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Sugar TimeThis is something I've been playing around with for several days. I was listening to Larry Carlton and Robben Ford last week. Doing so kinda redirected me back to my more traditional creations in Smooth Jazz. And this is where I ended up. Finding and EQing the right bass line was my most difficult challenge. I've been a Larry Carlton fan for quite a few years, so I attempted to guide this one in that direction. When he plays live, he typically uses only electric piano, drums, and bass for his backing band. Therefore, the bass players he uses usually play a fairly busy style, but not with the real deep semi-mushy tones most often heard. I spent at least two hours trying to recreate that bass sound. I also added a bit more upper-mid EQ to the drums Because I particularly like the hi-hat in this drum kit. I kept only the e-piano and lead guitar tracks from the original style, replacing all the others. I added a small amount of compression because the volume of the lead guitar tends to dance around quite a bit. The players: Title: Sugar Time File:Sugar Time.SGU Key=G , Tempo 110, Length (m:s)=2:54 Style is _TETHER.STY (Tether Modern Jazz Fusion) RealTracks in song: ~1433:Bass, Electric, JazzFunkGroovin Ev16 110 RealTracks in style: 2817:Guitar, Electric, Soloist SmoothSoulFast16thsBrent Ev16 110 RealTracks in song: 1842:Synth Pad, PopModernGrooveA-B Ev16 075 RealTracks in song: 1410:Piano, SynthLayer, Rhythm Soul70sA-B Ev16 100 RealDrums in Song:JazzFunkPop^1-a:Sidestick, Hihat , b:Snare, Hihat Thanks in advance, 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
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Alan,
This completely nails the vibe you were after. A small contemporary smooth jazz group with a "live" feel.
You always get the best guitar tones - this one is outstanding. Love the mix - it sounds great turned up!
Excellent!
Bob
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Yep, Larry was the King of Smooth Jazz and...well, pretty much anything else he wanted to do with a guitar. He brings a great musicality to any tune he touches. And so do you! This really captures that time when this style of music took off. Love the lead guitar, and those pads make a nice foundation. Think you got the bass about right, too. This took me back to a time when I had less free time and more hair. THANKS for that!  Hope you and Di had a better week.
DC Ron
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Too many guitars (is that a thing?)
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You have a talent for this style, Al.
Vic
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Hi Alan,
I'm struggling musically this week so came to be inspired. Thanks for this smooth piece; despite your challenges, I think you found the perfect bass. The lead guitar is awesome; is that right from the box with just your chords??
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Really nice smooth jazz feel!
Like that style you chose a lot.
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Hi, Alan. A pleasant listen - smooth and easy listening! I don't have a deep knowledge of the genre, but it sounds right on the money to me. Your comments about trying to get the bass sound reminds me of my son, a bass player - he's worried about getting the tone by using the right strings and effects. Me, I just plug in the bass and play. It's nice that people other than me can hear the difference. 
-- 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.
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VERY pleasant - nice tones.
Cheers
rayc
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It's a great sound and production - the bass does it's job to my ears - but although it's a matter of taste (and I'm sometimes criticised for long solos, which I like), I feel that had there been something like a tenor sax solo in the centre it would have both given the piece more character and given dynamic impetus to the return of the guitar in the final 1/3.
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Apprentice
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Really nice to listen this jazz!
Jona
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Very nice intro. Yes it sounds like Larry Carlton, a guitarist I love. A good moment!
Laurent
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Apologies. This is brief as we continue to have internet issues after the hurricane.
Your mix efforts were well worth the time as it sounds great.
Open and airy -- as we love mixes.
We have enjoyed Robben Ford for years so we sat right in with the vibe.
Well done!
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
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It's no surprise that Larry & Robben translate well into the soul of Alan, and you made a wonderful piece of music to prove it. Well, it's just another opininon, but I say you did a great job on the bass, too. The whole tune shines with an expert mix, and some very tasty playing. Well done, Alan.
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REALLY well done, Alan.
No surprise there...
Impeccable mix.
Good music.
fj
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Alan,
This completely nails the vibe you were after. A small contemporary smooth jazz group with a "live" feel.
You always get the best guitar tones - this one is outstanding. Love the mix - it sounds great turned up!
Excellent!
Bob Thanks, Bob. Glad you enjoyed it. 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
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Yep, Larry was the King of Smooth Jazz and...well, pretty much anything else he wanted to do with a guitar. He brings a great musicality to any tune he touches. And so do you! This really captures that time when this style of music took off. Love the lead guitar, and those pads make a nice foundation. Think you got the bass about right, too. This took me back to a time when I had less free time and more hair. THANKS for that! Hope you and Di had a better week. Thanks, Ron. I can appreciate the less free time and more hair comment! Di had a heart attack Friday night. She's in the hospital in Decatur, AL. Just got back from a visit. She is stable and cognizant of her surroundings. The progress is cautiously good. She also has septicemia. Best to you & yours. 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
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You have a talent for this style, Al.
Vic Thanks a lot, Vic. Appreciate it. 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
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Hi Alan,
I'm struggling musically this week so came to be inspired. Thanks for this smooth piece; despite your challenges, I think you found the perfect bass. The lead guitar is awesome; is that right from the box with just your chords?? Hi! Thank you for those very kind comments. Yes, thuis is straight from the box - no third party input. Just me and BIAB. 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
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Really nice smooth jazz feel!
Like that style you chose a lot. Thanks, David. Hope Helene hasn't been a significant issue for you and yours. Prayers for the well-being for you and your loved ones. I appreciate the kind words. 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
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I've been a fan of those two guys forever, especially Robben. Brent is no slouch either  Sound great, Alan, enjoyed.
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