Yes, I know, I've been absent for a while AGAIN & yes, I was "Rookwood" AGAIN. But nothing horrifying and long term just what happened with some long term medications sometimes.
This one started life as a backing that I'd done in early January. I finished that aspect of it and left it alone waiting for inspiration. Inspiration came later in the month & I had a set of lyrics. I toiled & toiled to get a melody but wasn't very successful. It was clear the song needed a voice that didn't need a bucket. I contacted Janice & Bud, as I do when in need, & left it with them. After some listening and playing around with the SGU Janice found a key that best suited her and responded that she'd also done as I'd hoped and fixed the melody, timing & phrasing...it does take a singer to do those things. I was super happy with the news and set about relearning the song in F rather than A. I learnt some new chords, reworked the bass line, regenerated the BIAB parts and bango...had a new backing for Janice to work with. Janice & Bud were super quick with their side of things and the song was off to the M.E. who was very impressed with the vocal. BIAB performs the acoustic solo, drums & organ. Janice did the melody, vocal arrangements and vocals. Bud tracked & treated Janice's work. I did the bass, classical guitar, electric guitar as well as the midi based Melloton flutes. I wrote the midi parts with a midi editor and used the Redtron VSTi for the sounds. I had played them in "live" in the 1st recording but couldn't get my fingers around the key change. Video incorporates BIAB Video tracks for drums & keyboard. It's "DONE' but please, any suggestions, critiques etc. are just as valid so make them if you have them. THANK YOU JANICE & BUD! More details if required.
Last edited by rayc; 04/05/2409:01 PM.
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
Ray, welcome back! Hope you continue to be in good health.
Wow, this sounds GREAT! Catchy tune, and LOVE the bass! Janice's gliding vocals are different from what I've heard her do, but sound FAB as well, as does Bud's vocal production. Overall, a dramatic development in the signature rayc sound. And "Bandhi Nahbox" is too clever by half. Ha!
DC Ron BiaB Audiophile Presonus Studio One ASUS I9-12900K DAW, 32 GB RAM Presonus Faderport 16 Too many guitars (is that a thing?)
First things first: I think the song is very, very well done, the arrangement (with some unusual instruments) works well, the mix is pretty good and Janice is, as always, the highlight of the song (actually, she's the highlight of _any_ song, but we all know that by now).
But I'm not sure I really get the song. You create a constant tension that you don't resolve and that makes the listener uneasy, and I think (if I understand it correctly) that the vocals are trying to do the same thing. If that's your intention, then I'd say you've done brilliantly and it's a GREAT song Kinda unsatisfying, though.
If not, I'm lost and need your help to figure it out
LOVE IT! Lyrics are so cool. Good call leaving it with J&B. Such an excellent mix and Janice's vocals are sensational. Love that harmony. So glad you're doing well, Ray. I really enjoy the progression and drive of this one. Super bassist too, and guitars support the structure well.
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
Welcome back Ray, and I'm glad you're feeling better. I really liked that line, "long term love fits like a glove, but deadends the touch." Very creative writing!
Ray, welcome back! Hope you continue to be in good health.
Wow, this sounds GREAT! Catchy tune, and LOVE the bass! Janice's gliding vocals are different from what I've heard her do, but sound FAB as well, as does Bud's vocal production. Overall, a dramatic development in the signature rayc sound. And "Bandhi Nahbox" is too clever by half. Ha!
Thanks Ron, the health issue isn't significant - just an unpleasant uncommon side effect that I, naturally, seem to experience. YES, Janice isn't afraid of moving where the muse takes her. How lucky am I?
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
First things first: I think the song is very, very well done, the arrangement (with some unusual instruments) works well, the mix is pretty good and Janice is, as always, the highlight of the song (actually, she's the highlight of _any_ song, but we all know that by now). But I'm not sure I really get the song. You create a constant tension that you don't resolve and that makes the listener uneasy, and I think (if I understand it correctly) that the vocals are trying to do the same thing. If that's your intention, then I'd say you've done brilliantly and it's a GREAT song Kinda unsatisfying, though. If not, I'm lost and need your help to figure it out PS: good to see you back!
Thanks B.D., Yes, unreleased tension, though the solo comes close, was the aim. The narrative is in two parts: the verses are the unexpressed or unfulfilled desires of an older person. Three snapshots of regret/loss/unaddressed need. The choruses address the way long term relationships amongst those who are elder are often shaped by habit and a more dominant personality. No release there.
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
LOVE IT! Lyrics are so cool. Good call leaving it with J&B. Such an excellent mix and Janice's vocals are sensational. Love that harmony. So glad you're doing well, Ray. I really enjoy the progression and drive of this one. Super bassist too, and guitars support the structure well.
Thanks Marty. This bassist is super happy to have translated the bass line across keys while holding the groove. Janice? OF COURSE!
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
Welcome back Ray, and I'm glad you're feeling better. I really liked that line, "long term love fits like a glove, but deadens the touch." Very creative writing!
Brad
Thanks Brad, Could've been a country song eh?
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
Interesting tune - Ron mentioned "gliding", and I'm too lazy to figure out it's something chromatic or just sliding around with her voice. But it's very ear catching, which is good.
Nothing useful to suggest other: this doesn't sound like anything else, which is also good.
Ray, welcome back! Hope you continue to be in good health.
Wow, this sounds GREAT! Catchy tune, and LOVE the bass! Janice's gliding vocals are different from what I've heard her do, but sound FAB as well, as does Bud's vocal production. Overall, a dramatic development in the signature rayc sound. And "Bandhi Nahbox" is too clever by half. Ha!
Thank you! It was a pleasure to join in on Ray’s production.
Janice
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
First things first: I think the song is very, very well done, the arrangement (with some unusual instruments) works well, the mix is pretty good and Janice is, as always, the highlight of the song (actually, she's the highlight of _any_ song, but we all know that by now).
But I'm not sure I really get the song. You create a constant tension that you don't resolve and that makes the listener uneasy, and I think (if I understand it correctly) that the vocals are trying to do the same thing. If that's your intention, then I'd say you've done brilliantly and it's a GREAT song Kinda unsatisfying, though.
If not, I'm lost and need your help to figure it out
PS: good to see you back!
You are too kind but I much appreciate it!
Janice
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
But I'm not sure I really get the song. You create a constant tension that you don't resolve and that makes the listener uneasy, and I think (if I understand it correctly) that the vocals are trying to do the same thing. If that's your intention, then I'd say you've done brilliantly and it's a GREAT song Kinda unsatisfying, though.
Yes, unreleased tension, though the solo comes close, was the aim.
Thanks Ray for confirming that I understood the song. So the "brilliant" still applies
Splendid composition. I like listening to Janice sing in a different style. It's very airy and pleasant. The video is well produced and fits perfectly into the composition. Well done. I appreciated.
Ray, you are a multi-talented musician. Janice is a fantastic singer. So when I saw you two together I knew I was in for some outstanding ear candy. And I was right. Excellent song and mix.
Love is grand. Divorce is twenty grand!
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
It's good to have you back. You were noticeably absent.
Complex piece (at least it sounds so to this simpleton). All the parts work well together. I like the melody. I enjoyed this and listened a few times. Janice voice is the icing on this seven-layer cake.
LOVE IT! Lyrics are so cool. Good call leaving it with J&B. Such an excellent mix and Janice's vocals are sensational. Love that harmony. So glad you're doing well, Ray. I really enjoy the progression and drive of this one. Super bassist too, and guitars support the structure well.
Thanks a bunch, Marty. When I first read the lyric I wanted to be a part of this song as it reminded me of times that my sisters and I had questioned our Mama and our Granny about the “why” of events from the past and they’d reply, “well, honey, your Daddy (or Grandaddy) wanted to.” Ray’s chord structure and his band were the perfect accompaniment for the poignant lyric. I loved the light touch of the guitars and flute with the intensity of the drums and his bass is always perfecto.
Again, thanks Marty and a big thank you to Ray!
Janice
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
PowerTracks 2026 is here—bringing powerful new enhancements designed to make your production workflow faster, smoother, and more intuitive than ever.
The enhanced Mixer now shows Track Type and Instrument icons for instant track recognition, while a new grid option simplifies editing views. Non-floating windows adopt a modern title bar style, replacing the legacy blue bar.
The Master Volume is now applied at the end of the audio chain for consistent levels and full-signal master effects.
Tablature now includes a “Save bends when saving XML” option for improved compatibility with PG Music tools. Plus, you can instantly match all track heights with a simple Ctrl-release after resizing, and Add2 chords from MGU/SGU files are now fully supported... and more!
Get started today—first-time packages start at just $49.
Already using PowerTracks Pro Audio? Upgrade for as little as $29 and enjoy the latest improvements!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, January 15, 2026!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
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 new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. You can view the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to process an entire track or focus on specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
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, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Windows to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 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 for Windows® Special Offers Extended Until January 15, 2026!
Good news! You still have time to upgrade to the latest version of Band-in-a-Box® for Windows® and save. Our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® special now runs through January 15, 2025!
We've packed Band-in-a-Box® 2026 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 process 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, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PST on January 15th, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® today! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: The Newly Designed Piano Roll Window
In this video, we explore the updated Piano Roll, complete with a modernized look and exciting new features. You’ll see new filtering options that make it easy to focus on specific note groups, smoother and more intuitive note entry and editing, and enhanced options for zooming, looping, and more.
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: AI Stems & Notes - split polyphonic audio into instruments and transcribe
This video demonstrates how to use the new AI-Notes feature together with the AI-Stems splitter, allowing you to select an audio file and have it separated into individual stems while transcribing each one to its own MIDI track. AI-Notes converts polyphonic audio—either full mixes or individual instruments—into MIDI that you can view in notation or play back instantly.
One of our representatives will be happy to help you over the phone. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday, and 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST Saturday. We are closed Sunday. You can also send us your questions via email.
One of our representatives will be happy to help you on our Live Chat or by email. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday; 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST (GMT -8) Saturday; Closed Sunday.
![[Linked Image - Only viewable when logged in]](https://www.pgmusic.com/forums/images/icons/default/thumbs_up.gif){kind=icon}
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean