Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
#858294 07/24/25 12:33 AM
User Showcase
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,466
Veteran
OP Online Content
Veteran
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,466
Writer's block, for a while. Wrote this, now. See what you think? Thanks for listening smile

Always In My Heart

THE BAND:

Soloists: Flute, Oboe, Cor Anglais (MIDI sounds from Mixcraft Pro Studio 10)

****** Song Summary *************
Title: 22 July 2025
File:22 July 2025.SGU
Key=Db , Tempo 50, Length (m:s)=4:09
4 bar intro, 44 bar chorus, from bar 5 to bar 48. Repeat x1 chorus
No Melody
No Soloist track.
Song is saved with Volume, Pan, Reverb, Chorus, Bank0,
Style is _HOLD.STY (Hold Dreamy 12-8 Country Pop)

RealTracks in style: 3546:Bass, Electric, AmericanaSlow12-8SteveAB Sw 040
RealTracks in style: 3086:Organ, Rhythm AmericanaSlow128Mike Sw 040
RealTracks in style: 4211:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm ModCountrySlow128DreamyHiPads Sw 050
RealDrums in style:ModernCountrySlow128Sw^2-a:HiHat & Sidestick , b:Ride & Snare

*******************

Mixed in Mixcraft Pro Studio 10

User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,112
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,112
James,

What a great blend of instruments. That flute has a vocal-like quality to it. Very beautiful and moody. I also think the 4211 Electric guitar was the perfect choice - it really holds the arrangement in place throughout. Beautiful mix.

Loved this - excellent song!

Bob

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 2,039
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 2,039
James..I really liked that initial short phrase that set the tone for the entire piece....and how you "stretched" it out at the end, and then resolved it---very effective!
Another thing...you used quite a few accidental passing tones, which also made this interesting.
Great work, kicking yourself out of that writing block---and thanks for posting!


Windows 11, Intel Core i5-8600T 2.3Ghz, 16 gig ram, BIAB 2025 MegaPak, SampleTank 4, Keystation49 Kybd, Neewer NW-800 mic
User Showcase
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 333
Journeyman
Offline
Journeyman
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 333
Some wonderful chord choices there, James. The melody played by each instrument builds this each round, and I agree with Tom about the passing notes - delightful variations.
Well done.
Andrew


Regards,
Andrew D
Adelaide, Sth Aust
Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/SQE4btVvNVkLq74e9
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@andrewoftheantipodes
User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,370
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,370
Peaceful song. Nothing to complain about in this. Nicely done


You can find my music at:
www.herbhartley.com
Add 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: Aug 2024
Posts: 546
Journeyman
Offline
Journeyman
Joined: Aug 2024
Posts: 546
Hey James, glad you broke through the block! Nice to hear oboe for a change. Love those unexpected high flute notes! Really wakes up an otherwise kinda rainy afternoon song.

User Showcase
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 1,549
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 1,549
Lovely instrumental, James. The midi oboe sounds excellent I want oboe and bassoon on BiaB1 - but while the flute was also good I would have liked to have heard more oboe for variation.


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: Feb 2010
Posts: 2,556
Veteran
Online Content
Veteran
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 2,556
Excellent melody, James. Loved the tradeoff from oboe to flute. To my ears, the oboe sample was lacking a little, but not a big deal. It's your composition that is the star here, not the samples.


Windows 11, Intel Core I5 10400, 16 gig ram, Scarlett 2i2, Sony Acid Music Studio 10, BIAB 2020 UltraPlus Pak
User Showcase
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,466
Veteran
OP Online Content
Veteran
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,466
Thank you, Bob. Ever so kind, as always ... glad you enjoyed it!

User Showcase
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,466
Veteran
OP Online Content
Veteran
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,466
Thanks, Tom ... thanks for noticing the passing notes, too smile

User Showcase
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,466
Veteran
OP Online Content
Veteran
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,466
Thanks, Andrew. Wasn't sure how it'd sound, after my "writer's block", so I'm glad that people seem to have enjoyed it! Thanks for taking the time with it smile

User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 2,036
D
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
D
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 2,036
James,

Very pretty and soft on the ears . . . Melodically, it's quite compelling. Somewhat agree with TuneMonger that the transitions early on could be a touch smoother (between the oboe and clarinet?) . . . but, gosh, that's really getting nitty. Really nicely done, James! Particularly like how you ended the song.

Dave

User Showcase
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 7,612
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 7,612
Hi, James.

Nice melody and mix!

It's a shame you can't shape the longer notes of the woodwinds, but they're still lovely to listen to. smile


-- David Cuny
My virtual singer development blog

Vocal control, you say. Never heard of it. Is that some kind of ProTools thing?
User Showcase
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 2,965
PG Music Staff
Offline
PG Music Staff
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 2,965
The first creative endeavor after getting over an artist's block always feels that much more special and rewarding somehow. Great job with this, and I bet it feels pretty good to be over that block now!


Cheers,
Ember
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 23,271
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 23,271
James, that was absolutely one beautiful piece of music.
Excellent choice of instruments.
An outstanding melody and mix.
loved it


I got banned from Weight Watchers for dropping a bag of M&Ms on the floor.
It was the best game of Hungry Hippos I've ever seen!


64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
User Showcase
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 3,342
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 3,342
Very nice. That third section transitions fabulously from the second. Variations in melodies that complement each other: Well done.

User Showcase
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,466
Veteran
OP Online Content
Veteran
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,466
Thank you so much, Herb! Glad you liked it!

BYOBand #858835 Yesterday at 01:55 AM
User Showcase
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,466
Veteran
OP Online Content
Veteran
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,466
Thanks, BYOBand, for taking the time to listen and comment! Yes, sometimes we just have to write what we feel, and hope smile It IS a kind of "rainy afternoon song", but hey ... that's what came through when I sat down to write, haha. Again, thanks!

WaoBand #858836 Yesterday at 01:57 AM
User Showcase
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,466
Veteran
OP Online Content
Veteran
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,466
WaoBand: thanks. That was (and still is) my major worry with this song: i.e. not too much variation in it, the way I've written it. But, there we are, for now ... I'm honestly a little reluctant to change it now, but we shall see! In any case, thank you for taking of your time with it!

musician17 #858865 Yesterday at 10:16 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,415
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,415
Lovely ... as we watch the hummingbirds outside our "studio" window.

Great choice of tracks and an excellent mix.

No need to parse things out as it all sounds fine in toto to us.

Enjoyed the song and accompanying relaxation,

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 are here on our website.
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To

Link Copied to Clipboard
ChatPG

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.

PG Music News
New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2025!

We’ve expanded the Band-in-a-Box® RealTracks library with 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 449-467) across Jazz, Blues, Funk, World, Pop, Rock, Country, Americana, and Praise & Worship—featuring your most requested styles!

Jazz, Blues & World (Sets 449–455):
These RealTracks includes “Soul Jazz” with Neil Swainson (bass), Mike Clark (drums), Charles Treadway (organ), Miles Black (piano), and Brent Mason (guitar). Enjoy “Requested ’60s” jazz, classic acoustic blues with Colin Linden, and more of our popular 2-handed piano soloing. Plus, a RealTracks first—Tango with bandoneon, recorded in Argentina!

Rock & Pop (Sets 456–461):
This collection includes Disco, slap bass ‘70s/‘80s pop, modern and ‘80s metal with Andy Wood, and a unique “Songwriter Potpourri” featuring Chinese folk instruments, piano, banjo, and more. You’ll also find a muted electric guitar style (a RealTracks first!) and “Producer Layered Guitar” styles for slick "produced" sound.

Country, Americana & Praise (Sets 462–467):
We’ve added new RealTracks across bro country, Americana, praise & worship, vintage country, and songwriter piano. Highlights include Brent Mason (electric guitar), Eddie Bayers (drums), Doug Jernigan (pedal steel), John Jarvis (piano), Glen Duncan (banjo, mandolin & fiddle), Mike Harrison (electric bass) and more—offering everything from modern sounds to heartfelt Americana styles

Check out all the 202 New RealTracks (in sets 456-467)

And, if you are looking for more, the 2025 49-PAK (for $49) includes an additional 20 RealTracks with exciting new sounds and genre-spanning styles. Enjoy RealTracks firsts like Chinese instruments (guzheng & dizi), the bandoneon in an authentic Argentine tango trio, and the classic “tic-tac” baritone guitar for vintage country.

You’ll also get slick ’80s metal guitar from Andy Wood, modern metal with guitarist Nico Santora, bass player Nick Schendzielos, and drummer Aaron Stechauner, more praise & worship, indie-folk, modern/bro country with Brent Mason, and “Songwriter Americana” with Johnny Hiland.

Plus, enjoy user-requested styles like Soul Jazz RealDrums, fast Celtic Strathspey guitar, and Chill Hop piano & drums!

The 2025 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2025 49-PAK!

Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box 2025 for Mac!

With your version 2025 for Mac Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Or upgrade to the 2025 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 2025 RealCombos Booster PAK: -For Pro customers, this includes 33 new RealTracks and 65+ new RealStyles. -For MegaPAK customers, this includes 29 new RealTracks and 45+ new RealStyles. -For UltraPAK customers, this includes 20 new RealStyles.
  • Look Ma! More MIDI 13: Country & Americana
  • Instrumental Studies Set 22: 2-Hand Piano Soloing - Rhythm Changes
  • MIDI SuperTracks Set 44: Jazz Piano
  • Artist Performance Set 17: Songs with Vocals 7
  • Playable RealTracks Set 4
  • RealDrums Stems Set 7: Jazz with Mike Clark
  • SynthMaster Sounds and Styles (with audio demos)
  • 128 GM MIDI Patch Audio Demos.

Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:

  • 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyles,
  • FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
  • Look Ma! More MIDI 14: SynthMaster,
  • Instrumental Studies Set 23: More '80s Hard Rock Soloing,
  • MIDI SuperTracks Set 45: More SynthMaster
  • Artist Performance Set 18: Songs with Vocals 8
  • RealDrums Stems Set 8: Pop, Funk & More with Jerry Roe

Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®!

New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Mac!

Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!

We're excited to bring you our latest and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!

In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!

All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!

Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 20.

Video: Xtra Styles PAK 20 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!

Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.

New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Mac!

We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!

We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!

If you're itching to get a sneak peek at what's included in XPro Styles PAK 9, here is a small helping of what you can look forward to: Funky R&B Horns, Upbeat Celtic Rock, Jazz Fusion Salsa, Gentle Indie Folk, Cool '60s Soul, Funky '70s R&B, Smooth Jazz Hip Hop, Acoustic Rockabilly Swing, Funky Reggae Dub, Dreamy Retro Latin Jazz, Retro Soul-Rock Fusion, and much more!

Special Pricing! Until July 31, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!

Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.

Video: XPro Styles PAK 9 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!

XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.

New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Windows!

Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!

We're excited to bring you our latest and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!

In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!

All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!

Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 20.

Video: Xtra Styles PAK 20 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!

Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.

New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Windows!

We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!

We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!

If you're itching to get a sneak peek at what's included in XPro Styles PAK 9, here is a small helping of what you can look forward to: Funky R&B Horns, Upbeat Celtic Rock, Jazz Fusion Salsa, Gentle Indie Folk, Cool '60s Soul, Funky '70s R&B, Smooth Jazz Hip Hop, Acoustic Rockabilly Swing, Funky Reggae Dub, Dreamy Retro Latin Jazz, Retro Soul-Rock Fusion, and much more!

Special Pricing! Until July 31, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!

Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.

Video: XPro Styles PAK 9 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!

XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.

Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®: VST3 Plugin Support

Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® now includes support for VST3 plugins, alongside VST and AU. Use them with MIDI or audio tracks for even more creative possibilities in your music production.

Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Macs®: VST3 Plugin Support

Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®: Using VST3 Plugins

Join the conversation on our forum.

Forum Statistics
Forums58
Topics84,380
Posts778,470
Members39,636
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
Newest Members
Leo grant, DobBylan, JoeyCost, Ted1968, Jaraxus92
39,636 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 149
DC Ron 113
WaoBand 109
rsdean 89
dcuny 76
Today's Birthdays
furlanetto31
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5