|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 6,067
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 6,067 |
This is a song about looking for answers in this mixed up world that we live in. The Sage The Band:3086:Organ, Rhythm AmericanaSlow128Mike Sw 040 3356:Guitar, Baritone Electric, Rhythm Moody128Brent Sw 060 Drums: EZDrummer2 Dave Bell - Additional Guitars and Vocal Marty Straub, aka BabuMusic - Bass Christiane Spruit - BGV's Mixed with Reaper, mastered with Ozone. The Sage (2020, David Bell)There's a Stranger, in the night
passing by, in the cold moonlight
A sense of wisdom, he has the sight
In these times that we live it's hard to tell
what's wrong from what is right
Can you tell me the answer, my friend?
The life we've known is coming to an end
So much has changed, been re-arranged, can't tell dark from light
Can you tell me the answer, my friend?
Solo
Can you tell me the answer, my friend?
In these times that we live it's hard to tell,
what's wrong from what is right
What was up is down, what was lost is found, can't tell dark from light
Can you tell me the answer, my friend?
Can you tell me the answer, my friend?
Can you tell me the answer, my friend?
OutroI don't consider myself to be a singer by any stretch of the imagination, but both Chris and Marty encouraged me to give it a try. Fortunately I had Chris along to add some much needed finesse  Also up on SoundCloud: The Sage We will probably do a video at some point, maybe another performance video, we had a lot of fun doing that for our last song, but might not be able to get it done in time for me to update the song description. All comments welcome! 10/07: Bumped the vocals up by 1.5 db based on feedback and uploaded new mix, thanks everyone!
Last edited by BlueAttitude; 10/07/20 01:02 AM. Reason: new mix
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 5,090
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 5,090 |
Well, now you need to consider this, Dave: You'll have to add lyricist and singer to your resume. You voice in this is perfect, and you're right, Chris can make anything sound better. I've already found myself singing that catch phrase to others. "Can you tell me the answer, my friend." It's weird how often the opportunity arises these days --especially here in the USA. As for the video... you got a lot of takes to take, man.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 294
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 294 |
Whoa with a capital W!
Your song had a resemblance to the House of the Rising Sun, really cool vibe...
As far as this comment:
"I don't consider myself to be a singer by any stretch of the imagination"
I don't know about anyone else, but my imagination is feeling a bit stretched after listening to you...
Great job/cool song...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,618
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,618 |
Wow.
Special mention to the guitar solos ... wow.
Otherwise ... just wow. Hats off, ladies and gentlemen ... serious artists here.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 3,357
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 3,357 |
Dave,
There are very few who have a singing certificate around here; you sing your own write with a gentle authority...( I hear a little Roger Waters in there), and the blend with Chris` voice is really nicely done.
Brilliant guitar work and, of course, a topnotch mix.
Robert
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 2,699
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 2,699 |
Hi most excellent peace great vocal love the guitar chops sweet clear crisp mix well done guys 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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 708
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 708 |
Hi Dave
Your voices blend very nicely. Well written song and wonderful solos, as per usual. Very much enjoyed.
Regards,
Leon
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,647
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,647 |
Dave,
Nicely done well sung- particularly liked the blend of your voice with Chris.
You are getting very proficient with that drum programming!
Your wonderful solos are a great addition to any song.
Marty - Excellent bass lines throughout.
The song sounds great.
Peter
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,081
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,081 |
Top notch production. You guys really hit the mark with this one. Everything sounds so good (vocals, instrumentation, and, especially the background vocals - they were the cherry on top). Great use of the band too. Cool song. Nice job to all.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,269
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,269 |
Loved it, vox were more than good enough, guitar was searing, even the graphic of The Sage was so cool.
Windows 11, Intel Core I5 10400, 16 gig ram, Scarlett 2i2, Sony Acid Music Studio 10, BIAB 2020 UltraPlus Pak
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,240
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,240 |
I'll lead with the nit: the lead vocal seemed buried. Everything else: Stellar. 
-- 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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 6,067
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 6,067 |
Well, now you need to consider this, Dave: You'll have to add lyricist and singer to your resume. You voice in this is perfect, and you're right, Chris can make anything sound better. I've already found myself singing that catch phrase to others. "Can you tell me the answer, my friend." It's weird how often the opportunity arises these days --especially here in the USA. As for the video... you got a lot of takes to take, man. Cheers, Marty! Whoa with a capital W!
Your song had a resemblance to the House of the Rising Sun, really cool vibe...
As far as this comment:
"I don't consider myself to be a singer by any stretch of the imagination"
I don't know about anyone else, but my imagination is feeling a bit stretched after listening to you...
Great job/cool song... Very kind of you, but man, after hearing *your* vocal ... goosebumps! Thanks for the listen, appreciate it! Wow.
Special mention to the guitar solos ... wow.
Otherwise ... just wow. Hats off, ladies and gentlemen ... serious artists here. Thanks, James!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,936
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,936 |
Dave, Chris, Marty...
I always look forward to hearing your songs when they appear. It is always a pleasure. Music at its best.
A good Rock write with a good, simple message that gets right to the matter.
Nice vocal. The voice of a Sage.
(I would not label it as "buried" - as David did - but I agree it could come up a little - a dB or 2 or somewhere in between that)
And the Sagettes are great!
Another gorgeous production and mix. Marty's bass is like butter. Sweet. ALL of the guitars sound great. You ALWAYS have the best organ sound. Great job on the drums - Rock solid with nice simple flairs.
Super solos. Guitar tone is exquisite. Love that bite! Tasteful, as always.
That little tremolo on the organ is a nice touch.
Always worth many listens.
A smorgasbord for the ears.
fj
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,349
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,349 |
Holy Crap Dave. How come you haven't been singing before. I got a Chris Rea vibe on this tune. The vocal was awesome and then your guitar wow. Vocals, harmonies, guitar and bass = perfect. Wow !!!!!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 1,572
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 1,572 |
Hello BlueAttitude,
well written lyrics. The singer's voice (maybe a little more volume on it) in the bass sounds is perfect for this. The superb double female voice reinforces the lyrics. Beautiful guitar playing and superb arrangement. Well done.
Kindly regard
alias JaniJackFlash
Kindly regards
Derochette
alias JaniJackFlash
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,279
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,279 |
That's a cool thing.
The voice is perfect for the song.
Cool mix with a very cool stinging solo.
The only thing that struck me as worth addressing is the throb of the organ across the stereo image. I'd be inclined to render the organ to mono and keep it over on the left .
Ignore me though... it's a fab track.
Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 6,067
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 6,067 |
Dave,
There are very few who have a singing certificate around here; you sing your own write with a gentle authority...( I hear a little Roger Waters in there), and the blend with Chris` voice is really nicely done.
Brilliant guitar work and, of course, a topnotch mix.
Robert
Well, I won't be replacing Chris as the main vocalist any time soon, but it was fun to do one. Thanks as always for the support, Robert! Hi most excellent peace great vocal love the guitar chops sweet clear crisp mix well done guys Eric Glad you liked it, thanks, Eric! Hi Dave
Your voices blend very nicely. Well written song and wonderful solos, as per usual. Very much enjoyed.
Regards,
Leon Appreciate that, thanks, Leon!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 723
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 723 |
Very contemplative lyrics. Your vocals add a haunting, questioning flavor to the song. The harmonies are great in that it seems as if many are also questioning the now. Very nice!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,163
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,163 |
The somber feel of your vocal fits the write perfectly and the
harmony is sublime. We're late to the party so we missed the
first mix but what we are hearing are vocals that fit, to our ears,
right where they should be in the mix.
So much goodness: the always perfect bass for the tune, your
soaring playing that offers a great and effective contrast to the
sad lyric.
Great drums too. What more to say ... how about great everything!
Another dimension of BlueAttitude -- cool.
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Holiday Weekend Hours
It's Victoria Day Long Weekend in Canada. Our Customer Service hours are:
Saturday, May 16: Closed
Sunday, May 17: Closed
Monday, May 18: 8:00am - 4:00pm
Regular hours resume Tuesday, May 19th!
Today's the Last Day of the Band-in-a-Box 2026® for Mac Special!
Order before 11:59pm PDT today (May 15, 2026) to save up to 50% off your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrade and receive a FREE Bonus PAK loaded with great new Add-ons to use with this new version!
Don't wait - order today!
Check out all the new features in the redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!
Order before 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th and SAVE up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 for Mac Upgrade packages... and that's not all! With your version 2026 for Mac purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks... that's 222 NEW RealTracks available with version Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac!
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® today for as little as $49! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all available purchase options.
Learn more about the Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK here.
If you have any questions about which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We're here to help!
202 New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2026!
With Band-in-a-Box® 2026, we've released 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 468-488) in a variety of genres—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Funk & World (Sets 468-475):
Our new jazz, funk & blues RealTracks include a groovin’ collection of RealTracks and RealDrums! These include more requested “soul jazz” RealTracks featuring artists Neil Swainson (bass), Charles Treadway (organ), Brent Mason (guitar), and Wes Little (drums). There are new “smooth jazz” styles (4), which include a RealTracks first: muted trumpet, as well as slick new smooth jazz brushes options for drums. Blues lovers will be thrilled—there are more “classic acoustic blues” styles, including guitar (5), bass (4), and drums (10) with blues master Colin Linden, featuring understated and tasty background acoustic soloing, plus brushes drums and acoustic bass. There are also new electric blues RealTracks, including electric blues with PG favorite Johnny Hiland (3) and soulful electric slide guitar from Colin Linden (4). If you love funk & gospel, there are great new options this year, including gospel organ (3) from Charles Treadway, as well as new funk, tango, and rock ’n’ roll drums (3) and bass (1). And for big, bold arrangements, we have uptempo soul horns (4) featuring a three-part hip horn section with options for a full mix or stems of each individual horn — plus an accompanying rhythm section (4) of drums, bass, guitar, and electric piano!
Rock & Pop (Sets 476–482):
Our new rock & pop RealTracks bring a powerful mix of requested favorites, fresh genres, and modern chart-inspired styles! We have more of our popular “Producer Layered Acoustic Guitars (15)” featuring Band-in-a-Box favorite Brent Mason. We’ve continued our much-requested disco styles (10), and added new Celtic guitar (5) with a more basic, accessible approach than our previous Drop-D or DADGAD offerings. There are also highly requested yacht rock styles (17), inspired by the smooth, polished soft-rock sound of the late ’70s and early ’80s — laid-back grooves, silky electric pianos, warm textures, elegant harmonic movement, and pristine production aesthetics. Fans of heavier styles will love our new glam metal (13), capturing the flashy, high-energy sound of ’80s arena-ready guitar rock. We also have a set of rootsy modern-folk rock (18), with a warm, organic sound combining contemporary folk textures and driving acoustic strumming. And we’ve added lots of new modern pop styles (16) — the kinds of sounds you’re hearing on the radio today, featuring exciting new drums, synths, and cutting-edge RealTracks arrangements.
Country, & Americana (Sets 483–488):
Our new country & Americana RealTracks deliver a rich collection of acoustic, electric, and roots-inspired styles! We have new country pop (9) with legendary guitarist Brent Mason. There is also a potpourri (14) of bouzouki, guitars, banjo, and more, perfect for adding texture and character to contemporary acoustic arrangements. We’ve added funky country guitar (5) with PG favorite Brent Mason, along with classic pedal steel styles (5) featuring steel great Doug Jernigan. There are more country songwriter styles (8) that provide intimate, rootsy foundations for storytelling and modern Americana writing. Finally, we have “background soloing” acoustic guitar (12) with Brent Mason — simpler, but still very tasty acoustic lines designed to sit beautifully behind vocals or act as a subtle standalone solo part.
Check out all the 202 new RealTracks (in sets 468-488)!
And, if you are looking for more, the 2026 49-PAK (for $49) includes an impressive collection of 20 bonus RealTracks, featuring exciting and inspiring additions to add to your RealTracks library. You'll get new country-rhythm guitar styles from PG Music favorites Johnny Hiland and Brent Mason, along with modern-pop grooves that capture today’s radio-ready sound! There are also new indie-folk styles with guitar, bass, 6-string bass used as a high-chording instrument, acoustic guitar, and banjo. Plus, dedicated "cymbal fills" RealDrums provide an added layer that work very well with low-key folky styles with other percussion.
The 2026 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2026 49-PAK!
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
With your version 2026 for Mac 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)
- iOS Android Band-in-a-Box® App
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 PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
XPro & Xtra Styles PAK Sets On Sale Now - Until May 15, 2026!
All of our XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs are on sale until May 15th, 2026!
It's the perfect time to expand your Band-in-a-Box® style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs. These additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® offer a wide range of genres designed to fit seamlessly into your projects. Each style is professionally arranged and mixed, helping enhance your songs while saving you time.
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 1-10 includes 1,000 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 includes 3,700 styles (and 35 MIDI styles)!
The XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs are not included in any Band-in-a-Box® package.
The XPro Styles PAKs 1-10 are available 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 Mac or for Windows.
The Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the Xtra Styles PAK Bundle for only $199 (reg. $349)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
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.
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 as they require the RealTracks included in the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Supercharge your Band-in-a-Box today with XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAK Sets!
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.
Whether you're exploring new features, checking out the latest RealTracks or Style PAKs, this is your go-to guide for Band-in-a-Box® 2026.
Check out this forum post for "One Stop Shopping" of our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Videos!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,306
Posts803,031
Members40,087
| |
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean