Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 3 1 2 3
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,163
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,163
Mystic Chords

This is a start from scratch re-mix, new fx and new mastering chain of our post from seven years ago.

Within Abraham Lincoln’s March 4, 1861 first inaugural address he used the term “mystic chords of memory.” That line stuck with me and eventually morphed into a song write. floyd generously joined in and as with all our co-writes the result made me feel like a bit of a writer. smile To ice the cake Tom (tommyad) made the whole mystic chord theme shine with acoustic / electric guitar tracks and floyd provided a tight vocal harmony part.

This is one cut from a recent album release of floyd & Bud co-writes. If you stream (and are interested) it’s on all the major platforms. Just search on Janice Merritt and the title is MerriJane. smile

An oft told tale of the washed up musician but hopefully with a new twist or so. Comments are most welcome. Thanks for your time. And thanks to floyd, Tom and PG Music.

Janice: lead vocal > Rodes NT1 mic > Nectar
floyd: harmony vocal > Nectar
Tom Adams: electric and acoustic guitar solo/fills
Bud: mix, master, etc.

Drums: RD N’ville Even 16 > CLA Drums
Overshot cymbal added at tag > CLA JJP Percussion

Bass: RT 1036 NortherRockBallad Ev65 > Waves Bass Rider > Neutron 3

Fiddle: RT 594 Pop16s Ev65 Outside Ev65 > Waves CLA unplugged

Mastering Ozone Dynamic EQ > Ozone Vintage EQ > Ozone Imager > Ozone Limiter > Logic Pro X Loudness Meter

Mystic Chords

V1
endless gigs...endless roadhouses...
he never quit... he never counted the losses...
night after night... of near-empty rooms
sometimes just a bartender, him and his tunes
 
Ch
now no more crowds... no more cheers
he turns the radio up... downs a few more beers
in the corner, a battered Martin left for dead
while mystic chords of memory play... in his head
 
V2
behind the barn, the bus gathers dust
a Silver Eagle gone to rust
a million miles...a thousand towns
to find a stage, a pickup band, that elusive sound
 
Ch
but no more crowds... no more cheers
he turns the radio up... downs a few more beers
in the corner, a battered Martin lies dead
while mystic chords of memory play... in his head
 
Bridge:
sometimes he still hears that roar
an ovation that makes his old heart soar
 
Ch
but no more crowds... no more cheers
he turns the radio up... downs a few more beers
in the corner, his battered Martin.....dead
while mystic chords of memory play... in his head
mystic chords of memory play

© 2015-2022 B. Merritt (words) & floyd jane (words/melody)


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: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,269
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,269
Wow, that was a terrific write! Tear your heart apart as delivered by Janice. That Martin's gotta be worth some bucks, though. Song definitely left a mark. Great job, all!


Windows 11, Intel Core I5 10400, 16 gig ram, Scarlett 2i2, Sony Acid Music Studio 10, BIAB 2020 UltraPlus Pak
User Showcase
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,240
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,240
Love everything about this. Vocals are great, mix is awesome, fiddle is sweet and sad, guitar riff fits nicely.

he turns the radio up... downs a few more beers
Great lyric.

laugh


-- David Cuny

My virtual singer development blog
Vocal 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 2016
Posts: 7,279
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,279
I'll have to come back later..soundcloud is throwing little glitches as I listen and there're few things worse than being interrupted whole listening to Janice & Floyd.


Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,825
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,825
Hi Guys,

Very nice all round.

I must admit I was waiting for the bass to come in and power the song along in the second half. No instrumental solos?

Excellent mix otherwise.

Best Regards
Nigel


Nigel Spiers
Christchurch, New Zealand
info@nzacoustics.com
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,163
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,163
Originally Posted By: TuneMonger
Wow, that was a terrific write! Tear your heart apart as delivered by Janice. That Martin's gotta be worth some bucks, though. Song definitely left a mark. Great job, all!


Leaving a mark is what it’s all about. Thank you!
We much appreciate you saying that as the song has been special to J&B for years.
BTW, Janice has a 1943 D-18 that was inspirational for the song also. It could tell some tales I'm sure.

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: Nov 2007
Posts: 6,067
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 6,067
Yeah, this is great you four!

Great idea redoing an older song, I've done quite a few with Chris over the years that I would like to redo someday, I have much better tools now, not to mention better knowledge. One of these days wink

Excellent vocals (always enjoy hearing Floyd and Janice sing together) , and the mix and write is spot on.

Also found the song over on Spotify and gave it a like and a listen.


Last edited by BlueAttitude; 09/16/22 02:52 AM. Reason: clarity
User Showcase
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 5,090
Veteran
Online Content
Veteran
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 5,090
The Janice Merritt channel is one of my favorites to play while driving. Floyd Jane is another. What a great sound guys. Tommy Adams! Bud, great idea for a song, and great job turning those words into something we can relate to. You guys can please ALL the people ALL th3e time. Man, I'd love to get my hands on that battered Martin. Ok, I think I gotta go for a ride. Thanks.


Enjoy whatever happens!
marty

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@babumusic51
SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/marty-straub
Band in a Box, Reaper, Cakewalk, Ozone 12, EZDrummer
User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,509
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,509

Hey I remember this song from a while back! I still see my comment!!

smile

It still sounds great and y'all did a wonderful job. I will have to check out the album!

User Showcase
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 1,527
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 1,527
Hello together
A great collaboration
Sounds excellent
Really very successful song
Many greetings
Andi ;-)

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,163
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,163
Originally Posted By: dcuny
Love everything about this. Vocals are great, mix is awesome, fiddle is sweet and sad, guitar riff fits nicely.

he turns the radio up... downs a few more beers
Great lyric.

laugh


We appreciate that! You kindly remarked on everything we tried to achieve. Can’t ask for more. 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!
Our Videos
User Showcase
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 1,572
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 1,572
Hi Janice & Bud,

Beautiful melody very endearing. It's always well done. The choirs are splendid. Very very well done. I enjoyed it.


Kindly regard
Derochette
alias JaniJackFlash


Kindly regards
Derochette
alias JaniJackFlash
User Showcase
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,618
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,618
One of your very best.

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,775
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,775
I agree with everything that has been said thus far.

All I can add is "you all are so darn good together and better than most everything on the radio today". For those in the southern USA it is "ya'll are so darn good together and better than most everything on the radio today"

Loved it.


Dad, how will I know when I've become an adult.

When your day is ruined because they rearranged the grocery store.

64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,163
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,163
Originally Posted By: NigelSpiers
Hi Guys,

Very nice all round.

I must admit I was waiting for the bass to come in and power the song along in the second half. No instrumental solos?

Excellent mix otherwise.

Best Regards
Nigel


Thanks for listening!

J&B

Originally Posted By: BlueAttitude
Yeah, this is great you four!

Great idea redoing an older song, I've done quite a few with Chris over the years that I would like to redo someday, I have much better tools now, not to mention better knowledge. One of these days wink

Excellent vocals (always enjoy hearing Floyd and Janice sing together) , and the mix and write is spot on.

Also found the song over on Spotify and gave it a like and a listen.



Thanks for the nice comments Dave and for checking it out on Spotify. It’s interesting remixing something from years back. As you mentioned I too hope my skills have grown a bit over the years. If nothing else the technology has certainly grown!

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: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,883
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,883
It's better to burn out than fade away. NY.


I've known a few people who fit nicely into that song's storyline. They did it because they loved the music but never got out of the hole in the wall honky tonk bars.

Nicely done with the song. Everything fit nicely and was done well.

Last edited by Guitarhacker; 09/18/22 04:34 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.
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,349
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,349
Really cool revisit of the song Bud. I really loved your collabs with Floyd and Tom. Excellent mix. Janice's vocal was so clear and present. Such a lovely blend of voices with Floyd's harmonies. Well done.


Scott Collingwood
https://soundcloud.com/scottt709
https://soundcloud.com/spiritlevel-ca
https://www.youtube.com/@SpiritLevel-ge3hm/
User Showcase
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 3,069
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 3,069
Very nice, I love those vocal harmonies. And the guy on the guitar has good taste, he plays everything you need but nothing more.

Perfect, sparse arrangement that gives everyone room to shine.

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,163
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,163
Originally Posted By: BabuMusic
The Janice Merritt channel is one of my favorites to play while driving. Floyd Jane is another. What a great sound guys. Tommy Adams! Bud, great idea for a song, and great job turning those words into something we can relate to. You guys can please ALL the people ALL th3e time. Man, I'd love to get my hands on that battered Martin. Ok, I think I gotta go for a ride. Thanks.


Thanks for all of that Marty! Glad you liked the lyric and, hey, Janice’s ‘43 D-18 keeps us reminded of this tune. It’s a survivor.

We appreciate your support!

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: Feb 2016
Posts: 2,361
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 2,361
J&B and Floyd...what a beautiful well written song!...super melody and track...I love the instrumental at the end and fade...the whole track is so clean and crisp...so well done...but I would have expected nothing less from you guys...so, so very nice...there's a sad peace that surrounds the story you're telling and the title is haunting in and of itself...really enjoyed this effort from you guys...stellar!

Last edited by firesong; 09/19/22 06:13 AM.

www.soundclick.com/firesong
BiaB 2024, Steinberg Cubase Pro 13, Wavelab 11.2, SpetraLayers Pro 10, Audacity, Steinberg UR44 Interface, Yamaha Genos, Roland FP60 and FP10, Windows 10

You are who you are because you do what you do because of what you believe.
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 3 1 2 3

Link Copied to Clipboard
ChatPG

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.

PG Music News
Holiday Weekend Hours

It's Victoria Day Long Weekend in Canada. Our Customer Service hours are:

Saturday, May 16: Closed
Sunday, May 17: Closed
Monday, May 18: 8:00am - 4:00pm

Regular hours
resume Tuesday, May 19th!

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!

Don't wait - order today!

Check out all the new features in the redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!

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.

Check out all the 202 new RealTracks (in sets 468-488)!

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)

Learn more about the Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!

XPro & Xtra Styles PAK Sets On Sale Now - Until May 15, 2026!

All of our XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs are on sale until May 15th, 2026!

It's the perfect time to expand your Band-in-a-Box® style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs. These additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® offer a wide range of genres designed to fit seamlessly into your projects. Each style is professionally arranged and mixed, helping enhance your songs while saving you time.

What are XPro Styles and Xtra Styles PAKs?

XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with any version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). XPro Styles PAKS 1-10 includes 1,000 styles!

Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 includes 3,700 styles (and 35 MIDI styles)!

The XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs are not included in any Band-in-a-Box® package.

The XPro Styles PAKs 1-10 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.

The Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the Xtra Styles PAK Bundle for only $199 (reg. $349)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.

Note: XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.

The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 19 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version as they require the RealTracks included in the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.

Supercharge your Band-in-a-Box today with XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAK Sets!

Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac Videos

With the release of Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac, we’re rolling out a collection of brand-new videos on our YouTube channel. We’ll keep this forum post updated so you can easily find all the latest videos in one convenient spot.

Whether you're exploring new features, checking out the latest RealTracks or Style PAKs, this is your go-to guide for Band-in-a-Box® 2026.

Check out this forum post for "One Stop Shopping" of our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Videos!

Forum Statistics
Forums57
Topics86,306
Posts803,041
Members40,087
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
Newest Members
MarkGMusic, Thekesslerboy, DC Cougar, luli, windsax
40,087 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 130
rsdean 93
DC Ron 79
vicarn 77
zedd 60
Noel96 58
Today's Birthdays
Bob Rogers, knurd75, Tommycat
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5