Here is another AABA form song that I wrote. I really do like this style. It's fun.
The song is an ode to Jacksonville, FL. I've only passed through Jacksonville twice in my life and I really know nothing about the city other than what I've read. My grandmother came from St. Augustine, which is in that general vicinity.
Here is a key to certain phrases, etc., used in the song:
Title and referenced in song:
JAX - the city is nicknamed JAX. The airport code is JAX.
Second verse:
"Strolling on a beach that's stretched for miles" - Jacksonville has the most shoreline of any other city in the U. S. They have lots of beaches and they stretch for miles.
Bridge:
"Duval" - Jacksonville is in (and makes up most of) Duval County. And "Duval" is another nickname for JAX.
Third verse:
"...the First Coast" - The five counties in Northeast Florida were the first colonized by Europeans. It is a marketing term that they came up with in the 1980s and it has stuck.
Now for the particulars:
I'm still using BIAB 2012 as I have some unfinished songs in there, although this one was not one of them. I was tired of trying to finish my old songs so I decided to write a completely new one - this one.
BIAB style - Bogey - Slow Swing Ballad
33 Acoustic String Bass 1 Acoustic Piano 41 Brush Kit And I used "Pads," but I'm not sure if it is 50 Slow Strings or 12 Vibes
I recorded the vocals on my LG Android phone (in my basement this time, not my car). I transferred the file to my Mixcraft 5, where my BIAB files were also uploaded to. Everything was mixed in Mixcraft5. I usually try to play at least one instrument on my tracks but I just couldn't fit anything in so I butted out.
I also did a video for the song. I removed the introduction from the video as most viewers (other than fellow BIAB form artists, perhaps) don't get past the first 30 seconds of a song in many cases, so I try to hit them with the meat of the composition as soon as I can.
Here is the video:
Thanks for any listens and comments.
The Jax
Goodbye New York So long snow I had to hop a plane And just go I surely lost my winter chill Down in Jacksonville
I met happy people With friendly smiles Strolling on a beach That's stretched for miles I'm kicking back, I know the drill Down in Jacksonville
Sunshine feels so fine Palm trees in the ocean breeze Duval has it all These are the facts about the Jax
I'm sending post cards From the First Coast Hurry on down I'll play host Put your drinks on my bill Down in Jacksonville
Sunshine feels so fine Palm trees in the ocean breeze Duval has it all These are the facts about the Jax
I'm sending post cards From the First Coast Hurry on down I'll play host Put your drinks on my bill Down in Jacksonville
Cool, jptjptjpt. I've passed through Jacksonville many times, but definitely would've stopped in for a song like this. A laid-back feeling, catchy melody, and inviting lyrics. Loved the video with all the old postcards too. Very well done all around.
Enjoy whatever happens! marty
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@babumusic51 SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/marty-straub Band in a Box, Reaper, Cakewalk, Ozone 11, EZDrummer
Like Marty said, if I will cross through Jacksonville i will certainly stop. Not only for the song, but also the drinks on your account. I think Marty meant that as well. A pitty though, the road to your place is very long...
I liked the idea you were singing in your car I once said to you. But the recording in your basement is even brighter. Very well done! Your lyrics are very nice and tell something about that city. That's nice. There is one 'but' though: You sing a bit sadly and also slightly monotonous. Not the sparkling tuones I was expecting for this song with this message. It feels you have lost something or -one and not celebrating it is you living in Jacksonville. Oh... I also think it maybe is time to upgrade to BiaB X (where X stands for every version higher than 2012). The sound of the piano will then be much better, I bet.
The vocal recording is much better than last time...well done. I reckon the backing's a little limp though. Is it Midi? That's explain it. I'd do some Real Tracks swaps and pull the vocal back a little BUT it's a fine song, sounds sun drenched and thirty.
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
It's incredible that you recorded your vocal with a phone! It sounds great!The LG company should use you in an advertisement!
Great job on your tune in all aspects! I've seen Jacksonville several times from a distance on the way to the beach but obviously can't relate to it like you!
jptjptjpt, Nicely done. Good vocals, I can't believe you recorded it with a phone! Good arrangement, but I wish drums would be a little "thicker" and more realistic. There are some very convincing free ones out there in the form of VST or SF2. Thank you for sharing and detailed background on the tune.
Got a little Ray Wylie vibe here with your vocal and the arrangement -- a good thing.
Jacksonville? Hmmm....I saw the Beatles there, Janice vacationed there when a child and the Allman Brothers started there. Hard to go wrong!
The lyric could've come from Buffet ... nice.
Enjoyed it!
J&B
PS Cool postcard video.
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 are here on our website.
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We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
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