Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
#864367 10/06/25 07:44 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 541
Brno Offline OP
Journeyman
OP Offline
Journeyman
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 541
https://soundcloud.com/esa-blomberg/rising-sun-blues-trad?utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing&si=f4d92b983cd44f9b80bb49d976ed844c

"Rising Sun Blues" is an early title for the traditional folk song "The House of the Rising Sun". The oldest known recording of this song was made in 1933 by Appalachian artists Clarence "Tom" Ashley and Gwen Foster. There are many versions. I learned this from a hit by the Animals in 1964. It was in 12/8 and in a minor key, also the melody line and lyrics were changed from the oldest versions.
My version is in 3/4 (or 6/8) and in major, like the oldest versions. The lyrics are as the same as in that 1933 recording, despite I added two verses from never versions. "Rising Sun" was the name of a bawdy house in two traditional English song and proposed that the location of the house was then relocated from England to the US by Southern performers, so I added some Celtic flavour to my version, like in the Appalacian old time songs.
In my version I sing and play mandolins (octave and Napolitan), banjos (tenor and plectrum) and guitars. I produced this at my home with Band in a Box and Reaper.

****** Song Summary *************
Title: House Of The Rising Sun
Key=Bm , Tempo 90, Length (m:s)=3:11
Style is _MONDOR.STY (Slow Swing Blues w/ Organ)
MelodyCustom Synth is Hi-Q 019 01 Organ, Electric, Rock Sforzando
RealTracks used:
RealTracks in style: 564:Bass, Electric, Blues Monday Sw 065
RealTracks in style: ~~425:Organ, B3, Background Blues Sw 120
RealTracks in style: ~~585:Guitar, Resophonic, Rhythm Blues Muddy Sw 120
RealDrums in style:BluesMondaySw8^01-a:Sidestick, HiHat , b:Sidestick, Ride

User Showcase
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 1,058
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 1,058
Hi Arri!
Thanks for the background of this song. I knew the song was traditional folk, but knew nothing about its musical evolution. Based in the major key, the song has a different feel to it. As I listened, I was hearing another song but couldn’t initially put my finger on it, until I realised the similarity of its melody and harmony to ‘Last night I had the strangest dream’ on Simon and Garfunkel’s ‘Wednesday morning 3 A.M.’ album, which was a cover of the Ed McCurdy original - so I just found out.

The solo instrument - is that the Napolitan mandolin? I love the tone and pitch of that.

Andrew

User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,231
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,231
I 1st heard this via The Animals as well...a superb arrangement.
After that it was Leadbelly & eventually the early recordings.
This is a nice interpretation though your voice doesn't sit with the instrumentation - it sounds like it's in a different room & there seems to be some proximity effect/excess bottom end on it too.


Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 541
Brno Offline OP
Journeyman
OP Offline
Journeyman
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 541
Thanks. I'll check the vocals.

User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 541
Brno Offline OP
Journeyman
OP Offline
Journeyman
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 541
I checked the vocals, and they were like I wanted. I tried to sing like an old man, who is regretting his past life, which wasn't hard to do, as I'm already 72.

User Showcase
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 6,012
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 6,012
The first song I learned to play on guitar was the Animals version of this song, back in the late 60's I guess, and I've heard many different versions over the years.
Nothing quite like this though, the major key and different time signature certainly give it a different feel.
Nice job on this.

User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 541
Brno Offline OP
Journeyman
OP Offline
Journeyman
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 541
Thanks.

User Showcase
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 4,985
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 4,985
Oh, so good, Arri. Sure I know the song and played it many ways with many groups, but never like this. Oh, man, I wish I did. Never heard the '33 origianl of which you speak, but this one is so cool with banjo and mandolins. Good idea with the major shift and a more waltz feel. It fits perfectly. Very well done.


Enjoy whatever happens!
marty

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@babumusic51
SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/marty-straub
Band in a Box, Reaper, Cakewalk, Ozone 12, EZDrummer
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,041
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,041
We always enjoy a take on this tune.
Nice interpretation indeed.

Enjoyed it!

J&B

PS We previously posted a version that we rewrote to present it from the lady's perspective. smile


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: Apr 2015
Posts: 541
Brno Offline OP
Journeyman
OP Offline
Journeyman
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 541
Thanks. I often study the origins of the songs and many interesting and even surprising things show up.

User Showcase
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,128
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,128
Great history lesson, Arri! Like Dave, this was one of the first songs I learned to play on guitar. No blue pill in those days, old men could only wax nostalgic about their days in the stews. Enjoyed this much, thanks for such an interesting post.


Windows 11, Intel Core I5 10400, 16 gig ram, Scarlett 2i2, Sony Acid Music Studio 10, BIAB 2020 UltraPlus Pak
User Showcase
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,187
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,187
Hi, Arri.

Nice cover, and nice playing too!

I agree with ray about the instruments feeling like they're in a different location. At some points the backing instruments are so low in comparison with the vocals (and hard panned) that the felt disconnected.


-- David Cuny

My virtual singer development blog
Vocal 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: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,515
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,515
Brno, I was aware of the original version so I listened to it first, then to your version.
Excellent rendition. Your vocal phrasing is very close to the original. Although the instrumentation was different it did fit the song perfectly. Excellent work.
IMHO this is your best to date.


The bumper sticker said "I'm a veterinarian, therefore I can drive like an animal".
Suddenly I realized how many proctologists are on the road.

64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 541
Brno Offline OP
Journeyman
OP Offline
Journeyman
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 541
Thanks. I'm not a good singer, but I try still to keep the vocals so loud, that the words can be heard. Most of the comments I've got, were, that the vocals very too quiet and the words couldn't be heard. I also tried to sing with the broken voice of an old man (which wasn't hard). I also duplicated my vocal track and panned it 15 % to left and right to give more power. It's a pity some found the vocals disconnected from the backing band. They do have the same delay of large room, but vocals a shorter delay time (ca 2 ms against 7 ms). I still think, that the lyrics are most important and focus to keep them audible, even tho the backing band suffers from it.

User Showcase
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,729
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,729
Hi Arri,
This is indeed a very old version of that famous song. I didn't know it was that old!
I was about 8 years old when I first heard this song, played by a Dutch marine on his guitar at our house in Curaçao, Caribbean.
I think he was paying more attention to my older sister than to his guitar, but I was impressed by the song (in the same style as the animals played it) and that guitar.
Sadly, the man died in a traffic accident, but the song and even his name have stayed with us. Later, I often played and sang the song on my guitar.
Those memories always come flooding back when I hear this song, even in this historic version. You've made a beautiful addition to it with all your instruments.
Well done, Arri!

Hans


Hans Berkhout
(Birchwood)
https://soundcloud.com/user-296497130
User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 541
Brno Offline OP
Journeyman
OP Offline
Journeyman
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 541
Hartelijk dank, Hans.

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
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® users: Build 904 now available!

If you're already using Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, make sure to grab the latest update! Build 904 is now available for download and includes the newest additions and enhancements from our team.

Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® users: Build 1237 is now available!

Already a Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows user? Stay up to date and download the build 1237 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.

PowerTracks Pro 2026 for Windows is Here!

PowerTracks 2026 is here—bringing powerful new enhancements designed to make your production workflow faster, smoother, and more intuitive than ever.

The enhanced Mixer now shows Track Type and Instrument icons for instant track recognition, while a new grid option simplifies editing views. Non-floating windows adopt a modern title bar style, replacing the legacy blue bar.

The Master Volume is now applied at the end of the audio chain for consistent levels and full-signal master effects.

Tablature now includes a “Save bends when saving XML” option for improved compatibility with PG Music tools. Plus, you can instantly match all track heights with a simple Ctrl-release after resizing, and Add2 chords from MGU/SGU files are now fully supported... and more!

Get started today—first-time packages start at just $49.

Already using PowerTracks Pro Audio? Upgrade for as little as $29 and enjoy the latest improvements!

Order now!

Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!

Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, January 15, 2026!

We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!

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 new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. You can view the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to process an entire track or focus on specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.

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, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!

Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Windows to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!

Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 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 for Windows® Special Offers Extended Until January 15, 2026!

Good news! You still have time to upgrade to the latest version of Band-in-a-Box® for Windows® and save. Our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® special now runs through January 15, 2025!

We've packed Band-in-a-Box® 2026 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 process 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, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!

There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.

When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PST on January 15th, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.

Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® today! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.

Happy New Year!

Thank you for being part of the Band-in-a-Box® community.

Wishing you and yours a very happy 2026—Happy New Year from all of us at PG Music!

Season's Greetings!

Wishing everyone a happy, healthy holiday season—thanks for being part of our community!

The office will be closed for Christmas Day, but we will be back on Boxing Day (Dec 26th) at 6:00am PST.

Team PG

Forum Statistics
Forums57
Topics86,042
Posts799,250
Members40,015
Most Online44,367
Mar 4th, 2026
Newest Members
m3talmud, Chunie, Karandeep, Simon1, beedo
40,016 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 144
rsdean 104
DC Ron 101
DrDan 75
Today's Birthdays
John Kern, sampai
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5