Cold Rain And Snow is a traditional folk song that nowadays is most frequently heard as a bluegrass tune (as a traditional arrangement we own all rights to it). Some sources date it back to Appalachia in the 1870’s. During our bluegrass years we heard many, many interpretations of it. We thought that a blues version might be fun so here’s the result of that. We tweaked the lyric to make it from a lady’s perspective. Folks often argue over the scale suggesting that it is Dorian or Mixolydian. Meaning our two chord version is in an unknown key … at least to us. 😀 Hope it works for you and thanks to our music partner PeterF for the guitar rhythm and solos and to PG Music for the great session players. Comments are always welcome. We appreciate your time to listen.
Our albums and singles are on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Pandora and more. If interested search on Janice Merritt. Thanks! A few of our videos are here on our website: https://www.janiceandbud.com/our-music.html
I've never heard this song before, but then bluegrass is a genre that I've never explored much.
This is GREAT! Love the laidback groove, and Janice and Peter are awesome as usual. Mix is perfect, Bud! As far as key goes, I would say it's in 'C'. Not that I know much about theory, but when I was noodling along on my guitar while the song was playing, those were the notes that fit.
Outstanding arrangement and production. Janice sounds awesome as always. She really has some great phrasing here. The mix is upfront and punchy. Peter's guitar tones are perfect and never overplayed. So tasteful.
I also wanted to mention the piano track - it sounds like it was custom played especially for this track. It almost has a vocal quality.
I've never heard this song before, but then bluegrass is a genre that I've never explored much.
This is GREAT! Love the laidback groove, and Janice and Peter are awesome as usual. Mix is perfect, Bud! As far as key goes, I would say it's in 'C'. Not that I know much about theory, but when I was noodling along on my guitar while the song was playing, those were the notes that fit.
Loved it!
Speaking of genres I just discovered The Grateful Dead did a version! BTW the two chords are Cm and F so that’s where you found the notes. But what key would have those two chords? 🤷♂️ Glad you liked it. We appreciate your comments!
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! A few of our videos are here on our website: https://www.janiceandbud.com/our-music.html
Wow, ya'll are so, SOoooo good! All of you really knocked your parts out of the park. Every time I hear Janice sing I hear something special that I haven't heard before, and this is no exception. Everything here is fab.
Not familiar with other versions the song, but am confident you did it more than full justice. I play it pretty loose with theory on the blues, but I'd label this "Cm blues" and call it a day. Or not, 'cause it makes me feel good, and though that sounds wrong for the "blues", it's really all that matters. 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?)
What a great --no, better than that-- idea. Make this classic in a Blues style. Man, you can't go wrong with that idea when you have Janice, who sings better than just about anyone in that genre, and Peter, who can play Blues with the best of them. I listen to your stuff a lot, especially your Blues albums. I've played this songs many times in many different ways, but this is the best version ever.
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
Outstanding arrangement and production. Janice sounds awesome as always. She really has some great phrasing here. The mix is upfront and punchy. Peter's guitar tones are perfect and never overplayed. So tasteful.
I also wanted to mention the piano track - it sounds like it was custom played especially for this track. It almost has a vocal quality.
A big fan!
Bob
Bob, thank you for those kind comments. They mean a lot us. And we are very glad you liked the piano as it was comped from multiple regenerations. Those MidiSuperTracks are a lot of fun.
Appreciate 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! A few of our videos are here on our website: https://www.janiceandbud.com/our-music.html
Your voice is as strong and expressive as ever. I haven't heard this song before. After hearing, your version, I can't imagine that it wasn't anything else but blues. So, I had to find me a bluegrass version.
Peter's guitar work is exemplary as usual. Mix is crystal clear.
Another very beautiful song. Well done Janice & Bus The style is very well chosen. Laurent
Thank 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! A few of our videos are here on our website: https://www.janiceandbud.com/our-music.html
Classic quality production all around and Janice's voice is superb.
Some favourite Waoist Adages: #1: Play on the Way. #13: Ask not for whom the flower blooms, it blooms for you. #58: Bring consciousness to it. #63: On the road to effortlessness, effort must be made. #92: Be Love Now, the rest will come on its own.
Wow, ya'll are so, SOoooo good! All of you really knocked your parts out of the park. Every time I hear Janice sing I hear something special that I haven't heard before, and this is no exception. Everything here is fab.
Not familiar with other versions the song, but am confident you did it more than full justice. I play it pretty loose with theory on the blues, but I'd label this "Cm blues" and call it a day. Or not, 'cause it makes me feel good, and though that sounds wrong for the "blues", it's really all that matters. Ha!
Thanks … a lot. The vocal comments are much appreciated. I (Bud) am obviously biased but I’m gonna mention that she did all of the lead on one take and the harmony on one or two which is typical of her but I thought this one would be tougher. OK enough bragging on my wonderful bride! And we are most happy that these blues made you feel good!
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! A few of our videos are here on our website: https://www.janiceandbud.com/our-music.html
Two Chords? The right TWO chords. The superb rendering of "This a way..." is worth the price of admission alone. Then there's Peter's filigree and Bud's tracking & mixing. Absolute cool.
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
Well, those harmonies really take this over the top, along with some of the other more subtle BGVs. Which is not to diminish how stellar the lead vocal is . . . because it's a treat . . . as much as that slick lead solo. Wonderful mix!
What a great --no, better than that-- idea. Make this classic in a Blues style. Man, you can't go wrong with that idea when you have Janice, who sings better than just about anyone in that genre, and Peter, who can play Blues with the best of them. I listen to your stuff a lot, especially your Blues albums. I've played this songs many times in many different ways, but this is the best version ever.
Thank you Marty. And your kind words are very special given your familiarity with the tune. Genre twisting is always fun! 😀
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! A few of our videos are here on our website: https://www.janiceandbud.com/our-music.html
Well done, Janice! An edge to your voice I'm not sure I've heard before. Peter: I love how your solo is both a "solo", but also sits in the mix, without being too far forward ... excellent. This blues and rock take on it really works! Congratulations to all involved, the production (Bud, I'm looking at you) is nothing short of flawless.
Your voice is as strong and expressive as ever. I haven't heard this song before. After hearing, your version, I can't imagine that it wasn't anything else but blues. So, I had to find me a bluegrass version.
Peter's guitar work is exemplary as usual. Mix is crystal clear.
Thank you. That is a hard core traditional bluegrass version for sure as are most of them. There are a few more progressive BG versions - one by Peter Rowan and Tony Rice used the same odd scale as ours. Glad it worked for you!
J&B
PS Here’s the progressive BG version. WAY long but worth a few minutes as the musicians are great. The lady bass player has a degree from Berklee and also a degree in nuclear engineering. Tony Rice is among the best. It’s a great example of musicians supporting each other.
Our albums and singles are on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Pandora and more. If interested search on Janice Merritt. Thanks! A few of our videos are here on our website: https://www.janiceandbud.com/our-music.html
zplane recently interviewed Peter Gannon, the founder and creator of Band-in-a-Box, about the software's early days, what sets it apart from AI, how zplane's audio algorithms are used in Band-in-a-Box, and more!
Special thanks to the team at zplane for their continued support.
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.
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!
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.
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!
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