs and the high obscurity of the whole thing in general that nobody would really notice  In fact, I'm genuinely surprised I'm getting feedback to this one at all, and this soon after release at that
Last edited by Icelander; 05/04/20 06:44 AM. Reason: Further details
Just because you can, doesn't mean you should!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
BBox 2022 Audiophile, Mac Pro Intel, OSX 10.6.8, 800x600 (TV VGA)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 4,786
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 4,786 |
Hello Eddie ...
That was very interesting! I think there's a lot of room for some more "tinkering". But using that scale does have its limits for doing so. But it gave me a few ideas... Well, that was a very happy side-effect that I absolutely wasn't expecting!  Much obliged, as always.
Just because you can, doesn't mean you should!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
BBox 2022 Audiophile, Mac Pro Intel, OSX 10.6.8, 800x600 (TV VGA)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,202
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,202 |
This is good. Some very cool lines in it. The midi gives the song a very different feel. Well done
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 4,786
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 4,786 |
This is good. Some very cool lines in it. The midi gives the song a very different feel. It does? And here I was deluding myself into thinking nobody had noticed until after I had pointed it out Anyway, happy to see yet another comment to this li'l obscurity
Just because you can, doesn't mean you should!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
BBox 2022 Audiophile, Mac Pro Intel, OSX 10.6.8, 800x600 (TV VGA)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,188
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,188 |
The mode and key are fine.
I did something punkish in that mode recently.
I was accused of recording something unplayable which was odd as I played all but the drums at that stage.
The melodic instrument before and after the sax is stilted in a very MIDI way but it describes a decent melody over the chords. The sax does fluff about a bit.
I enjoyed the chords and the rhythmic backing & I didn't expect a traditional "resolution" but the piece seemed to peter out at the end.
Nice work with older MIDI PG stuff.
Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 4,786
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 4,786 |
The mode and key are fine.
I did something punkish in that mode recently. Well, now I'm invested - did you submit it to here someplace? Thanks for your feedback & analysis otherwise... you're not the first to niggle about the less than stellar sax, btw, and have a feeling you won't be the last
Just because you can, doesn't mean you should!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
BBox 2022 Audiophile, Mac Pro Intel, OSX 10.6.8, 800x600 (TV VGA)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 4,867
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 4,867 |
Eddie, this is outstanding. I grew up on Mingus, and he's definitely in there. Love your explanation. Good writer, too. Really cool approach to this crafty creation. I liked Dzjang's nod to Three Views Of A Secret. The way it seems to keep coming around again reminds me of Goodbye Porkpie Hat.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 4,786
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 4,786 |
I liked Dzjang's nod to Three Views Of A Secret. The way it seems to keep coming around again reminds me of Goodbye Porkpie Hat. Wow, a lot of references there... and here I thought I was being so original & unique!  I'm just messing about, pay no attention, heh... thanks for the highly complimentary feedback p.s. One interesting thing, I've been here almost a decade and I do think you're the first to remark on my "writing"...
Last edited by Icelander; 05/05/20 07:20 AM. Reason: Afterthought
Just because you can, doesn't mean you should!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
BBox 2022 Audiophile, Mac Pro Intel, OSX 10.6.8, 800x600 (TV VGA)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,052
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,052 |
Interesting piece Eddie!! I enjoy trippy jazz! Well done!! Take care. Greg
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 4,786
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 4,786 |
Much obliged, Greg, Any kind of trippy isn't worth having unless you're enjoying it
Just because you can, doesn't mean you should!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
BBox 2022 Audiophile, Mac Pro Intel, OSX 10.6.8, 800x600 (TV VGA)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,228
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,228 |
This is really a great song! I liked the fact that the song starts out very structured then jumps into a free form jazz portion with the sax then returns to the structured form. BRILLIANT!
This is fantastic!
My boss calls me "the computer".
Nothing to do with intelligence. I go to sleep if left unattended for 15 minutes.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 4,786
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 4,786 |
I liked the fact that the song starts out very structured then jumps into a free form jazz portion with the sax then returns to the structured form. Well, you're quite at odds with the other comments on that one! ... but of course I'll absolutely take it, thank you
Just because you can, doesn't mean you should!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
BBox 2022 Audiophile, Mac Pro Intel, OSX 10.6.8, 800x600 (TV VGA)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 515
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 515 |
I like it. Keep pushing the envelope, Eddie.
RayL
Mac Studio M2 mid 2024 64 GB RAM
MacOS Sonoma 14.5
Logic Pro 11.2
Studio One 7.2
PreSonus USB AudioBox 1818VSL
Running BIAB from the external HD supplied by PG
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 2,992
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 2,992 |
I liked it, I listened more than once. Definitely has its own unique mood. Good work!
Windows 11, Intel Core I5 10400, 16 gig ram, Scarlett 2i2, Sony Acid Music Studio 10, BIAB 2020 UltraPlus Pak
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 4,786
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 4,786 |
I like it. Keep pushing the envelope, Eddie. Not sure I can promise you anything on that front. me being usually quite the "easy listening" kind, but thanks for the encouragement all the same
Just because you can, doesn't mean you should!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
BBox 2022 Audiophile, Mac Pro Intel, OSX 10.6.8, 800x600 (TV VGA)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 4,786
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 4,786 |
I listened more than once. You brave soul, you! Much obliged, I'm sure, for this one certainly is one of them "acquired taste" pieces... even to me
Just because you can, doesn't mean you should!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
BBox 2022 Audiophile, Mac Pro Intel, OSX 10.6.8, 800x600 (TV VGA)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 3,156
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 3,156 |
Eddie,
Very nice and cool!
Yes, it is pretty Avant Garde.
But the melody is very smooth.
I feel a trick in the chord progression.
The song's tonality you specified is Cm, but if you shift the chords by one measure, the chord progression will be in Bbm as follows.
Bbm7 - Ab6 - Gbmaj7 - Fm7 - Ebm6 - Dbmaj7 - Cm7b5 - F7b9(=Cdim/F)
Transposing them to Cm gives the following.
Cm7 - Bb6 - Abmaj7 - Gm7 - Fm6 - Ebmaj7 - Dm7b5 - G7b9(=Ddim/G)
Above chord progression is also commonly used in pops.
Perhaps I think this trick made the melody very smooth.
Enjoyed my listen a lot.
Best regards.
Shigeki Adachi
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, January 15, 2026!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
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 new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. You can view the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to process an entire track or focus on specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
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, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Windows to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 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 for Windows® Special Offers Extended Until January 15, 2026!
Good news! You still have time to upgrade to the latest version of Band-in-a-Box® for Windows® and save. Our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® special now runs through January 15, 2025!
We've packed Band-in-a-Box® 2026 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 process 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, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PST on January 15th, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® today! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.
Happy New Year!
Thank you for being part of the Band-in-a-Box® community.
Wishing you and yours a very happy 2026—Happy New Year from all of us at PG Music!
Season's Greetings!
Wishing everyone a happy, healthy holiday season—thanks for being part of our community!
The office will be closed for Christmas Day, but we will be back on Boxing Day (Dec 26th) at 6:00am PST.
Team PG
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: The Newly Designed Piano Roll Window
In this video, we explore the updated Piano Roll, complete with a modernized look and exciting new features. You’ll see new filtering options that make it easy to focus on specific note groups, smoother and more intuitive note entry and editing, and enhanced options for zooming, looping, and more.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
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®!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics85,651
Posts794,320
Members39,928
| |
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean