I wrote this song for my wife, Karin, back in late 2000, early 2001. I wrote it for tenor sax, guitar, keys, bass, and drums (we had a great fusion jazz group and wanted a reggae/ska tune). However, I have been wanting to make a split screen recording that featured several of instruments I have on hand. So, I wrote the horn arrangement for soprano, alto, tenor, and baritone saxes. I also wrote some pads for the flute, clarinet, and bass clarinet. Best of all, it made my wife smile.
I used several BIAB styles on this arrangement. I hope I don't miss any of them.
Memo: A 1970s ska trio with a slower tempo, featuring electric bass, electric guitar, and ska drums. -Examples: I Shot The Sheriff, Pickney Gal, Genre "Intensity" Score=55/100 _PIKITUP.STY. Pick It Up '70s Ska Trio All RealTracks. Trio. Tempo=100 (85-120) Instruments: El.Bass, El.Guitar, Drums RD: SkaSlow70sWes^2-a:Sidestick , b:Hat, Busy Snare :Wes Little RT3486: Bass, Electric, SkaClassicAB Ev16 100 , Brian Allen RT3492: Guitar, Electric, Rhythm SkaSlow Ev16 100 , Mike Durham
Memo: This classic ska band includes acoustic piano, electric guitar, electric bass, and ska drums. -Examples: The Guns Of Brixton, Santaria, Genre "Intensity" Score=55/100 _RUDEGRL.STY. All RealTracks. Quartet. Tempo=100 (85-120) Instruments: El.Bass, Ac.Piano, El.Guitar, Drums RD: SkaSlowClassicWes^1-a:Sidestick, Kick24 , b:Sidestick, Quarterkick :Wes Little RT3486: Bass, Electric, SkaClassicAB Ev16 100 , Brian Allen RT1156: Piano, Acoustic, Rhythm Reggae Ev16 100 , Blair Masters RT3492: Guitar, Electric, Rhythm SkaSlow Ev16 100 , Mike Durham
Memo: A 1970s ska quartet RealStyle with organ, electric guitar, electric bass, and ska drums with percussion. -Examples: The Guns Of Brixton, All Star, Genre "Intensity" Score=55/100 _RUDEBOY.STY. All RealTracks. Quartet. Tempo=100 (85-120) Instruments: El.Bass, Organ, El.Guitar, Drums RD: SkaSlow70sWesPerc^2-a:Sidestick , b:Hat, Busy Snare :Wes Little RT3486: Bass, Electric, SkaClassicAB Ev16 100 , Brian Allen RT1155: Organ, B3, Rhythm Reggae Ev16 100 , Blair Masters RT3492: Guitar, Electric, Rhythm SkaSlow Ev16 100 , Mike Durham
Memo: This Jamaican groove selecta style uses a classic reggae groove. This includes electric bass, acoustic piano, electric guitar, organ, and reggae drums with tambourine. -Examples: A Message To You, Rudy, Could You Be Loved, Genre "Intensity" Score=55/100 _SELECT1.STY. All RealTracks. Quintet. Tempo=100 (85-120) Instruments: El.Bass, Ac.Piano, El.Guitar, Organ, Drums RD: ReggaeTambo^2-a:Sidestick, Tambourine , b:Sidestick, Tambourine2 :Shannon Forrest RT1153: Bass, Electric, Reggae Ev16 100 , Craig Young RT1156: Piano, Acoustic, Rhythm Reggae Ev16 100 , Blair Masters RT3492: Guitar, Electric, Rhythm SkaSlow Ev16 100 , Mike Durham RT1155: Organ, B3, Rhythm Reggae Ev16 100 , Blair Masters
I recorded this into Logic Pro 11. The saxophones were recorded using a Sennheiser 441 dynamic mic. The flute/clarinet/bass clarinet was recorded using a Sennheiser MK4 condenser mic. This was filmed with my iPhone Pro Max 15. I edited the video using Final Cut Pro.
This is a really, really cool tune! had me thinking I was on the beach, a drink with a tiny umbrella in my hand. The word that comes to mind for me is comfortable. It's a "comfy" listen!
You're as very talented musician with multiple skills. I particularly like the tenor sax and the cumulative tracks as the ending evolved.
Oh, BTW, I really like that shirt in the lower-left corner!
It's always fun and VERY entertaining to see your multiple selves having fun in a band. What you play sounds GREAT. I love it!
I have wanted to get this song recorded for such a long time. I originally wrote it for my 5-piece fusion jazz group. I am a retired US Army bandsman and now teach middle school band in a large urban school district. During Covid, I'd watch all those split screen videos and feel so envious. My students did not have the means to make recordings. It's been a personal goal to make such a recording for a long time. Now that I'm starting to understand the process, I hope to be able to get my middle school big band (yes... we have a big band) recorded and present the product at the end of this school year.
Hi Steve! I love a good reggae tune - a genre we could well do with a lot more of in these days. I got so carried away, I put my hand up to order a pina colada.
BTW, you'd better have words with the clarinetist - he lacks concentration and I am sure he was checking his Facebook on the screen behind him at one point!
This is a really, really cool tune! had me thinking I was on the beach, a drink with a tiny umbrella in my hand. The word that comes to mind for me is comfortable. It's a "comfy" listen!
You're as very talented musician with multiple skills. I particularly like the tenor sax and the cumulative tracks as the ending evolved.
Oh, BTW, I really like that shirt in the lower-left corner!
Thanks for a great listen and enjoyable video.
Alan
Alan-
Thank you. Back in the late 70's-early 80's, San Antonio was one of the stops for lot's of concert tours. My brother and I discovered Van Halen via Joe Anthony's (the "Godfather of Rock") radio show on 99.5 KISS. When Black Sabath came to town, Van Halen was opening for them. We were hooked. So... many years down the road, my brother came across that shirt (the cover of "Fair Warning"). I get to wear it a couple of times per year.
Hi Steve! I love a good reggae tune - a genre we could well do with a lot more of in these days. I got so carried away, I put my hand up to order a pina colada.
BTW, you'd better have words with the clarinetist - he lacks concentration and I am sure he was checking his Facebook on the screen behind him at one point!
Great tune!
Andrew
Andrew-
I laughed so hard at this that coffee came out my nose.
This is a really, really cool tune! had me thinking I was on the beach, a drink with a tiny umbrella in my hand. The word that comes to mind for me is comfortable. It's a "comfy" listen!
You're as very talented musician with multiple skills. I particularly like the tenor sax and the cumulative tracks as the ending evolved.
Oh, BTW, I really like that shirt in the lower-left corner!
Thanks for a great listen and enjoyable video.
Alan
Alan-
Thank you. Back in the late 70's-early 80's, San Antonio was one of the stops for lot's of concert tours. My brother and I discovered Van Halen via Joe Anthony's (the "Godfather of Rock") radio show on 99.5 KISS. When Black Sabath came to town, Van Halen was opening for them. We were hooked. So... many years down the road, my brother came across that shirt (the cover of "Fair Warning"). I get to wear it a couple of times per year.
Thanks for giving it a listen.
My pleasure. I lived in San Antonio through much of the 1970s. Yeah, I'm old! I listened mostly to KONO. Our band often played at Randy's Rodeo - a large dance hall on Culebra Street. It doesn't exist anymore. Back then, there were many places with live music - we played quite a few of them.
This is a really, really cool tune! had me thinking I was on the beach, a drink with a tiny umbrella in my hand. The word that comes to mind for me is comfortable. It's a "comfy" listen!
You're as very talented musician with multiple skills. I particularly like the tenor sax and the cumulative tracks as the ending evolved.
Oh, BTW, I really like that shirt in the lower-left corner!
Thanks for a great listen and enjoyable video.
Alan
Alan-
Thank you. Back in the late 70's-early 80's, San Antonio was one of the stops for lot's of concert tours. My brother and I discovered Van Halen via Joe Anthony's (the "Godfather of Rock") radio show on 99.5 KISS. When Black Sabath came to town, Van Halen was opening for them. We were hooked. So... many years down the road, my brother came across that shirt (the cover of "Fair Warning"). I get to wear it a couple of times per year.
Thanks for giving it a listen.
My pleasure. I lived in San Antonio through much of the 1970s. Yeah, I'm old! I listened mostly to KONO. Our band often played at Randy's Rodeo - a large dance hall on Culebra Street. It doesn't exist anymore. Back then, there were many places with live music - we played quite a few of them.
Take care.
I heard Count Basie at Randy's Rodeo. Small world.
Great post, such talent! I love bass clarinet, would love to hear more!
TuneMonger-
Thanks. I really like playing the bass clarinet. I usually play it when I'm doing a musical. When I'm playing with big bands, I usually cover the 1st tenor book. Doubles for tenor are soprano sax, flute, and clarinet. Bari sax gets bass clarinet... but the books I've seen here in town don't have doubles for the bari.
Steve, cool tune and VERY nicely performed. Wild finish. That's a cool video concept and well executed. Like the rotating ensemble of BiaB players. The reggae organ is not a sound I remember featuring before, like it a lot.
DC Ron BiaB Audiophile Presonus Studio One ASUS I9-12900K DAW, 32 GB RAM Presonus Faderport 16 Too many guitars (is that a thing?)
Steve, cool tune and VERY nicely performed. Wild finish. That's a cool video concept and well executed. Like the rotating ensemble of BiaB players. The reggae organ is not a sound I remember featuring before, like it a lot.
DC Ron- I wish I could say it was the first song I wrote for Karin. However, the first one I wrote for her was right after we were married. I brought it into work, 7ID (L) Army Band at Ft. Ord CA (Monterey, CA). That was back in 1990. I brought her up to work with me, gathered the jazz combo, and pulled out the chart. It was a very simple jazz samba. I was pretty proud of it. It had lots of maj7 chords and was light and breezy. When we got done, the bass player said, "You should call this Samba Da FiFi". Bummer. Back to the drawing board.
I liked the reggae organ too. Some old school sounds.
Absolutely brilliant. You do great work with the woodwind and it's wonderfully arranged. It takes me back to when as a mere slip of a lad (the lad being my father, the slip being me) when I ran away to sea. I was listening to music like this in an old Jamaici tavern. I can still hear the sounds of me shipmates: What'll e 'ave ta drink Tobago Jack?" "I'll have a pint of grog, thanks!" "What'll e 'ave ta drink Bahama Bob?" "I'll have a pint of grog, thanks!" "What'll e 'ave ta drink Trinidad Tom?" "I'll have a pint of grog, thanks!" "What'll e 'ave ta drink Weston-super-Mare Alf?" "A gin and tonic and a packet of crisps, please."
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.
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!
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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!
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)
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