Normally, when I see someone's posted a BiaB instrumental, I brace myself because these things can be really hard to pull off.
I know, I've failed to do it myself.
You're the exception - you always manage to create something that's cohesive and has direction, instead of occasionally getting lost and spinning its wheels.
This is no exception - it's like you've hired a guy to solo through your song.
A very tidy mix Alan...it has a 70s Australian vibe to it - sort of Richard Clapton style of backing. Ace.
Hi Ray,
Thanks for the kind words! I'll have to check out Richard Clapton - I'm not familiar with him. I always appreciate hearing/seeing your comments. Hope all is well with you and yours.
First you have my sympathy for your computer problem. I lost a pile of stuff when I changed mine. Your track has a lovely, relaxing sound to it.
Vic
Hi Vic,
I back up most of my stuff - this timne on a thumb drive. Well, as I said, it fried along with everything else. So, now I have a second external ssd that will house all my musical efforts.
Glad you worked that all out, Alan. Smooth Jazz is one of my favorite categories, and you did it spendid justice with this one. Beautiful. Man, that Brent has extraordinary taste and plays in every genre like he started it. Love the whole band, andthe way you crafted this gem.
Hi Marty,
I always look forward to your comments/suggestions/other input.
I'm extremely happy you enjoyed the song. Brent is an amazing musician and made me come across sounding better than I probably am. Many people aren't aware of his talent beyond country and pop. I've followed him and Fred Newell (another Nashville picker ubntil recently) for many years. They have so much talent.
Here's Brent playing some Jazzy Blues:
Other than the organ, the mix went quickly and smoothly. Organ RTs have a mind of their own - and they're stubborn to change it! I spent more than twice as much time on the organ than all the other tracks combined.
Alan, your smooth jazz instrumentals are always so well done. I really like your chord progression in this one. Your musical knowledge always shows up in your work. A perfectly balanced mix makes this an easy listening joy. Tom
That is a great display of what can be produced with all BiaB tracks in talented hands.
Great band and that Brent guy done good!
Jazzy and bluesy, i.e., right in our wheelhouse.
The mix sounds great on the KRK's.
Nice!
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.
I have a feeling the real stab in the heart here was the stressful computer issues! Man I've been there and done that! Seriously though, you've once again proved what a master you are at the use of realtracks! Everything here flows so smoothly and cohesively together! It was a real pleasure to listen to! Glad you are able to get back in the game here and present more fine compositions!
The guitar at the beginning is reminiscent of a slightly bluesy Pink Floyd. I really like the style, very relaxing. Be careful, heart wounds can be fatal! Laurent
Hi Laurent,
I hadn't thought of the Pink Floyd reference, but I think you might be right. Thanks for letting know you enjoyed the song!
Alan...that's was some smooth jazz for sure...another great piece of music...I just switched computers and what an ordeal and I didn't even lose my old one which compounds the problem exponentially! I really enjoyed this listen...well done!
Hello Dan,
It's always a delight to see you among the commentors on my music, Thank you so much for the very nice comments. Much appreciated.
I still have a few situations with a challenging resolution. Just gotta keep at it.
Normally, when I see someone's posted a BiaB instrumental, I brace myself because these things can be really hard to pull off.
I know, I've failed to do it myself.
You're the exception - you always manage to create something that's cohesive and has direction, instead of occasionally getting lost and spinning its wheels.
This is no exception - it's like you've hired a guy to solo through your song.
Love it!
Hope all is well in your part of California. I lived in Bakersfield for almost 7 years but got to Sacramento only once. I was a hot-shot driver for a private delivery service and had a drop-off on Citrus Heights. I stopped in Sacramento for lunch on the way back to Bakersfield.
I'm not sure how to reply to such a nice review! But I sure do appreciate all you said.
I usually start out with a general idea of what I want and let the details reveal themselves as the process moves forward. For mwe, the most important decision is whicj tracks will deliver the "sound" i want. The chord pattern almost always comes quickly. I do have a destination in mind when I start. I just have to find the right style and instrument choices to get me there. I often find the style I want but change out some the individual tracks to achieve the "sound" I have in mind.
It took me about 4 hours from start to finish on this one.
Again, I appreciate your very kind and supportive comments.
Alan, your smooth jazz instrumentals are always so well done. I really like your chord progression in this one. Your musical knowledge always shows up in your work. A perfectly balanced mix makes this an easy listening joy. Tom
Hi Tom,
Thank you very much! Your input is not wasted on me. I always think about what you say in your comments.
I have a tendency to place my backing tracks a little more forward in the mix than many folks do. I notice you sometimes do the same. The analogy I use is I'd like my supporting cast to get their deserved recognition almost as the star of the show - it wouldn't be the same without them.
As far as my music knowledge, it's all self-learned from asking questions and watching other guitar player. I think I have a God-given ability to parse the relationships of chords - I neither read nor write notation. Unless it's a really weird chord, I can mentally determine what it sounds like without benefit of actually hearing it played. That makes putting a pattern together much easier and quicker. Hope that made a little bit of sense!
That is a great display of what can be produced with all BiaB tracks in talented hands.
Great band and that Brent guy done good!
Jazzy and bluesy, i.e., right in our wheelhouse.
The mix sounds great on the KRK's.
Nice!
J&B
Howdy folks!
Hope all is well in your part of Northern Georgia. I have a close friend who lives in the extreme northeast corner of Georgia - Hartwell. Her property abuts to the South Carlina state line. I don't know how talented I am, but I usually manage to accomplish what I set out to do, musically.
I appreciate your very nuice words and continuing support!
Excellent production and arranging. Skillful aural placement. Laid back and kicked back and pleasing to listen to. I echo the comments about your skill with the BIAB bands.
I have a feeling the real stab in the heart here was the stressful computer issues! Man I've been there and done that! Seriously though, you've once again proved what a master you are at the use of realtracks! Everything here flows so smoothly and cohesively together! It was a real pleasure to listen to! Glad you are able to get back in the game here and present more fine compositions!
Take care, TB
Hi Torrey,
Yeah, that computer thing was a kick in the backside! Still dealing with a fgw issues.
Well, I'm not sure about that "master" thing, but I appreciate you saying so. Glad you enjoyed your listen I always appreciate your nice comments and constant support. Many thanks for that!
Excellent production and arranging. Skillful aural placement. Laid back and kicked back and pleasing to listen to. I echo the comments about your skill with the BIAB bands.
HI Scott,
I always look forward to y our input. "laid bacl" & "kicked back" will work for me any day! Thanks for all the other nice words, too. I appreciate them very much.
XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs Special Extended Until August 31st!
XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs Special Extended Until August 31st!
The XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs special offers are now available until August 31st at 11:59pm PDT!
Ready to take your Band-in-a-Box® 2025 experience to the next level? Now’s the perfect time! Expand your style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs—packed with a wide variety of genres to inspire your next musical creation.
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 1-9 includes 900 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). With over 3,500 styles (and 35 MIDI styles) included in Xtra Styles PAKs 1-20, the possibilities are endless!
Get the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 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 Windows or for Mac.
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.
Get Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 19 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Listen to demos and order now! For Windows or for Mac.
Note: 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 because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Don’t miss this chance to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box setup—at a great price!
Mac 2025 Special Upgrade Offers Extended Until August 15th!
It's not too late to upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® and save! We've extended our special until August 15, 2025!
We've added many major new features to Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, including advanced AI tools like the amazing BB Stem Splitter and AI Lyrics Generator, as well as VST3 plugin support, and Equalize Temp. Plus, there’s a new one-stop MIDI Patches Picker with over 1,100 MIDI patches to choose from, all neatly categorized by GM numbers. The MultiPicker Library is enhanced with tabs for the SongPicker, MIDI Patch Picker, Chord Builder, AI Lyrics Generator, and Song Titles Browser, and the tabs are organized into logical groups. The Audiophile Edition is enhanced with FLAC files , which are 60% smaller than AIFF files while maintaining identical audio quality, and now ships on a fast 1TB SSD, and much more!
Check out all the new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® here:
Purchase your Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac during our special to save up to 50% off your upgrade purchase and receive a FREE BONUS PAK of amazing new Add-ons. These include the 2025 RealCombos Booster PAK, Look Ma! More MIDI 13: Country & Americana, Instrumental Studies Set 22: 2-Hand Piano Soloing - Rhythm Changes, MIDI SuperTracks Set 44: Jazz Piano, Artist Performance Set 17: Songs with Vocals 7, Playable RealTracks Set 4, RealDrums Stems Set 7: Jazz with Mike Clark, and more!
Upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for just $49 and add 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and 20 RealStyles, FLAC Files for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks, Look Ma! More MIDI 14: SynthMaster, MIDI SuperTracks Set 45: More SynthMaster, Artist Performance Set 18: Songs with Vocals 8, and RealDrums Stems Set 8: Pop, Funk & More with Jerry Roe.
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs!
We’ve expanded the Band-in-a-Box® RealTracks library with 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 449-467) across Jazz, Blues, Funk, World, Pop, Rock, Country, Americana, and Praise & Worship—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Blues & World (Sets 449–455):
These RealTracks includes “Soul Jazz” with Neil Swainson (bass), Mike Clark (drums), Charles Treadway (organ), Miles Black (piano), and Brent Mason (guitar). Enjoy “Requested ’60s” jazz, classic acoustic blues with Colin Linden, and more of our popular 2-handed piano soloing. Plus, a RealTracks first—Tango with bandoneon, recorded in Argentina!
Rock & Pop (Sets 456–461):
This collection includes Disco, slap bass ‘70s/‘80s pop, modern and ‘80s metal with Andy Wood, and a unique “Songwriter Potpourri” featuring Chinese folk instruments, piano, banjo, and more. You’ll also find a muted electric guitar style (a RealTracks first!) and “Producer Layered Guitar” styles for slick "produced" sound.
Country, Americana & Praise (Sets 462–467):
We’ve added new RealTracks across bro country, Americana, praise & worship, vintage country, and songwriter piano. Highlights include Brent Mason (electric guitar), Eddie Bayers (drums), Doug Jernigan (pedal steel), John Jarvis (piano), Glen Duncan (banjo, mandolin & fiddle), Mike Harrison (electric bass) and more—offering everything from modern sounds to heartfelt Americana styles
And, if you are looking for more, the 2025 49-PAK (for $49) includes an additional 20 RealTracks with exciting new sounds and genre-spanning styles. Enjoy RealTracks firsts like Chinese instruments (guzheng & dizi), the bandoneon in an authentic Argentine tango trio, and the classic “tic-tac” baritone guitar for vintage country.
You’ll also get slick ’80s metal guitar from Andy Wood, modern metal with guitarist Nico Santora, bass player Nick Schendzielos, and drummer Aaron Stechauner, more praise & worship, indie-folk, modern/bro country with Brent Mason, and “Songwriter Americana” with Johnny Hiland.
Plus, enjoy user-requested styles like Soul Jazz RealDrums, fast Celtic Strathspey guitar, and Chill Hop piano & drums!
With your version 2025 for Mac Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Or upgrade to the 2025 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 2025 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 33 new RealTracks and 65+ new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 29 new RealTracks and 45+ new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 20 new RealStyles.
Look Ma! More MIDI 13: Country & Americana
Instrumental Studies Set 22: 2-Hand Piano Soloing - Rhythm Changes
MIDI SuperTracks Set 44: Jazz Piano
Artist Performance Set 17: Songs with Vocals 7
Playable RealTracks Set 4
RealDrums Stems Set 7: Jazz with Mike Clark
SynthMaster Sounds and Styles (with audio demos)
128 GM MIDI Patch Audio Demos.
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyles,
FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
Look Ma! More MIDI 14: SynthMaster,
Instrumental Studies Set 23: More '80s Hard Rock Soloing,
MIDI SuperTracks Set 45: More SynthMaster
Artist Performance Set 18: Songs with Vocals 8
RealDrums Stems Set 8: Pop, Funk & More with Jerry Roe
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Mac!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Mac!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!
We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!
If you're itching to get a sneak peek at what's included in XPro Styles PAK 9, here is a small helping of what you can look forward to: Funky R&B Horns, Upbeat Celtic Rock, Jazz Fusion Salsa, Gentle Indie Folk, Cool '60s Soul, Funky '70s R&B, Smooth Jazz Hip Hop, Acoustic Rockabilly Swing, Funky Reggae Dub, Dreamy Retro Latin Jazz, Retro Soul-Rock Fusion, and much more!
Special Pricing! Until July 31, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
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.
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Windows!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
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