I was at Walmart earlier (where else?) and there was a guy in there wearing a cape! I don't know what his deal was but I was surely not going to get close enough to a guy in a cape to find out.
But that reminded me of seeing Liberace play at our long since gone theater in the round known as The Front Row. It only had 26 rows so every seat was great, and the sound in there was amazing. Plus the stage rotated so every 4-5 minutes you were in the middle of the stage.
So Liberace started his show. We all know he was extremely flamboyant both on and off the stage. His opening outfit was gold lame! He played 3 songs, then introduced the first of 3 guests, a female singer whose name I don't remember. She sang 2 songs, during which he went off stage to change clothes. When he returned he was wearing what amounted to a black jump suit with a red shirt, and a black cape with red lining that matched the shirt. And here's why the cape came into play.
After the first song of that segment he told a story about the IRS disallowing his deduction for his stage costumes. He explained how he debated with the agent that many of, if not all of, his outfits could also be worn as everyday clothing. And the punchline, delivered with that smile and wink that he had, was
"THIS is the outfit I wore to the audit!"
"I got the deduction!"
Sadly, he was a lifelong chain smoker, which depleted his pulmonary and cardiac systems, and that led to his body not being able to combat the effects of HIV later in life. He was a fantastic player. During that show he played a LOT of Chopin pieces, and he really knew how to capture an audience.
Not unlike the guy in the Walmart, who drew the complete attention of everybody he passed!
Yep... I never saw him live, but I do recall more than a few TV shows. He also used a trademark candelabra on the piano. His outfits were certainly "out there"... Cool story about the IRS audit.
Speaking of Walmart.... I saw a guy in there dressed in a Scottish Kilt. Complete with the high socks, military style boots, the scarf or whatever it's called that goes over the shoulder and the leather bag on a rope.... He was totally bald, and had those leather forearm protectors on as well. All he was lacking was a sword and bagpipes. This was in NC... right up the road from me about 5 miles.... I love the people of Walmart. So entertaining.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.com Add 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.
True story about a month into the lock down we had a guy wandering around the neighborhood with bagpipes in a kilt (and the rest of the attire) .. and actually playing. Just walking around playing that awful racket ..
Lasted a couple days, not sure what happened after that. /Honest, wasn't me that put an end to it, by I raise a pint to whoever did
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome Make your sound your own!
True story about a month into the lock down we had a guy wandering around the neighborhood with bagpipes in a kilt (and the rest of the attire) .. and actually playing. Just walking around playing that awful racket ..
Lasted a couple days, not sure what happened after that. /Honest, wasn't me that put an end to it, by I raise a pint to whoever did
Maybe he walked across the bridge into Sarnia. People will do anything to get out of that state!!
True story about a month into the lock down we had a guy wandering around the neighborhood with bagpipes in a kilt (and the rest of the attire) .. and actually playing. Just walking around playing that awful racket ..
Lasted a couple days, not sure what happened after that. /Honest, wasn't me that put an end to it, by I raise a pint to whoever did
Hi Bob, Bad to listen to, worse to record and reminds me of another true story. For about ten years I lived on the Isle of Skye off the west coast of Scotland. One day this pipe major walks into my studio and asks if I'll record a cassette of him playing bagpipes. Never being one to turn down paid work, I said yes and we fixed a booking. Well, it turns out that apart from being unbelievably loud, bagpipes have a frequency range from way down low, to frequencies which only dogs can hear and which are high enough to affect the bias on the tape machine (it was back in those days). I now know why none of the other studios within 100 miles would take the job. The only way I could get any sort of result was to strip out the high frequency with a Klark-Teknik graphic and then flatten the whole thing with a Drawmer compressor. After the recording I put back some brightness with an Aphex. The upshot was that he loved it and for the next few years I became the "go-to" place for bagpipe recordings on the basis of his recommendations. Eventually I fled to England and safety!
Liberace was a fabulous entertainer AND pianist, still enjoy his shows on you tube
ROG, what a great story, I played in Skye twice a week for a few years and loved it. Never tired of the scenery. Not a fan of the pipes either but, I like them when played with other instruments
In one of the yacht clubs that we frequently perform at, on formal nights, one guy dresses up in his kilt and all the accessories (except weapons), and his wife has a matching outfit. On formal nights I wear my tux, which my accountant tells me I can't take as a tax deduction.
And yes, Liberace was a very good pianist and entertainer.
And yes, Liberace was a very good pianist and entertainer. Notes
I heard him play Chopsticks once
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Pro & Windows 11, Cakewalk Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Session Keys Grand S & Electric R, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M, Pioneer Active Monitors.
I can't say for sure but I once heard that in China they call that song "Silverware".
Some years back a friend of mine bought a newer upright piano than what he had so when his daughter spent here every other weekend and alternating holidays with him she had a better piano to practice on. When he did that he gave me him.
I immediately went to all the salvage store places in my area and bought up every candelabra I cold find. I must have had a dozen of them. He sent me a pic when the delivery people delivered it. When I got home I sent him another pic with all of those things on it. That was like 9 years ago, and that piano is long gone, but he still has that picture.
Years ago, when I was in Columbus, Ohio, late one Friday night, around midnight, I go into a United Dairy Farmers store...you know kinda like a 7-11 these days.
Standing in line, there is a guy a few customers ahead of me. This guy is dressed in a purple velvet suit with bell-bottom pants with a bright canary satin shirt with collar points that spread out to his shoulders. He has a wide brim purple velvet hat on with a big yellow canary ostrich feather sticking out.
Everyone was starring, not knowing whether to laugh or smile for fear of getting shot. Anyhow, when he gets up to the checkout, he tells the checkout girl "Give me a pack of what I am....Kool!
Years ago, when I was in Columbus, Ohio, late one Friday night, around midnight, I go into a United Dairy Farmers store...you know kinda like a 7-11 these days.
Standing in line, there is a guy a few customers ahead of me. This guy is dressed in a purple velvet suit with bell-bottom pants with a bright canary satin shirt with collar points that spread out to his shoulders. He has a wide brim purple velvet hat on with a big yellow canary ostrich feather sticking out.
Everyone was starring, not knowing whether to laugh or smile for fear of getting shot. Anyhow, when he gets up to the checkout, he tells the checkout girl "Give me a pack of what I am....Kool!
I'm guessing it wasn't Liberace, but was instead, a local [*****]. (Uhhh OK.... essentially a "brother" who runs a business with certain ladies of ill-repute, and is known for dressing outrageously. )
Last edited by Guitarhacker; 01/10/2109:45 AM.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.com Add 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.
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.
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!
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.
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)
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