|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,197
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,197 |
Let's Have Some Fun We were recently watching some western swing bands on YT as we like the genre and used to play a bit of it in our bluegrass band days before settling in with our nowadays blues rock. Janice had written a little blues lyric but we decided to try it as a western swing tune. Our friend and music partner PeterF is on vacation/holiday and couldn’t join in so we comped up a RT guitar track for the solo and I threw in a simple upright bass track. So here’s all of its two minutes. As always thanks to PG Music for letting it happen. Lyrics are on SC. We appreciate your time if you choose to check it out! © 2024 Janice Merritt & Bud Merritt Janice: vocals, lyric, arrangement & mix Bud: bass, arrangement, mix/mastering & photo For those of the technical inclination: Janice: Lead/Harmony > Rodes mic > Scarlett Interface > Izotope Nectar Bass: 1953 Kay Upright > MXL mic > Scarlett Interface > Waves Bass Rider > isotope Neutron Drums: RealDrums: NashvilleSwing8 > Waves CLA Drums Snare: from above kit > Neutron > Logic Pro ChromaVerb Guitar Rhythm: RealTrack 812 Electric Western Swing Sw 165 Guitar Solo (comped from multiple tracks): RealTrack 1710 Electric WesternSwingBrent Sw 165 Fiddle Rhythm: RealTrack 1871 CountryBoogie Sw 140 > Waves CLA Unplugged Fiddle Solo (comped from multiple tracks): RealTrack 117 WesternSwingAndy Sw 165 > Waves CLA Unplugged Pedal Steel Rhythm: RealTrack 1134 WesternSwing Sw 165 > Logic ChromaVerb Pedal Steel Solo: RealTrack 1672 WesternSwingPaul Sw 165 > Logic ChromaVerb Mastering chain: Ozone Modules EQ > Stabilizer > Impact > Imager > Dynamic EQ > Maximizer > Izotope Tonal Balance > Logic Loudness Meter
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,787
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,787 |
J&B, Ooh, this is GREAT sounding toe tapper of a period piece! Very snappy write and a really tight band. Superbly charismatic vocals/harmonies, and that bass sounds nice, too. Ya'll make the BEST music!
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: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,266
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,266 |
Hi, J&B. The song lives up to the title.  Upbeat and fun to listen to. And thanks for including the technical information, for those of us technically inclined to spend too much money on plugins. 
-- 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: Nov 2007
Posts: 6,081
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 6,081 |
Well, I think you achieved your goal! Fun indeed, loved it.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 9,073
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 9,073 |
Janice & Bud,
That's a great track. A style you don't hear around here very much. Janice sounds great as usual and I really like that upright bass.
This song would sound right at home on one of K.D. Lang's early records.
EXCELLENT!
Bob
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,941
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,941 |
Cool fun song.
Personally, I think that background fiddle was too busy throughout the song. It was distracting. In several places it sounds like it's playing a different chord than the steel, which makes it confusing. Maybe that's just how I'm hearing it.
But it's still a fun song
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.comAdd nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both. The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Mar 2022
Posts: 1,171
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Mar 2022
Posts: 1,171 |
It's really well done and very pleasant to listen to. It's a style that has a lot of charm.
Laurent
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,197
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,197 |
J&B, Ooh, this is GREAT sounding toe tapper of a period piece! Very snappy write and a really tight band. Superbly charismatic vocals/harmonies, and that bass sounds nice, too. Ya'll make the BEST music! We appreciate all you mentioned. Our heart is in the blues nowadays but it’s fun to step back every now and then. Glad you liked 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! Our Videos
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,197
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,197 |
Hi, J&B. The song lives up to the title. Upbeat and fun to listen to. And thanks for including the technical information, for those of us technically inclined to spend too much money on plugins. Thanks! I spent a little initially but Waves products are cheap and I'm using some older version of Izotope's stuff. Seems to work OK and I can't talk myself into any upgrades of late.  Glad you liked 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! Our Videos
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2024
Posts: 805
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Aug 2024
Posts: 805 |
I loved it! Awesome vocals and phrasing. Reminiscent of The Manhattan Transfer.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 3,686
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 3,686 |
That was fun and nostalgic! Janice nailed the vocal. I picture some hay bales strewn about the barn.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,292
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,292 |
SOUNDS FAB.
Excellent bass Bud, excellent.
the rest of the band do what is needed - they swing.
Janice's vocal sounds playful, light, expressing joy and the melody is tres cool.
LOVE IT.
Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,197
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,197 |
Well, I think you achieved your goal! Fun indeed, loved it. Thank you Dave! 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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,518
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,518 |
Yes, very fun and perky and frisky!
Really enjoyed this!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2,648
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2,648 |
Well, that took me back to when I was a small child with my mother singing to the radio while cooking Sunday lunch.
Nicely done.
Vic
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,824
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,824 |
Janice and Bud,
You should have some fun more often.
Loved it!
Life is short so make sure you spend as much time as possible on the Internet arguing with strangers.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,197
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,197 |
Janice & Bud,
That's a great track. A style you don't hear around here very much. Janice sounds great as usual and I really like that upright bass.
This song would sound right at home on one of K.D. Lang's early records.
EXCELLENT!
Bob Thanks Bob! We used to listen to K.D. back in the day and enjoyed her swing tunes very much. We appreciate your nice comments and thanks for mentioning the bass. 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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,197
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,197 |
It's really well done and very pleasant to listen to. It's a style that has a lot of charm.
Laurent We appreciate that! 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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 2,322
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 2,322 |
Great song! Love the arrangement and particularly the fiddle and the totally jigsaw-fitting guitar solo. I won't mention Janice's vocals as she must get fed up with hearing how good she is!
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: Mar 2024
Posts: 596
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Mar 2024
Posts: 596 |
Well I certainly had fun listening. Great vocals with every syllable of every word clearly sung. You (Janice) have a unique vocal ability to adapt to different styles. Here I am hearing Ruth Etting and Annette Hanshaw (WHO, I hear you ask) in your voice.
Very enjoyable song and Buds bass sounds good too.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
Holiday Weekend Hours
It's Victoria Day Long Weekend in Canada. Our Customer Service hours are:
Saturday, May 16: Closed
Sunday, May 17: Closed
Monday, May 18: 8:00am - 4:00pm
Regular hours resume Tuesday, May 19th!
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!
Don't wait - order today!
Check out all the new features in the redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
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.
Check out all the 202 new RealTracks (in sets 468-488)!
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!
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
With your version 2026 for Mac 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)
- iOS Android Band-in-a-Box® App
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 PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,378
Posts804,051
Members40,110
| |
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean