New year, new song. This is an upbeat instrumental that I've put together over the last three days, mainly using Realtracks from the Tee style in BIAB 2024. I also added some Oohs & Aahs from the Jibber.and Lightly styles, and the electric guitar is from the Tootle style. The Classical Spanish guitar is performed by me, as is the Rhodes piano which is played on a Roland RD-600 stage piano. I also added a recording of a thunderclap and rain effects for the closing sequence, which is fairly typical in summer for the UK.
It's not quite the finished article yet as there are still a few tweaks to make here and there. Any helpful suggestions for improvements would be much appreciated. Is the reverb on the guitar and Rhodes okay? Are the instruments balanced correctly? Should I change or add anything? I'm hoping to release the song on the last Friday of March if everything goes as planned.
Andy, really enjoyed this tune! Nice arrangement and mix. Very tasteful guitar work, and I like the heavier reverb on your runs. Maybe a LITTLE less reverb on the Rhodes, but works as is. Might want to turn up the thunderclap a bit, that's a cool touch. Good luck with your release!
DC Ron BiaB Audiophile Presonus Studio One ASUS I9-12900K DAW, 32 GB RAM Presonus Faderport 16 Too many guitars (is that a thing?)
Hi, Andy. I really like this song. Top notch recording of your guitar. Very articulate. One subtle reaction I had, though, was I found the backing percussion a bit tiring after a time. It could use a little more variation. I feel like this song could also use some variation in volume of the backing instruments. For example, reducing the percussion volume a bit when you bring in the oohs and aahs. Consider this song by guitarist Juan Areco. I spent many, many nights in '97-'98 listening to his solo shows, early during dinner in the fine dining restaurant and then later in the evening outside among the Bougainvilleas while spending 2 weeks/month for a year at the Biltmore Resort in Coral Gables, Florida on a consulting assignment. I love the way the different instruments move in and out of the primary focus. I still have the 3 CDs he autographed for me, even spelling my name the Paraguayan way (Jhon).
Last edited by TheMaartian; 03/08/2404:22 AM.
ThinkPad i9 32GB RAM 7TB SSD; Win11 Pro; RME Fireface UCX II; BiaB 2025 Ultra Bitwig Studio 5; Studio One Pro 7; Melodyne Studio 5; Acoustica Premium 7 Gig Performer 5; NI S61 MK3; Focal Shape 65; Beyerdynamic DT 880 & 770
It's very well done and played. I might have put the solo instruments a little more forward (especially the piano). It's a detail and bravo for the Spanish guitar. Laurent
Nice guitar work and overall sound. I agree with the variation of volume in some of the instruments at times. There was a lot of reverb in there, but I thought it sounded good. Also a more booming thunder clap may work well as suggested. This is a good cut.
Thanks so much for lending an ear and particularly for the useful advice guys. I'm very grateful for the helpful responses and I will of course post an updated version of the song when I have applied the suggested improvements to the mix.
That is a very good version of the Chick Corea classic 'La Fiesta', Maartian. The guitar has been my main instrument for the last 55 years and in that time I have listened to, and been influenced by many of the guitar greats in all genres. However, I must admit that Juan Areco had slipped under my radar until now, but he is clearly an excellent guitarist and performer. It must have been a great pleasure to be there at his solo shows.
This is a good tune and a catchy backing rhythm too. Also the guitar is very well played.
It is definitely worthy of some further development - a few suggestions:
1. Maybe a chorus or middle 8 - I may have missed these. 2. Changing the lead to another acoustic instrument (e.g. Piano or Sax) to give it a bit more light and shade. 3. What about dropping out most of the backing instruments and just playing the guitar in the middle of the song. 4. How about a couple of stops to make everybody sit up and take notice.
I would love to hear a remix.
Best Regards Nigel
Nigel Spiers Christchurch, New Zealand info@nzacoustics.com
It's a nice, calm intro that soon explodes into a catchy and solid beat. I really like your track selections - everything falls nicely into place. Well done!
... That is a very good version of the Chick Corea classic 'La Fiesta', Maartian. The guitar has been my main instrument for the last 55 years and in that time I have listened to, and been influenced by many of the guitar greats in all genres. However, I must admit that Juan Areco had slipped under my radar until now, but he is clearly an excellent guitarist and performer. It must have been a great pleasure to be there at his solo shows.
I was hoping that you would find him to be a good listen. His solo shows were amazing. Not just his playing, but the breadth of styles he has mastered. I never once felt bored listening to him. And I'm a bassist!
This sure looks like it was recorded at the Biltmore.
Last edited by TheMaartian; 03/09/2402:31 AM.
ThinkPad i9 32GB RAM 7TB SSD; Win11 Pro; RME Fireface UCX II; BiaB 2025 Ultra Bitwig Studio 5; Studio One Pro 7; Melodyne Studio 5; Acoustica Premium 7 Gig Performer 5; NI S61 MK3; Focal Shape 65; Beyerdynamic DT 880 & 770
I agree about the volume changes that have been presented. I also agree about the amount of reverb at times. Your guitar sounds great; super chops. Fantastic ending! But even if you don't change a thing this still is a great song.
I get most of my exercise these days from shaking my head in disbelief.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
Your guitar work is awesome. I enjoyed it immensely. I like the change at 2:27. It's smooth and works well with the rest of the piece. Others have commented on some production issues, so I won't repeat what they said.
Man, I love your paying, Andy. Good write and terrific execution --which means you killed it. Ha. Really enjoyable melody and variations. The ooze and oz was a nice touch. Cool bass feel adds the perfect complement.
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!
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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!
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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.
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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.
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Mac 2025 Special Upgrade Offers Extended Until August 15th!
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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!
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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!
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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
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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®!
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-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!
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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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