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#847511 03/25/25 10:08 AM
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Hi everybody. I feel kinda guilty even posting on here, because I've been away from the forum for a while, now, and I haven't managed to catch up with everyone's songs, just yet. Still ... I come bearing gifts, so please bear with me? smile I will definitely catch up with everyone's songs, promise smile


I had some free time, this afternoon, so I thought I'd re-arrange the first song I ever wrote properly with Band-in-a-Box, back in 2018, my Ave Maria. I've made an arrangement of its background music for two pianos, snare drum, and chime bells. This is the arrangement that, until 1 April 2025 (because that's how long WeTransfer is letting me keep the link up for) everyone can download, free of charge, of course (and if they want to, of course smile ), from here (it's a WeTransfer link) . It basically contains a PDF of the score of the piece, and an MP3 of it. My way of saying thank you to everyone for bearing with me, over the years!

The audio version of this song can be heard here . Trouble is, as in the MP3 file above, I've had to change the top line of the piano for a flute - I couldn't get the top piano line to sound as I wanted it to. So, in the score, you'll have two pianos, in the audio version, it's a piano and a half, and a flute (as well as the unchanged chime bells and snare drum, of course). Argh ... sorry smile .

The original version of the BIAB-produced song can be found here . I can't find the BIAB details of the song, at the moment (it's been a long time since 2018, I have a feeling the file is on my old computer ...) ... and, given the length of this post, I'll let you read the lyrics on SoundCloud, at the respective links smile

All feedback welcome! Particularly curious to know if the quaver (eight-note) accompaniment piano part is too repetitive, or not ... but, again, all feedback very much welcome. Thanks smile

EDIT: following everyone's kind suggestions, I've changed things around a little, notably swapping the flute for another piano line. See what you think, if you can? Thanks smile - oh, and I've also created the video above, for the latest version! Thanks for your time smile

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James,

A dramatic and beautiful song...

I really like the arrangement, vocal and the drums are spectacular. Great mix as well.

Very nicely done.

Bob

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James, really well done. Like the dramatic use of the snare. Cool harmonic progression. Not too much repetition on the repeating 8th note pattern: It's musical glue to my ears. Very nice vocal recital, as always. Maybe a tad less vocal reverb, as the character of your excellent voice gets ever slightly washed over in spots. Great job!


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James, this is fantastic.
Outstanding vocal and backing band.
Super effects via the snare and bells
Outstanding lyrics
Great chord progression and mix
Loved it


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James, very nice; enjoyed this. My only suggestion: at the point where you used the bells, maybe only on half-notes instead of every quarter--I think that one element got a bit distractive. But otherwise, great re-work...I remember the original!


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Excellent soothing song. I love the lyrics. I like the instrumentation in both versions, though I think the vocals are too loud in the acoustic.


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Got my copy!! It will now sit proudly with all my other James Delsono music collection. Thanks! I was really enjoying the flute and piano when a voice came in to make me look around the room to see who was yelling at me. Ah, it was you! This is such a fine production, James. Man, it is simplified in its production, but everything you added is vitally important to the whole. I like hearing your vocal and you have given it a very good effect, but it should be tamed.


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Bob, Ron, Mario, Tano Music, WaoBand, and Marty: Thank you so much for such fantastic feedback, from all my heart!!!

Following your various suggestions, I have uploaded a new version of the track, now. The extra one thing that I added, by myself, is taking away the flute and putting a piano solo part, instead, as originally intended. See what you think? I think it sounds more otherworldly like this, but, if you all prefer the flute, I may switch it back!

Again, THANK YOU for your feedback!!!

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Beautiful intro James. Your spoken word vocal and lyric were excellent. Just loved the piano in your backtrack. Well done..


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Thank you, Scott. Kind, as always. Much appreciated.

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Hi James, I didn't know what to expect but I liked this, though it saddened me too. Your spoken voice and phrasing suits the genuine expression of prayer. The drum and bell were a nice touch, each adding appropriate emphasis to the prayer. (PS: Thanks for including the Soundcloud link!)

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Thanks, BYOBand. I'm really happy you liked the song, even if it saddened you a little ... which I hope wasn't for very long!

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James,

Beautifully conceived and delivered. You do spoken word as good as anybody - better than many. I thought the background bell starting around 2:58 was an excellent choice.

Indeed an enjoyable listen. But when are your songs not?

Alan


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Thank you, Alan. Too kind, though I will definitely take this and run, haha, any time of the day. I'm so glad you enjoyed this song of mine.

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That is a very nice and creative write/arrangement that we assume to a lot of consideration and time.
Well performed and mixed -- sounds great on our monitors. Love the tone of that piano also.

Well done!

J&B


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Hi, James.

It's always interesting to revisit earlier work. This arrangement sounds good to me. smile


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Vocal control, you say. Never heard of it. Is that some kind of ProTools thing?
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Janice, Bud: thanks! Really glad you liked the arrangement. It was, in this case, well worth the effort smile Thanks for taking the time to listen!

David Cuny: thanks! Glad you enjoyed it! smile Thanks for listening!

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