|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,052
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,052 |
Hello and Happy Holidays Forum friends!! I have always loved Christmas songs and the season in general. To me, the beginning of school in the Fall (for those of that age) and Christmas season are the 2 times of the year that really connect a person to the past. I have so many memories of Christmases with family and friends, and hearing the songs (particularly Nat King Cole, Sinatra, and Happy Christmas by John Lennon) bring back those wonderful and care free days. Although I love the religious songs (Silent night, etc.), I tend to lean toward the standards of the 50's era. This is one of those songs. Hope you like it! I treasure your feedback. Take care, and Merry Christmas all! Greg https://soundcloud.com/gjohnson-2/xmas-lightsChristmas Lights Christmas lights, on those stormy nights Help to keep my spirit bright And I like to call, when snow starts to fall Just to make sure you’re alright And I count the days, in my weary haze Until we meet again But the Christmas lights keep me goin’ Until then Christmas time always has a shine Brings a warmth into my heart And, the great surprise, in the children’s eyes Guess that’s still my favorite part And it’s understood, peace and brotherhood Are the joys the season brings With each jingling bell An angel gets their wings Ebenezer gets to save his soul George Bailey’s friends come through And I can’t wait to share it all with you The fire is burning low, so to bed I’ll go I know I’ve got to get some rest So I’ll blow a kiss, to you, the one I miss And pray the angels keep you blessed And I’ll hold you tight, through the stormy night That sweet dream will pull me through And someday soon, I’ll watch those Christmas lights With you The players: Bass. 2311 Piano. 487 Drums. Jazz swing brushes snare Trombone 492 Strings 2952 Piano and strings were saved MIDI and played through Kontakt plugins
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,647
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,647 |
Hi Greg ...
I fully agree with your love of the pop Christmas songs of the 50s. I grew in that era and have such wonderful memories of the time ... the innocence and carefree comfort of that lifestyle. You certainly brought it back into the spotlight with this fabulous song. It's a wonderful song ... reminds me of Nat King Cole more than anyone.
So few people have such a fabulous gift as your voice. Thank you for sharing it with us fortunate listeners. There is so much "wow factor" in everything you do. Listening to your music is a precious treasure for Diana and me.
wishing you and yours a wonderful Christmas and a very prosperous New Year in 2021. Take care, my friend.
Alan & Di
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 2007
Posts: 6,006
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 6,006 |
I love songs from that era too, and this stands up with any of them.
Instant classic!
Best to you and yours for Christmas, Greg.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,845
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,845 |
Greg Johnson. A great jazz group. A new Christmas song. That velvety voice.
Can't think of a better combination. A Christmas present for us all.
It is NOT easy to come up with a Christmas song that sounds NEW and OLD at the same time. The hits the mark. So well-written (lyric AND melody).
Gorgeous.
This should become a standard.
fj
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,586
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,586 |
Ah, my favourite crooner of the BIAB/PG Music Showcase forum ... you NEVER disappoint. You take me to an era I never knew in person (I'm an eighties child) ... and yet it's like I'm there. Thank you.
In this song, at least, you remind me a little of Bing Crosby. Bravo.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 4,970
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 4,970 |
Right? Man, I can hear any of the crooners from that era cutting this as the first track for Side A of their Christmas classics album, but I much prefer hearing you do it, Greg. Quite a range in there. I can hear you tucking in your chin for some of those "Someday soon..."s. Great choice for the trombone solo. Outstanding write capturing the sound of the times, and a magical presentation. Happy Christmas, Greg!!
Last edited by BabuMusic; 12/14/20 11:02 AM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 4,335
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 4,335 |
Definitely a modern classic! Beautifully sung and produced. Simply a great write and the mix is outstanding. This is superlative in every way. Happy Holidays to you and yours,Tom
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,119
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,119 |
Great song, great singing and I love the references to some great Christmas movies as well. Whatever else happens, I always watch It's A Wonderful Life each December. Happy Holidays to all!
Windows 11, Intel Core I5 10400, 16 gig ram, Scarlett 2i2, Sony Acid Music Studio 10, BIAB 2020 UltraPlus Pak
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 1,591
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 1,591 |
It has come out of that genre, Greg, but is a fresh new take on the standards. No wonder they have been listened to and loved for so long by so many. More like this, please.
Last edited by edshaw; 12/14/20 04:49 PM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,081
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,081 |
Very smooth sound. It hits the mark of that classic Christmas song style (Cole, et. al.). The band has the spirit too. Nice work.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,647
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,647 |
Greg
Superb work - such a smooth endearing sound.
Merry Christmas from Australia.
Peter
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 1,677
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 1,677 |
Hello Greg,
what a beautiful tune that is! Love the band and the arrangement, the trombone solo is just awesome. And your vocal is just devine.
Very, very nice !,
Take care,
Stefan
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 708
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 708 |
Hi Greg
The fifties is also my favourite decade for Christmas songs and this one certainly captures that feel. Great vocal performance as always. Merry Christmas and stay safe.
Regards,
Leon
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,451
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,451 |
Beautiful Greg. 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,184
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,184 |
As others have said, a modern classic. Velvet smooth, and the underappreciated trombone gets a chance to solo. Lyrically, hits all the right buttons, from Christmas films to feeling lonesome holiday blues. Lovely melody, and a great arrangement, especially the understated strings. Your vocals are gorgeous as always. Thanks for the early Christmas present! 
-- 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: Apr 2019
Posts: 1,042
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 1,042 |
I've saved it to my 'favorites list' in my browser. What more can I say?
Last edited by Ghostgum; 12/16/20 01:22 AM.
ProTools; Ableton Live Lite; Reaper
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 MK4 interface
Novation Launchkey 61 Mk4 midi controller
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 1,572
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 1,572 |
Hello Greg,
Superb atmosphere and very soft voice. You manage to make us experience this magical Christmas atmosphere. The solo trumpet very pleasant and the whole leaves us a sweet impression. Well done.
Good new year
Derochette
alais JaniJackFlash
Kindly regards
Derochette
alias JaniJackFlash
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,033
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,033 |
Nat all the way. Velvet smooth indeed.
We enjoyed the Bailey reference!
We loved floyd's "old and new at the same time."
We have both listened to the classic crooners over the
years and have a genuine appreciation for what
you accomplished with this production.
Well done.
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,274
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,274 |
Beautiful Christmas song Greg. Super vocal. These songs transcend time. Well done
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 241
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 241 |
I LOVE crooner songs! Loved the melody, the vocals and the sweet vibe in that special time of the year. Thank you!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PowerTracks Pro 2026 for Windows is Here!
PowerTracks 2026 is here—bringing powerful new enhancements designed to make your production workflow faster, smoother, and more intuitive than ever.
The enhanced Mixer now shows Track Type and Instrument icons for instant track recognition, while a new grid option simplifies editing views. Non-floating windows adopt a modern title bar style, replacing the legacy blue bar.
The Master Volume is now applied at the end of the audio chain for consistent levels and full-signal master effects.
Tablature now includes a “Save bends when saving XML” option for improved compatibility with PG Music tools. Plus, you can instantly match all track heights with a simple Ctrl-release after resizing, and Add2 chords from MGU/SGU files are now fully supported... and more!
Get started today—first-time packages start at just $49.
Already using PowerTracks Pro Audio? Upgrade for as little as $29 and enjoy the latest improvements!
Order now!
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!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics85,989
Posts798,713
Members40,005
| |
Most Online44,367
Mar 4th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean