On the video page I wrote words like "that's why these birds are not my favorite, but your song is!" At first the song: Nice to know it is an oldie in remix. That's is done very good, but I bet the original song must have been as good as this one! The melody is always a nice Blues. Who can't love that? I was a bit curious what you did with the bass in Neutron (3 times)? What did that do extra to the sound?
And secondly the video; that was very nice work! The present and past represented by the sepia and color mixing. But I also liked that anxious face of Janice in the woods, her eyes were nearly popping out, because of the vultures (I saw more than one).
So, a triple + for this performance, Hans
Thanks Hans! Janice enjoyed her role in this. We both had fun watching the scenes after recording and lip syncing them. Yeah those vultures got her wide-eyed We have a lot of vultures in our area and our dog does not like them! Regarding the bass … “Neutron 3” is the name of the plug-in.
We appreciate all you said!
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! A few of our videos are here on our website: https://www.janiceandbud.com/our-music.html
It's 4:28 a.m. for me right now and I thought I'd slip into the Showcase forum and have a listen to some songs.
"Vulture" was top of the list.
With the help of Google, I hunted around the nooks and crannies of the internet and found an image that shows my reaction the minute Janice started singing.
This is incredibly, amazingly, outstandingly, inspiringly good music, great arranging, brilliant audio/visuals and as professional as anything/everything!
From the first note to the last note, I was mesmerised.
I love how Janice launched straight into the song. Wow! Without exception, this type of beginning is the most powerful there is and it's been used by all the great singers in some of their most memorable songs. I've probably mentioned this a few times before. This technique was one that Elvis Presley often used.
Janice, your performance, your arrangement, your "method" singing and your method acting were incredible. It's like you have an endless breadth and depth to your talent for making beautiful music. It's a well-earned and very enthusiastic standing ovation from me on all that you did.
Peter, you guitar work was sublime. Your skill, style, performing and producing was first class. It's also a well-earned and very enthusiastic standing ovation from me.
Bud, your writing, your mix and your videography were spectacular. Absolutely brilliant in every way. Like a layer of the finest Belgian chocolate coating a silky-smooth, rich and creamy vanilla ice-cream, this production really tantalized the taste buds (no pun intended). So it's yet another well-earned and very enthusiastic standing ovation from me.
In case it's not easily seen in what I've written above, I truly am a fan of what the three of you manage to accomplish time and time again.
I'm not into the video aspect but you most definitely have it well under control. Nicely done.
Here in NC it's an amazing sight to see a dozen vultures sitting in a field with their wings spread to catch the warming rays on a cold morning.
Loved the song
Thanks Herb. Yep we see that about every day ... waiting on the thermals. We have zillions of them due to all the deer road kills.
J&B
Originally Posted By: edshaw
Pretty awesome video, really. At first, I thought it was going to be about the temptations of sin, with the vultures symbolizing Lucifer's exploitive nature. Then it went to the vultures were hanging around the TB sick bed, waiting for a snack. Very good. Great production values all around! I've not seen that many vultures. Have you looked in on your neighbors lately?
Thanks for all Ed. Haha ... on one of our bike rides there is an older home that for years has always had vultures on the roof ... but the folks seem to be OK
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! A few of our videos are here on our website: https://www.janiceandbud.com/our-music.html
Hello Janice, Bud and Peter Very good song Janice once again delivers a great performance. Both vocally and in the video. But also the guitar work and the sound are really good. I like the crossfade effects in the video very much. Excellent work Many greetings Andi ;-)
Thanks Andi for watching and the nice comments. They are appreciated. Glad you liked the crossfades!
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! A few of our videos are here on our website: https://www.janiceandbud.com/our-music.html
Another great collaboration from you guys. The combination of players in the band is a great matchup.
Charlie
Thanks Charlie,
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! A few of our videos are here on our website: https://www.janiceandbud.com/our-music.html
Hi J&B love the video really nice super vocal great guitar work and that bass is so good thanks guys for sharing 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
this composition is a success with a splendid video. I really appreciated. Thank you for sharing.
Kindly regard derochette alias JaniJackFlash
Thank you!
J&B
Originally Posted By: Ezekiel's Storm
That gets a big "WOW!" from me.
All the usual suspect are one fire in this collaboration, but I do want to point out that IMHO this is one of Janice's top vocal performances.
The video is exceptional too. Excellent camera work and editing. Acting is good too!
Thank you very much! We had a lot of fun with it.
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! A few of our videos are here on our website: https://www.janiceandbud.com/our-music.html
This was on my list for a long time. Sorry for the late reply. Very strong tune! Love Janice vocals on this! Super solo by Peter! Bud, getting pretty creative with video, definitely upping the game. Fun sepia segment (cool mic BTW). If I am correct, these are black vultures, except for the one on the chimney? Where I am there are only turkey vultures. Thank you for sharing. Good one.
Wow what a blues song, and video. Great job on both, could be on tv anytime!!
Originally Posted By: CaptainMoto
Cool! Some nice play acting going on. Digging the guitar work.
Video is well done. You guys are becoming quite good at these productions.
moto
Thanks Y'all!
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! A few of our videos are here on our website: https://www.janiceandbud.com/our-music.html
It's 4:28 a.m. for me right now and I thought I'd slip into the Showcase forum and have a listen to some songs.
"Vulture" was top of the list.
With the help of Google, I hunted around the nooks and crannies of the internet and found an image that shows my reaction the minute Janice started singing.
This is incredibly, amazingly, outstandingly, inspiringly good music, great arranging, brilliant audio/visuals and as professional as anything/everything!
From the first note to the last note, I was mesmerised.
I love how Janice launched straight into the song. Wow! Without exception, this type of beginning is the most powerful there is and it's been used by all the great singers in some of their most memorable songs. I've probably mentioned this a few times before. This technique was one that Elvis Presley often used.
Janice, your performance, your arrangement, your "method" singing and your method acting were incredible. It's like you have an endless breadth and depth to your talent for making beautiful music. It's a well-earned and very enthusiastic standing ovation from me on all that you did.
Peter, you guitar work was sublime. Your skill, style, performing and producing was first class. It's also a well-earned and very enthusiastic standing ovation from me.
Bud, your writing, your mix and your videography were spectacular. Absolutely brilliant in every way. Like a layer of the finest Belgian chocolate coating a silky-smooth, rich and creamy vanilla ice-cream, this production really tantalized the taste buds (no pun intended). So it's yet another well-earned and very enthusiastic standing ovation from me.
In case it's not easily seen in what I've written above, I truly am a fan of what the three of you manage to accomplish time and time again.
All the very best to y'all, Noel
Noel, your time and consideration to write that is HUGELY appreciated. We had heard a blues song for which the vocalist had launched it and from that came the idea. As an Elvis fan (older Bud since the 50’s) and Heartbreak Hotel being a favorite we are amazed we did not make that connection. Thanks for that perspective!
Your comments on the vocal and Peter’s guitar are very supportive. We felt that Peter did a stellar job complementing the lyric and phrasing.
The video was completely shot with a handheld iPhone which keeps things simple. Thank you very much for commenting on the videography. It’s a work in progress.
We simply cannot recall another review that more made us want more to get out and make another video!
Thank you!!!
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! A few of our videos are here on our website: https://www.janiceandbud.com/our-music.html
Just wanted to jump on the thread and say, you already know that I've been driving and listening to music from the forum. I believe I told you my appreciation of how great this song is. So, two quick points...
Since I don't ever actually talk to Peter, what a killer tone on that guitar! I'm not sure what's better the tone you get or the melodic choices you make! Just SOOOO good all the way around!
A lot has been said already about so many things including the video; but I did want to mention something. It looks like she is actually singing it at the time of the video recording. She is SO on visually with the audio! That's crazy accurate! I mean, I get you can say "well that's how she sings it" but I would guess at any given time she could give you 30 plus different ways to sing a line. That she can recall with such detail to sync that up is pretty amazing to me. All the way around a fun video too. Is it method acting if that's how you naturally are though?
Such a great performance in every single aspect.
Chad (Hope that makes it easier)
TEMPO TANTRUM: What a lead singer has when they can't stay in time.
Hi J&B love the video really nice super vocal great guitar work and that bass is so good thanks guys for sharing Eric
Thanks Eric!
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! A few of our videos are here on our website: https://www.janiceandbud.com/our-music.html
This was on my list for a long time. Sorry for the late reply. Very strong tune! Love Janice vocals on this! Super solo by Peter! Bud, getting pretty creative with video, definitely upping the game. Fun sepia segment (cool mic BTW). If I am correct, these are black vultures, except for the one on the chimney? Where I am there are only turkey vultures. Thank you for sharing. Good one.
Misha.
Thanks Misha! Glad you liked it and, hey, thanks for mentioning the old mic -had to rig a nonfunctional cable to it for the scene. We have black buzzards and turkey vultures (chimney) here and they occasionally flock together. We appreciate all your comments!
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! A few of our videos are here on our website: https://www.janiceandbud.com/our-music.html
Just wanted to jump on the thread and say, you already know that I've been driving and listening to music from the forum. I believe I told you my appreciation of how great this song is. So, two quick points...
Since I don't ever actually talk to Peter, what a killer tone on that guitar! I'm not sure what's better the tone you get or the melodic choices you make! Just SOOOO good all the way around!
A lot has been said already about so many things including the video; but I did want to mention something. It looks like she is actually singing it at the time of the video recording. She is SO on visually with the audio! That's crazy accurate! I mean, I get you can say "well that's how she sings it" but I would guess at any given time she could give you 30 plus different ways to sing a line. That she can recall with such detail to sync that up is pretty amazing to me. All the way around a fun video too. Is it method acting if that's how you naturally are though?
Such a great performance in every single aspect.
Thank man, that is all appreciated. We couldn’t agree more about Peter’s guitar work. For the lip syncing we use a very small but loud Bluetooth speaker that is placed halfway between Janice and me. She sings along with the audio and my phone picks it up also while videoing her. So then we match the waveforms in the editor and voila. She listens just before each scene and always nails the phrasing. And like you mentioned she never sings a verse or a chorus the same . We are most happy that it all worked for you!
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! A few of our videos are here on our website: https://www.janiceandbud.com/our-music.html
Great blues! The video is also great. It's amazing that Vultures are right next to you and you can shoot a video. It's very American and wonderful. Enjoyed my listen and watch a lot.
zplane recently interviewed Peter Gannon, the founder and creator of Band-in-a-Box, about the software's early days, what sets it apart from AI, how zplane's audio algorithms are used in Band-in-a-Box, and more!
Special thanks to the team at zplane for their continued support.
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!
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.