Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 3 1 2 3
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,200
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,200
Pretty Polly
For quite a while we’ve wanted to remake our first forum post from eleven years ago. It’s a complete “start over” with Peter on guitar and Janice’s new vocals and her cajon playing. The tune is based on a 250 year old English murder ballad “The Gotsport Tragedy” later known as “Pretty Polly.” There are literally scores of verses and variants on the theme. We performed this with our bluegrass band back in the day in the typical uptempo style. So does reggae + hillbilly = reggaebilly? smile

Our objective was to make the song sound as haunting and melancholic as are the many folk versions. Variations of the tune have been recorded in "mountain modal" tuning with the banjo being the prominent instrument. To try and approximate this we ended up doing the song in Bbm. We rested the temptation to add chords as it has been performed for hundreds of years with just the two. Also we hoped to pay homage to its roots with Peter’s acoustic guitar and brief fiddle bits.

Thanks to Peter, PG Music and to you for your time to listen and, as always, comments are welcomed and appreciated - even if reggae isn’t your genre smile

If interested here’s some of the tune’s history:
Wiki Article

Janice: lead/harmony vocals, cajon & arrangement

Peter: guitar solo/fills - Variax emulating a Martin D28.

Bud: mix, mastering, arrangement, photo, etc.

lead/harmony vocals > Rodes NT1 mic > Scarlett Interface > Logic Pro X > Nectar

Bass: RealTracks 1157 Reggae > Waves Bass Rider > Neutron 3 (pieced together from multiple tracks)

Drums: RealDrums Reggae Classic > Waves ClA Drums
(includes bits from multiple tracks)

Cajon > MXL Mic > Scarlett Interface > Logic Pro X > Waves CLA Drums

Rhythm Guitar: RealTracks 1158 Rhythm Reggae > Chromaverb

Organ: RealTracks 1159 B3 Rhythm Reggae > Logic Pro X Direction Mixer > Chromaverb

Fiddle: RealTracks 624 Soloist George > Waves CLA Unplugged > Ozone Imager

Mastering: Ozone Dynamic EQ > Ozone Vintage EQ > Ozone Imager > Ozone Maximizer > Izotope Tonal Balance > Logic Pro X Loudness Meter


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.
User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 6,842
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 6,842
A cracking remake.
The reggae elements are a wonderful fit.
Plenty of great reggae tunes were songs of woe so this fits in.
Excellent comping.
Peter's guitar bursts are ace.
A vocal and harmony that tell a story and inhabit it as well.
Well done crew.
Love it.


Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
User Showcase
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 4,265
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 4,265
Oh, man. What a great day when I see a new one by you folks. Man, what a treat. This is unsurprisingly outstanding. I've heard versions of this but never really knew the backstory. Thanks! Peter, what you do in there is just perfect --so appropriate and adds so much. That bass drum was at first too strong, but then it makes a great emphatic statement that fits gloriously with the song. Janice, you vocals are so --yeah, you know what I'm going to say-- GREAT! The mix, as always, shines all the proper light on all the magic you guys pack into each production.


Enjoy whatever happens!
marty

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@babumusic51
SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/marty-straub
Band in a Box, Reaper, Cakewalk, Ozone 11
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,200
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,200
Originally Posted By: rayc
A cracking remake.
The reggae elements are a wonderful fit.
Plenty of great reggae tunes were songs of woe so this fits in.
Excellent comping.
Peter's guitar bursts are ace.
A vocal and harmony that tell a story and inhabit it as well.
Well done crew.
Love it.




Your familiarity with the genre makes your positive comments very special for us.

Thank you Ray!

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 are here on our website.
User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,797
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,797
Hi Folks,

This has a very catchy and hypnotic beat - well done.

I also liked the vocals and the mix.

I was particularly taken with the excellent lead guitar where it had a Tony Joe White funky swamp feel in the middle of the song - terrific.

Well done all of you.

Best Regards
Nigel


Nigel Spiers
Christchurch, New Zealand
info@nzacoustics.com
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,200
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,200
Originally Posted By: BabuMusic
Oh, man. What a great day when I see a new one by you folks. Man, what a treat. This is unsurprisingly outstanding. I've heard versions of this but never really knew the backstory. Thanks! Peter, what you do in there is just perfect --so appropriate and adds so much. That bass drum was at first too strong, but then it makes a great emphatic statement that fits gloriously with the song. Janice, you vocals are so --yeah, you know what I'm going to say-- GREAT! The mix, as always, shines all the proper light on all the magic you guys pack into each production.


That is much appreciated Marty. Taking on a genre like this is always akin to stepping of a cliff. smile

We’re glad it 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!
Our Videos are here on our website.
User Showcase
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 1,572
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 1,572
Hi Janice & Bud and PeterF,

It's still as well constructed with a slightly reggae style. The whole thing is very pleasant with Janice's superb voice and Peter's guitar accompaniment.

Kindly regard
Derochette
alias JaniJackFlash


Kindly regards
Derochette
alias JaniJackFlash
User Showcase
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 6,695
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 6,695
Damn good reggaebilly!

Team, more reggaebilly please. Seriously, very original raw and authentic stuff. I will start with complaint. Bud definitely could of played upright on it.

Janice, very versatile vocals and excellent cajon drumming. Peter caught the vibe very well, not an easy thing for cross genre, A+. Bud, fantastic mix. Listens very "live", almost club feel. Congrats on this gem and thank you for sharing.

Misha.

User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 7,865
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 7,865
Janice, Bud & Peter,

Truly outstanding! A great variety of tracks and awesome arrangement.

Love Peter's guitar and Janice sings this as only she can...

Crystal clear mix with loads of dynamics. Absolutely love it!

Bob

User Showcase
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 3,248
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 3,248
Reggaeabilly is a nice twist on what I imagine is a standard English folk tune. Those lyrics are haunting. Mix and instrumentation sounds fantastic. Thanks for bringing another old and mostly forgotten so to life and to the forefront.

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,200
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,200
Originally Posted By: NigelSpiers
Hi Folks,

This has a very catchy and hypnotic beat - well done.

I also liked the vocals and the mix.

I was particularly taken with the excellent lead guitar where it had a Tony Joe White funky swamp feel in the middle of the song - terrific.

Well done all of you.

Best Regards
Nigel



Thank you Nigel. Thanks for all you said and especially for mentioning the beat … that’s what we strove for. Also we are long time Tony Joe fans and it’s interesting that you mentioned him … so maybe this tune is reggaeswampybilly! smile

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 are here on our website.
User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 708
Journeyman
Offline
Journeyman
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 708
Who doesn't love a murder ballad? Great mix, Bud (as always). The reggaebilly adaption works a treat. Janice's vocals are superb (as always) and Peter's guitar fills are excellent, as is that touch of fiddle.

This reminded me that many years ago I bought an album called 'songs from my funeral' by a duo called Snakefarm, which consisted of contemporary (at the time) updates of traditional folk songs. It included a version of a similarly themed murder ballad, 'Banks of the Ohio'. I expect you know the song, recorded many times by many luminaries. Snakefarm's version, available on Spotify and YouTube, is one I reckon you guys would appreciate.

Regards,
Leon

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,200
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,200
Originally Posted By: Derochette
Hi Janice & Bud and PeterF,

It's still as well constructed with a slightly reggae style. The whole thing is very pleasant with Janice's superb voice and Peter's guitar accompaniment.

Kindly regard
Derochette
alias JaniJackFlash


Thanks, glad you liked 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!
Our Videos are here on our website.
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 22,822
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 22,822
Hey mon that was fantastic.

Not only is this fantastic, as usual, but you have created a new genre, reggaebilly!

As usual everything is perfect.


When you are at the checkout line and they ask if you found everything say "Why, are you hiding stuff?"

64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
User Showcase
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 4,487
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 4,487
Hi, Bud and Janice !


This is absolutely superb !
Wonderful music I love it !
..and Janice´s superb voice
WOW sends goosebumps up
my spine !

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,637
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,637
Originally Posted By: rayc
A cracking remake.
The reggae elements are a wonderful fit.
Plenty of great reggae tunes were songs of woe so this fits in.
Excellent comping.
Peter's guitar bursts are ace.
A vocal and harmony that tell a story and inhabit it as well.
Well done crew.
Love it.


Thanks Ray

Peter

User Showcase
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 2,281
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 2,281
2 chords, a tastefully played guitar and the voice of Janice are all you need to write/re-make a wonderful reggae.
And of course a great arrangement and mix by Bud to make everyone shine.
Great work by all involved!


Making bits and bytes sound good...

Goldmania Bella - A One-Man Girlband with no fans
Listen on Spotify
Watch on YouTube
User Showcase
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 1,482
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 1,482
Hello Janice, Peter and Bud
Absolutely brilliant mix
Janice's voice fits so perfect to the reggae style
And Peter's guitar work is in no way inferior to that
But extremely impressive is the crystal clear rich sound Bud created here
Just an exceptionally good song
Many greetings
Andi ;-)

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,637
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,637
Originally Posted By: BabuMusic
Oh, man. What a great day when I see a new one by you folks. Man, what a treat. This is unsurprisingly outstanding. I've heard versions of this but never really knew the backstory. Thanks! Peter, what you do in there is just perfect --so appropriate and adds so much. That bass drum was at first too strong, but then it makes a great emphatic statement that fits gloriously with the song. Janice, you vocals are so --yeah, you know what I'm going to say-- GREAT! The mix, as always, shines all the proper light on all the magic you guys pack into each production.

Thanks a lot Marty.
Peter

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,200
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,200
Originally Posted By: Rustyspoon#
Damn good reggaebilly!

Team, more reggaebilly please. Seriously, very original raw and authentic stuff. I will start with complaint. Bud definitely could of played upright on it.

Janice, very versatile vocals and excellent cajon drumming. Peter caught the vibe very well, not an easy thing for cross genre, A+. Bud, fantastic mix. Listens very "live", almost club feel. Congrats on this gem and thank you for sharing.

Misha.


Thanks Misha! We much appreciate your supportive comments. Bud says, man, I can thump out a walking swing and a few other styles on the bass but reggae would, at least for me, require a LOT of study. It is some funking timing. smile

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 are here on our website.
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

Our Customer Service hours this weekend are as follows:

Friday, April 18: 8:00 - 4:00
Saturday, April 19: closed
Sunday, April 20: closed
Monday, April 21: Regular hours

Thank you!

Band-in-a-Box 2025 French Version is Here!

Bonjour à tous,

Band-in-a-Box® 2025 pour Windows est disponible en Français.
Le téléchargement se fait à partir du site PG Music

Pour ceux qui auraient déjà acheté la version 2025 de Band-in-a-Box (et qui donc ont une version anglaise), il est possible de "franciser" cette version avec les patchs suivants:

BIAB 2025 - francisation
RealBand 2025 - francisation

Voilà, enjoy!

Band-in-a-Box 2025 German Version is Here!

Band-in-a-Box 2025 für Windows Deutsch ist verfügbar!

Die deutsche Version Band-in-a-Box® 2025 für Windows ist ab sofort verfügbar!

Alle die bereits die englische Version von Band-in-a-Box und RealBand 2024 installiert haben, finden hier die Installationsdateien für das Sprachenupdate:

https://nn.pgmusic.com/pgfiles/languagesupport/deutsch2025.exe
https://nn.pgmusic.com/pgfiles/languagesupport/deutsch2025RB.exe

Update Your Band-in-a-Box® 2025 to Build 1128 for Windows Today!

Already using Band-in-a-Box 2025 for Windows®? Download Build 1128 now from our Support Page to enjoy the latest enhancements and improvements from our team.

Stay up to date—get the latest update now!

Update to RealBand® 2025 Build 5 Windows Today!

Already using RealBand® 2025 for Windows®? Download Build 5 now from our Support Page to ensure you have the latest enhancements and improvements from our team.

Get the latest update today!

PowerTracks Pro Audio 2025 for Windows is Here!

PowerTracks Pro Audio 2025 is here! This new version introduces many features, including VST3 support, the ability to load or import a .FLAC file, a reset option for track height in the Tracks window, a taller Timeline on the Notation window toolbar, new freeze buttons in the Tracks window, three toolbar modes (two rows, single row, and none), the improved Select Patch dialog with text-based search and numeric patch display, a new button in the DirectX/VST window to copy an effects group, and more!

First-time packages start at only $49. Already a PowerTracks Pro Audio user? Upgrade for as little as $29!

www.pgmusic.com/powertracks.htm

Video: Summary of the New Band-in-a-Box® App for iOS®

Join Tobin as he takes you on a tour of the new Band-in-a-Box® app for iOS®! Designed for musicians, singer-songwriters, and educators, this powerful tool lets you create, play, and transfer songs effortlessly on your iPhone® or iPad®—anytime, anywhere.

Band-in-a-Box® for iOS® :Summary video.

Check out the forum post for more information.

Forum Statistics
Forums58
Topics83,921
Posts772,316
Members39,486
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
Newest Members
pesnevik, MartinLepage69, Cam, pabzum, fmid
39,485 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 173
DC Ron 105
rsdean 91
WaoBand 81
Today's Birthdays
JohnOSings, michaelschaap
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5