|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,698
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,698 |
Hi All, A little backstory. I was on a business trip to Europe about 25 years ago. One of my stops was in Berlin. That evening I went to a small folk & blues club where an older local singer-songwriter was playing. I was very close to the stage where she sang about 10 songs and told some stories. I wrote this simple little song when I returned to the hotel later that night. It has never been recorded until now and features vocals from my friend Joliz. As in our last project, we also put this one on "tape" again…  This is called WHISPER OVER BERLIN. Threw a shadow wild and thin A leather jacket that smelled like gin A tattoo of Frida Kahlo on her skin Sang folk and blues and bet it all Her voice like a summer squall Songs tumbled down like a concrete wall In the thunder Over Berlin tonight Played Odetta lit her smoke Her laugh caught up in an inside joke A heart that wore the night just like a coat She chased the moon just so far Silhouettes and empty bars Burned up her past like a shooting star Like a comet Over Berlin tonight Once met Cohen in ’75 10 feet tall a bird on a wire The lights over Berlin were on fire A couple of chords a serenade Her voice like dusk on the longest day Old poets only slip out and fade to grey In a whisper In the city tonight In a whisper In the city tonight In a whisper Over Berlin tonight BIAB Tracks: 2877: Bass, Acoustic, AmericanaSlow16ths 060 0368: Guitar, Acoustic, Strumming 065 2878: Guitar, Electric, Rhythm 060 2879: Guitar, Electric, Rhythm 060 1805: Synth Pad 065 Loop: Chillout - dimensions_145choir_a_minor.wav RealDrums: AmericanaRoots16th Other Notes: My Mic: Copperphone by Placid Audio My Vocal: Recorded directly to Tascam 488 Joliz & RealTracks: Transferred to Tascam 488 As always - thanks for listening! Bob
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,398
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,398 |
Wow, Bob. This is like a hymn. Just so majestic, yet intimate. Those guitars are selected and mixed to perfection. LOVE your vocals, and Joliz's harmonies just float ethereally over the arrangement. The mix and master are perfect. My only visit to Berlin was a long layover at the airport. Now I want to go back! LOVE your song!
DC Ron
BiaB Audiophile
Presonus Studio One
ASUS I9-12900K DAW, 32 GB RAM
Presonus Faderport 16
Too many guitars (is that a thing?)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,199
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,199 |
1st impression - that 1st chord is sudden and a jolt...I can't say if fading it in would be a good move but something that fits the gentler vibe of the song perhaps.
The extra voice adds melody & texture to the song - sort of a Leonard & Judy thing.
I was going to comment about the song not being about a US city but Berlin was almost an exotic cousin of NY before the wall's fall.
Loved the song.
Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 811
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 811 |
Bob, this is a beautiful song with thoughtful, evocative lyrics that suit your voice perfectly.
I've never been to Berlin but your song took me to a small folk and blues club just like you described.
Cheers,
Mike
Mike Garry BIAB 2025/RealBand (5), UltraPak, Kontakt, EZmix, Ozone 9 Elements, Audacity, MSi PC, Windows 11, 64bit, 16GB ram, CPU: Intel i7. https://soundcloud.com/user-952388172
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,143
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,143 |
Hi, Bob.
Another trip in your time machine to another place and time.
You and Joliz sound great here.
-- David Cuny My virtual singer development blogVocal 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: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,698
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,698 |
Ron,
That is very kind. Thanks so much from both of us.
Bob
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2,411
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2,411 |
Great, colourful lyrics again, Robert.
Just the right track arrangement. I felt the atmosphere.
Vic
.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 851
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 851 |
Sounds great, the tracks really support the mood and feel of the lyrics. You vocal fits the mood and emotion of the music.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,698
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,698 |
Ray,
Thanks for your thoughts and the kind words. Much appreciated.
Bob
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,647
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,647 |
Hi Bob,
Your lyrics are always so superbly written - passionate and engaging. True wordsmiths aren't all that common. You're at or very near the top of that list.
Great arrangement and mix. Joliz's voice was a very pleasant surprise. I lived in Germany 12 years but never got to Berlin. I'm delighted you did, conjured up that memory, and treated us with your musical time machine!
Best to you,
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: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,698
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,698 |
Mike,
Thanks. Appreciate the kind words.
Bob
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 1,028
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 1,028 |
Hi Bob, this just works - a very enjoyable listen!!
Excellent arangement which fits a great song - super job Bob & Joliz!!
Carl
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 4,900
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 4,900 |
What a great song, and you and Joliz sound great together. Wish that performer in Berlin could hear this. A great write from the inspiration. My good friend who turned 100 in July was a navigator on the B17 (Flying Fortress), and he also went back to helo with the Berlin Airlift. Story well told here, Bob.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,796
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,796 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 2,815
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 2,815 |
I think David put it best: many of your songs are like a time machine, taking the listener back to the time in which your story is set.
Very well done!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 2,090
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 2,090 |
This another really excellent song all around, Bob. I've said it before and I'll say it again, you're a brilliant songwriter with a unique style - I love the line "A heart that wore the night just like a coat" - plus the backing vocals really brought it alive. Really impressive!
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,698
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,698 |
David,
That's very kind and appreciated. Thank you from both of us.
Bob
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,698
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,698 |
Vic,
Much appreciated - thanks.
Bob
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,698
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,698 |
Elliott,
Thanks - very appreciated.
Bob
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,698
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,698 |
Alan,
Thanks very much. You are always very kind.
Hope you are feeling better.
Bob
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
Happy New Year!
Thank you for being part of the Band-in-a-Box® community.
Wishing you and yours a very happy 2026—Happy New Year from all of us at PG Music!
Season's Greetings!
Wishing everyone a happy, healthy holiday season—thanks for being part of our community!
The office will be closed for Christmas Day, but we will be back on Boxing Day (Dec 26th) at 6:00am PST.
Team PG
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.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
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.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®
With your version 2026 for Windows 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)
- Android Band-in-a-Box® App (included)
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 PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics85,756
Posts795,858
Members39,952
| |
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
There are no members with birthdays on this day. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean