RealTracks in song: 3099:Organ, Rhythm AmericanaSlow16thsMike Ev16 060 RealTracks in song: 2879:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm AmericanaSparseSlow16thsColin Ev16 060
Vocal: Chris Spruit Bass: Marty Straub Guitars: Dave Bell Drums: EZDrummer2
I ended up recording five guitar tracks for this (not all playing at the same time )
Mixed in Reaper, mastered with Ozone.
For Heavens Sake (2020, Christiane Spruit)
In my tunes in my tunes blue nights come crawling back home to me now and then in those times in those times I am holding myself upright for me to stay safe for heaven's sake
Bringing the blue into my room laying my heart down next to you your picture in the frame looks as if it's going to say all broken hearts must cry
Hurting you did hurt me too caught our love by the blade, instead avoiding the pain Like a cut like a cut that opens up again now and then grace for heaven’s sake
The first thing that struck me is how Chris's voice is developing with each successive song. So professional in her phrasing and the amount of emotion she pours into the lyrics.
Fabulous guitar work here as well - some of your very best, Dave. And Marty, doing exactly what a great bass player should do - always sympathetic to the track, always underpinning the excellent backing.
And the arrangement - so accomplished, so well thought out, maintaining interest from start to interrupted finish.
A very long and totally convincing intro shows you guys really are at the top of the game. I agree with ROG- Chris raises the bar on her vocals here; there`s more presence and emotion than ever. Nice layers on those guitars and that outro:whoa!! Its going to be unavoidable... you`ll be hearing "your best yet" many times.
Loved this Dave. Chris’s vocal was perfect. Loved your guitar work. Tone was so bright and crisp. I must add to Rogs comments on Marty’s bass lines. When I am looking for things to add to a song I mute all the tracks except the bass and drums. He has a great feel. This is a very cool song.
The first thing that struck me is how Chris's voice is developing with each successive song. So professional in her phrasing and the amount of emotion she pours into the lyrics.
Fabulous guitar work here as well - some of your very best, Dave. And Marty, doing exactly what a great bass player should do - always sympathetic to the track, always underpinning the excellent backing.
And the arrangement - so accomplished, so well thought out, maintaining interest from start to interrupted finish.
Did I say I liked it?
ROG.
Thanks for mentioning the arrangement, that is something we spent quite a bit of time with. And thanks for mentioning the guitar too of course And yeah, Marty always delivers the perfect part for the song.
Dark and beautiful. The drum pulse is like a heartbeat that underpins the whole thing. The guitars are stunning. The vocals beautiful. The writing sublime. All of it so professionally done. Congratulations!
That is some solid modern blues at it's best. Great breaks and drum fills. The guitar swells on the first verse fills were inspired. Solid as a rock bass lines and I agree that the vocal may be the best yet from Chris. I thought the guitar volume levels were on the money and the overall mix sounded great. You three are on a tear. Great stuff and these observations come from a lifelong lover of the blues, Tom
Boy, that is some fine, fine stuff!!! The band just gels so well, and Chris' voice gets better and better.......tons of emotion in this vocal!! And Dave's soaring lead over Marty's sweet bass rounds out a great production!! Great work by all!! Take care. Greg
Really liked this a lot, all the attention to detail paid off. Terrific synergy. More than 'kept my attention,' this kept me thrilled throughout. Great work!
Windows 11, Intel Core I5 10400, 16 gig ram, Scarlett 2i2, Sony Acid Music Studio 10, BIAB 2020 UltraPlus Pak
The dynamics really create the drama to support the narrative. Holes and parred down parts that create anticipation. There's the occasional touch of Chris Issacs guitar to go with the soaring lead licks. Nothing to not enjoy...the package is excellent.
Last edited by rayc; 08/08/2002:41 PM.
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
Blue A. Cool intro! Guitar(s) is/are an ear opener. Very emotional, intimate vocals, almost gypsy music influenced. Very balance between achieving perfection and yet not being uptight. Liked it a lot!
Nothing not to like here! Good job folks. The guitar solo starting at 3:34 was especially tasty.
Appreciate that, Dan, thanks!
Originally Posted By: Robertkc
A very long and totally convincing intro shows you guys really are at the top of the game. I agree with ROG- Chris raises the bar on her vocals here; there`s more presence and emotion than ever. Nice layers on those guitars and that outro:whoa!! Its going to be unavoidable... you`ll be hearing "your best yet" many times.
Loved this Dave. Chris’s vocal was perfect. Loved your guitar work. Tone was so bright and crisp. I must add to Rogs comments on Marty’s bass lines. When I am looking for things to add to a song I mute all the tracks except the bass and drums. He has a great feel. This is a very cool song.
Hey Scott, I thought that tone worked well for the intro. Went back to my normal blues/rock tone for the solo though. Thanks for the listen/comments!
Originally Posted By: rsdean
Dave / Chris,
This is as good as it gets. Outstanding vocals and really sharp crisp production.
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 11 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
XPro Styles PAK 11 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 (and higher) is here with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 31 RealTracks/RealDrums!
Guess who’s back again? That’s right! It’s our XPro Styles PAK’s triumphant return with the 11th edition in this series! 100 new styles are coming your way spread across the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres. And this edition's wildcard genre explores the immense and far-reaching catalogue of electronic music! The included 31 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1-11 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!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2026 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 22 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2026 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
It’s time to celebrate! Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Band-in-a-Box® is here, and we've got 200 brand-new styles coming your way!
No Xtra Styles PAK is complete without the classic rock & pop, jazz, and country volumes you know and love, and we’ve got plenty to share, with 150 styles spread across too many genres to list! Of course, it also wouldn’t be complete with our special wildcard volume to add a little spice and pizzazz to the mix. This year, because we loved it so much the first time, we’ve decided to make the second iteration of our SynthMaster volume, full of new sounds, interesting genres, and 50 engaging styles, all making use of the diverse SynthMaster plugin! Here you can find genres such as airy yacht rock, sultry electrotango, and even some synth soca funk. Don’t wait, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 22 today!
In this PAK you can find: dulcet folk ballads, funky gospel country, Brazilian jazz fusion, upbeat 1980s pop, classic Americana, a plethora of breezy bossa novas, indie singer-songwriter, scintillating synthwave, exuberant electronica, and many, many more!
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1-22 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 22 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 22 requires the 2026 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 11 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
XPro Styles PAK 11 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 (and higher) is here with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 31 RealTracks/RealDrums!
Guess who’s back again? That’s right! It’s our XPro Styles PAK’s triumphant return with the 11th edition in this series! 100 new styles are coming your way spread across the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres. And this edition's wildcard genre explores the immense and far-reaching catalogue of electronic music! The included 31 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1-11 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!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2026 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 22 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2026 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
It’s time to celebrate! Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Band-in-a-Box® is here, and we've got 200 brand-new styles coming your way!
No Xtra Styles PAK is complete without the classic rock & pop, jazz, and country volumes you know and love, and we’ve got plenty to share, with 150 styles spread across too many genres to list! Of course, it also wouldn’t be complete with our special wildcard volume to add a little spice and pizzazz to the mix. This year, because we loved it so much the first time, we’ve decided to make the second iteration of our SynthMaster volume, full of new sounds, interesting genres, and 50 engaging styles, all making use of the diverse SynthMaster plugin! Here you can find genres such as airy yacht rock, sultry electrotango, and even some synth soca funk. Don’t wait, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 22 today!
In this PAK you can find: dulcet folk ballads, funky gospel country, Brazilian jazz fusion, upbeat 1980s pop, classic Americana, a plethora of breezy bossa novas, indie singer-songwriter, scintillating synthwave, exuberant electronica, and many, many more!
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1-22 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 22 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 22 requires the 2026 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.
zplane recently interviewed Peter Gannon, the founder and creator of Band-in-a-Box, about the software's early days, what sets it apart from AI, how zplane's audio algorithms are used in Band-in-a-Box, and more!
Special thanks to the team at zplane for their continued support.
Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PDT today!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
Version 2026 introduces a modernized GUI redesign across the program, with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, and a new Dark Mode option. There’s also a new side toolbar for quicker access to commonly used windows, and the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, making it easier to customize your workspace.
Another exciting new addition is the amazing new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. View the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to transcribe an entire track or transcribe specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Mac® to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.
If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Special Offers Extended Until May 31st!
Good news- we've extended our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® special offers until May 31, 2026!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 is packed with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can transcribe an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PDT on May 31st, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Check out the Band-in-a-Box® for Mac packages page to find the best package for you.
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