I think there is a third approach on saying 'je t'aime'; It was demonstrated in a song from Jane Birkin and Serge Gainsbourg; 'Je t'aime, moi non plus'. That approach was not the one I had in mind, but if I sang it how you wrote it, it could have confused everyone in the forum what I was singing anyway. Now you will tell me you already have these confusions with my songs, don't you?
But thanks a lot for your compliments. I liked it, like your skills of the french language... Hans
What a nice post you wrote. Thanks for that! And one of the nice parts was what you wrote about the lyrics. It was my intention to leave room for interpretations on the who, what and why in the story and you did it. Nice!
I didn't realize the sound of an accordion makes you smoke bad cigarrettes. Sorry for that! I only wonder what you would have done if it was a citar? But thanks a lot for your nice compliments!
Actually the lyrics were not meant to make it a 'French' song. The woman in the story came from Paris to me, in the Netherlands and we wandered near the sea close to my home. But I can imagine it's more romantic to situate yourself in Paris. I think it's less chilly.
This is really beautiful! The Koto works well, as does the accordion. What I liked most, though, was the atmosphere you created here. It's as if I was somewhere by the sea, like a "fly on the wall", with both the characters of the story - and see it all unfold. Beautiful, with just a hint of sadness ... well written, well produced, well performed ... what's there more to say than "bravo"? :-)
It's a cool song. You'll find the Bardot version is closer to your pronunciation than the Birkin - but Jane was a Pom and Bridget Gallic so, probably, the more accurate use should be handed to BB.
I wonder how the pronunciation has morphed in the 45 or so years since.
Last edited by rayc; 02/03/2111:37 AM.
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
Hans, This is excellent! The instrument choices are inspired. Great vocal and some fine lyrics. It certainly reminded me of my travels through France. It is a great listen, Tom
Thanks so much for your nice reply on my song! Floyd did quote those lines, but I liked it you felt the same fibe in them. I can understand Janice picture herself in one or two french cafe's, but I have to dissapoint her; She left France to visit me and I live in the Netherlands and it was close to the sea. Actually it was Zandvoort, close to Haarlem (look it up on Google Maps). Not as romantic as Paris, though ...
But for me it doesn't matter what you fantasize as long as the song does something to you and that was the case! Nice day, Hans
Guitarhacker: I like it when listeners fantasize about the lyrics or the atmosphere the song evokes. and you wrote that process in a nice way. Thanks!
Scott: That is a nice compliment you made. Appreciate that!
Mario: See what I wrote to Janice about that cafe, but I liked it that an accordion does this. I thought I got her from Paris to me (and back unfortunately). But who cares! I was thinking about your compliments about my English in the lyrics. It sounded as a big compliment, still I wondered if and what kind of mistakes I made. would you mind telling me?
Thanks for your nice words. I enjoyed reading them. It gave me a special feeling maybe it is a good song after all... I bought me a new microphone, a Neumann U87 AI (man, they are not cheap!) and this was the first song recorded with it. It was a complete different experience! And your compliments underline the correctness of my decision to buy it.
Peter, I'm glad you enjoyed Listen. When searching for inspiration for a new song I had some Blues in mind, but while experimenting with some BIAB styles, I got stuck to some tune that eventually became Listen. So nice to see how these things go. You recognize these situations?
Ezekiel, More people talked about the sphere/ atmosphere this song evokes. I hadn't expected that when making it. I had my doubts about the story, the kind of chorusses and also that Koto. There were some parts that were really out of tune and I had to cut them. But all the time I came back to my first thoughts on this song. I'm glad I listened to myself...
Alan, so nice words you wrote! Because of your precious memories I don't dare to repeat what I wrote to Janice and Bud and Mario. The Koto was a bit unexpected, but I never intended to use a mandolin or whatsoever on the solopart. It had to be something exotic. And the sound was just right in the sphere of this song. Just what you said. I hope it will not stay my best song though!
Greg, Thanks for your description of the sphere it gave and what you said about the Koto. As I wrote to Alan, I hope it won't stay my best song. I take your words as a challenge, okay?
Yeah, I like this one. Really strong production and a write that conveys an emotion deeper than the words themselves. Haunting in its way. Love that accordion. Great story—cool tune.
ery beautiful romantic composition. The atmosphere of a promenade by the sea is well reproduced by the instruments chosen. The accordion and the koto have all their charm. It's very pleasant to listen to.
Thank you all for your comments on Listen. And thanks for waiting for my reply. Took too long. I have only one excuse; we're in the middle of a snowstorm (first time in ten years) and I was a bit dissapointed by this event. I was promissed a climatechange (tropics) and not this. I froze...
Originally Posted By: Alexander Paul
So many things I enjoyed with this song! Your voice, the choice of instruments, the melodies.
Alexander: thanks for mentioning everything in the song. I thought the song was -maybe- a bit dull, but looking at the reactions it wasn't.
Originally Posted By: BlueAttitude
Your best yet I think, Hans, not only the song but also the production. Well done!
Dave: I'm sure it isn't my best song. That has to come yet, don't you think? But thanks for this huge compliment from you!
Originally Posted By: dani48
Hi, Hans ! This is a superb tune so well performed and sung and mixed too ! The orchestration is also absolutely extraordinary super !
Have you been down to Spain ? I was about to go but then I didn´t due to the lockdown !
Cheers Dani
Dani: Well thanks Dani, nice to read these words from you. No I haven't been to Spain, but to Mexico. My son has a relation with a Mexican girl, and we had to visit her family. It's getting serious I think. but the Corona meassures makes it a challenge (my wife hopes). I made some songs about Mexico and my son. You can hear how it began and devellopd till now ;-) More serious; Mexico was nice and there was no real lock down. And we didn't get infected after all!
Originally Posted By: CaptainMoto
Very romantic. If you could put that in a bottle, you could sell it as a fine perfume with powerful a aphrodisiac.
Captain: You are a true romantic, Captain. What nice words! Even my wife was impressed...
Thanks for your nice posts and words. And sory for the delay in my replies to them. As I said in a post earlier I was frozen, because we are facing an icy cold period right now. That frozen me...
Originally Posted By: musician17
This is really beautiful! The Koto works well, as does the accordion. What I liked most, though, was the atmosphere you created here. It's as if I was somewhere by the sea, like a "fly on the wall", with both the characters of the story - and see it all unfold. Beautiful, with just a hint of sadness ... well written, well produced, well performed ... what's there more to say than "bravo"? :-)
Musician: I am very happy that you liked it and especially the image you got of it. And that sea was near to where I live (not pleasant at the moment). But I like how you describe that: 'a fly on the wall'. Very nice indeed!
Originally Posted By: Robertkc
A very engaging story song,Hans- nice close and restrained vocal gives the song an intimate feel and the arrangement fits well.
Robert: It was a bit of a guess to use conga's, a Koto and an accordion together, but it turned out well and I like it a lot to read you enjoyed it, thanks!
Originally Posted By: dcuny
Excellent! Well done vocally and musically. But more importantly, it did a really good job of transporting me into the story.
David: What nice of you to write this! And I am delighted to read you have 'entered' this story and made it yours...
Ray: I couldn't import your reply here. I think it's because of video's of Jane and Brigit. But I think you are misled by those two women (UK and French). They had another pronouncation, but mine is more sexier with my dark voice and Dutch accent... The moment I wrote 'je t'aime' I had to think of that song. That's not why I used it, but it was a nice 'bridge'. And see where it leads to; your videos and discussion on how to pronounce those words. I think I was the best, don't you agree?
Thanks everyone and for those who have not yet been vaccinated, stay safe! Hans
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)
One of our representatives will be happy to help you over the phone. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday, and 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST Saturday. We are closed Sunday. You can also send us your questions via email.
One of our representatives will be happy to help you on our Live Chat or by email. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday; 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST (GMT -8) Saturday; Closed Sunday.
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean