Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,303
rayc Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,303
I let this macerate for a couple of weeks while I listened and decided on the long or short version.
I've implemented all suggestions and kept some of them so thanks to those who offered ideas.
Alison took my scratch melody and build something better.
Whilst this is a "finished" piece I'm happy to log all comments & suggestions for future consideration in future projects.

Last edited by rayc; 07/02/23 04:51 PM.

Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 9,112
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 9,112
Sounds great Ray. The vibe, groove and melody of this song really holds your attention.

Excellent mix and production. Cool video also!

Bob

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 854
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 854
The cello playing is outstanding.
Production and mix is well balanced.
The video is bit confusing as I am not seeing a path to tell a story. The melody is a bit random and does not lead the listener thru a progression to a climax.
Good job overall


Elliott Kayne
elliottkayne@gmail.com
https://www.reverbnation.com/kaynemusic
https://www.facebook.com/ekayne

Health, Wealth, Family, Faith, Friends, and Fun







User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,968
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,968
First thing I noticed was how well separated the Bass and Cello are in the mix. They can EASILY run into each other. That is NOT happening here at all. Kudos to the engineer.
Drums are a touch soft for my tastes (small minus points, engineer)
Great expression in Allison's cello!
I wanted the panned rhythm guitars to be slightly "crisper" (to contrast the cello more?)
I like what the organ is doing. Good glue.
For the length of the piece, there might have been more variation to the theme along the way.
Cute dogs. Scary clowns.

fj

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,647
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,647
Hi Ray & Alison ...

Alison sure knows how to bring a cello to life! Would love to have heard a little more of that guitar (around 4:40) in the background! And maybe a little more high EQ on the drums.

It's a well-conceived write and offers a sense of mild drama (the bass line drives the drama) and much anticipation from Alison's superb playing. The organ fills any holes

Your posts are always interesting and a pleasure to listen to. Nice work by you and your contributors!

Alan


BIAB 2024 Ultra Plus-all StylePaks*Win11*32GB DDR5*Rhyzen 9745x*AT 2035 Mic*Peavey Nashville 112 Amp*Ibanez ART120* Acoustic/Electric/Washburn D200S Acoustic*Stromberg Monterey Jazz Guitar

Loops: https://aldavidmusic.wixsite.com/bestmusicloops

User Showcase
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 5,665
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 5,665
Ray,

Very clever work on this project! It's a treat to see the musician at work in the video! Her work really lifts the tune to a higher place and you bass work (I'm assuming it's you) is done in a totally pro way! Your bass lines in several place had me thinking of McCartney's work on Nowhere Man....so many notes but they all fit! This seemed to be a huge undertaking for you but you've made it all sound great!

Thanks, TB

User Showcase
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 1,527
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 1,527
Hi Allison and Ray
Cool intro
Allison does a great job again
The song in connection with the video is very well done
Sounds extremely good
Many greetings
Andi ;-)

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 225
Apprentice
Offline
Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 225
Reminded me of a opening musical number to roll credits in a mystery/thriller film. Nice work but a little long for a casual listen but great for the above mentioned film work. Great production values and I just love the cello in anything so yes this is a win on all counts.

Rick


It needs more cowbell!

https://therickhansenband.com
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,221
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,221


The mix and mastering sound great, Ray and the video matches the song with its mysterious edge.

We had that same sense of foreboding (as in the audio) watching the park scenes going from crowded throngs to individuals or small groups.

We give it a thumbs up for sure. smile

You and Alison are a great team!

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: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,304
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,304
Macerate?

Darned it, you made me learn another word. laugh

First you lure me in with a picture of cute puppies, and then you add clowns?

Sneaky.

Anyway, nice to hear it again!


-- 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: Mar 2018
Posts: 7,373
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 7,373
Ray,
Quite long, but entertaining. Great Cello work by Alison & your bass playing. You sound good together. Pretty intense, dark music, but listens smoothly. I wonder if Alison is using that Blue mic that is seen on video to record cello? Whatever she used, it transferred acoustics very well.
Thank you for sharing.

Misha.

User Showcase
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2,669
Veteran
Online Content
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2,669
Clever dramatic stuff, Ray.
My ears are hearing a bit of low end rumble but maybe that's what you want.

Vic

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,373
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,373
Very cool tune Ray. Loved how you mixed the low end on this. The cello was very cool. Really well done..


Scott Collingwood
https://soundcloud.com/scottt709
https://soundcloud.com/spiritlevel-ca
https://www.youtube.com/@SpiritLevel-ge3hm/
User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,520
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,520
Hey Ray,

This is very cool. Very moody and cinematic.

The cello work is excellent.

Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To

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
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.

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®!

Forum Statistics
Forums57
Topics86,426
Posts804,907
Members40,122
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
Newest Members
jho smith, Jerry Gerber, Fjane, vieumotar, dpckeys
40,122 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 128
DC Ron 102
rsdean 98
WaoBand 82
dcuny 71
vicarn 70
Today's Birthdays
There are no members with birthdays on this day.
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5