Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
#871932 12/07/25 11:47 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 23,967
MarioD Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 23,967
A Christmas Song

I had sometime this afternoon so just for the fun of it I put Christmas bells with a jazz backing band. Let me know what you think of this song,.

BiaB Style - Jazz Quartet Slow Ballad
Bass - Ample Bass - Upright
Drum - RD from style
Piano - EZ2 Keys - Dream Station - Dream Machine - MK VII Dreams
Guitar - Kontakt - SoundProps - Direct 335 V2

Via my keyboard I am playing the bells: UVI Workstation - Kawai K5 - Bells - Long Bells

As always all comments are welcomed.


It takes courage for a man to admit his wife was wrong.

64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
MarioD #871958 12/07/25 02:26 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,185
Veteran
Online Content
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,185
Mario, very soothing and reflective. Am picturing a crackling fire in the fireplace and bulging stockings hanging from the mantle. I can smell the burning wood and pine scent from the Douglas Fir tree. There's a plate on the side table with a few cookie crumbs and a half glass of milk. The kids are asleep, but will wake soon, and this will give way to joyful chaos. But for now, we'll savor the moment...

Cool tune!


DC Ron
BiaB Audiophile
Presonus Studio One
ASUS I9-12900K DAW, 32 GB RAM
Presonus Faderport 16
Too many guitars (is that a thing?)
MarioD #871961 12/07/25 03:49 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,540
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,540
Mario,

So serene and beautiful…

Excellent mix. Just a great production.

Bob

MarioD #872008 12/08/25 05:00 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 2,344
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 2,344
Peaceful and in-the-season. I liked the jazz-oriented chord extensions--like the +5 note in the melody line, and the M7ths/6ths..so Christmas-y. I also wondered what this would sound like at tempo, probably also great, but bright and cheerful...could work both ways I bet. Thanks for helping with the seasonal feel!


Windows 11, Intel Core i5-8600T 2.3Ghz, 16 gig ram, BIAB 2025 MegaPak, SampleTank 4, Keystation49 Kybd, Neewer NW-800 mic
MarioD #872052 12/08/25 11:59 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 787
Journeyman
Offline
Journeyman
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 787
Hi Mario!
Those downward melody lines gave me the impression of snowflakes falling in outdoor scenes - maybe looking through the windows of a cottage to a warm fireplace - something I have never experienced. As I listened, I wondered whether your piece could act as a backdrop to an Aussie Chrissie scene - of a barbecue on a 30ºC (86ºF) day, a glass of moscato, backyard cricket match and a kangaroo hopping down a suburban street wearing a Santa hat? Nope.

It’s a wonderful tune nonetheless! Well done!

Andrew

MarioD #872064 12/08/25 01:24 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,698
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,698
Mario,

VERY Christmas-y!

Nice job on Bells.
Good mix.

This could be playing in the background all season long.

Merry Christmas.

fj

DC Ron #872075 12/08/25 01:48 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 23,967
MarioD Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 23,967
Originally Posted by DC Ron
Mario, very soothing and reflective. Am picturing a crackling fire in the fireplace and bulging stockings hanging from the mantle. I can smell the burning wood and pine scent from the Douglas Fir tree. There's a plate on the side table with a few cookie crumbs and a half glass of milk. The kids are asleep, but will wake soon, and this will give way to joyful chaos. But for now, we'll savor the moment...

Cool tune!

Thanx Ron. I was hoping my song would bring thoughts like you experience. You made my day!


It takes courage for a man to admit his wife was wrong.

64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
rsdean #872076 12/08/25 01:49 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 23,967
MarioD Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 23,967
Originally Posted by rsdean
Mario,

So serene and beautiful…

Excellent mix. Just a great production.

Bob

Thanx so much Bob for listening and commenting on my little song.


It takes courage for a man to admit his wife was wrong.

64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 23,967
MarioD Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 23,967
Originally Posted by Tano Music
Peaceful and in-the-season. I liked the jazz-oriented chord extensions--like the +5 note in the melody line, and the M7ths/6ths..so Christmas-y. I also wondered what this would sound like at tempo, probably also great, but bright and cheerful...could work both ways I bet. Thanks for helping with the seasonal feel!

Thanx so much Tom. Yes I like those Maj7ths and augmented chords. Putting lead notes on them reinforces those chords. Thanx for noticing them.


It takes courage for a man to admit his wife was wrong.

64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 23,967
MarioD Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 23,967
Originally Posted by Andrew Dee
Hi Mario!
Those downward melody lines gave me the impression of snowflakes falling in outdoor scenes - maybe looking through the windows of a cottage to a warm fireplace - something I have never experienced. As I listened, I wondered whether your piece could act as a backdrop to an Aussie Chrissie scene - of a barbecue on a 30ºC (86ºF) day, a glass of moscato, backyard cricket match and a kangaroo hopping down a suburban street wearing a Santa hat? Nope.

It’s a wonderful tune nonetheless! Well done!

Andrew

Thanx so much Andrew. I was hoping that my song would inspire images like you described.
30C? You are lucky. We are in an extremely cold spell for this time of year. It was 4F(-15.6) this morning. I hope it warms up a little for Christmas.


It takes courage for a man to admit his wife was wrong.

64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 23,967
MarioD Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 23,967
Originally Posted by floyd jane
Mario,

VERY Christmas-y!

Nice job on Bells.
Good mix.

This could be playing in the background all season long.

Merry Christmas.

fj

Thanx Floyd, I'm glad that you liked it.


It takes courage for a man to admit his wife was wrong.

64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
MarioD #872112 12/08/25 05:50 PM
User Showcase
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 1,984
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 1,984
Lovely, gentle Xmas song, Mario. Great work on the bells.


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.
MarioD #872159 12/09/25 07:18 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Mar 2022
Posts: 932
L
Expert
Offline
Expert
L
Joined: Mar 2022
Posts: 932
Thank you Mario for this wonderful Christmas atmosphere.
Laurent

MarioD #872277 12/10/25 03:34 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 5,880
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 5,880
Certainly has a Christmas vibe, and those bells really worked well.

Nicely done, Mario, enjoyed.

MarioD #872287 12/10/25 05:03 AM
User Showcase
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 4,783
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 4,783
Ah, the perfect sounds after all the presents are put together and laid under the tree. The fireplace is roaring, the wine is sipped. Tomorrow will be chaos, but tonight the calm is so welcomed. Thanks, Mario.


Enjoy whatever happens!
marty

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@babumusic51
SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/marty-straub
Band in a Box, Reaper, Cakewalk, Ozone 11, EZDrummer
MarioD #872378 12/10/25 02:42 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 254
P
Apprentice
Offline
Apprentice
P
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 254
Very pretty, Mario. Thanks for this.


Paul

BIAB 2025
Intel i7-4790K, Win10 Pro, 16GB Ram
1TB OS, 2TB Audio, 1TB Samples
Focusrite Scarlett 16i16 4th Gen
Cakewalk Sonar, 64 bit
MarioD #872385 12/10/25 03:47 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2024
Posts: 198
Apprentice
Offline
Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2024
Posts: 198
Wonderful Mario! So enjoyed that. The bells are so unusual and just darn pretty!

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
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!

We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!

Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.

Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!

Special offers until December 31st, 2025!

All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 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 10 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.

Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!

Xtra Styles PAK 21 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 Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!

Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!

In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!

Special offers until December 31st, 2025!

All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!

Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.

Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!

Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 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.

Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!

We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!

Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.

Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!

Special offers until December 31st, 2025!

All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 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 10 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.

Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!

Xtra Styles PAK 21 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 Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!

Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!

In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!

Special offers until December 31st, 2025!

All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!

Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.

Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!

Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 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.

Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows is Here!

Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows is here and it is packed with major new features! There’s a new modern look, a GUI redesign to all areas of the program including toolbars, windows, workflow and more. There’s a Multi-view layout for organizing multiple windows. A standout addition is the powerful AI-Notes feature, which uses AI neural-net technology to transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI—entire mixes or individual instruments—making it easy to study, view, and play parts from any song. And that’s just the beginning—there are over 60 new features in this exciting release.

Along with version 2026, we've released an incredible lineup of new content! There's 202 new RealTracks, brand-new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two new RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!

Special Offers
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows and save up to 50% on most upgrade packages during our special offer—available until December 31, 2025. Visit our Band-in-a-Box® packages page to explore all available upgrade options.

2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK Add-ons
Our Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK are loaded with amazing add-ons! The Free Bonus PAK is included with most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows packages, but you can unlock even more—including 20 unreleased RealTracks—by upgrading to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49. Browse the full contents of each package and listen to demos here.

XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs Special Extended Until August 31st!

XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs Special Extended Until August 31st!

The XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs special offers are now available until August 31st at 11:59pm PDT!

Ready to take your Band-in-a-Box® 2025 experience to the next level? Now’s the perfect time! Expand your style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs—packed with a wide variety of genres to inspire your next musical creation.

What are XPro Styles and Xtra Styles PAKs?

XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with any version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). XPro Styles PAKS 1-9 includes 900 styles!

Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). With over 3,500 styles (and 35 MIDI styles) included in Xtra Styles PAKs 1-20, the possibilities are endless!

Get the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Listen to demos and order now! For Windows or for Mac.

Note: 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.

Get Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 19 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Listen to demos and order now! For Windows or for Mac.

Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 19 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.

Don’t miss this chance to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box setup—at a great price!

Mac 2025 Special Upgrade Offers Extended Until August 15th!

It's not too late to upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® and save! We've extended our special until August 15, 2025!

We've added many major new features to Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, including advanced AI tools like the amazing BB Stem Splitter and AI Lyrics Generator, as well as VST3 plugin support, and Equalize Temp. Plus, there’s a new one-stop MIDI Patches Picker with over 1,100 MIDI patches to choose from, all neatly categorized by GM numbers. The MultiPicker Library is enhanced with tabs for the SongPicker, MIDI Patch Picker, Chord Builder, AI Lyrics Generator, and Song Titles Browser, and the tabs are organized into logical groups. The Audiophile Edition is enhanced with FLAC files , which are 60% smaller than AIFF files while maintaining identical audio quality, and now ships on a fast 1TB SSD, and much more!

Check out all the new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® here:

Purchase your Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac during our special to save up to 50% off your upgrade purchase and receive a FREE BONUS PAK of amazing new Add-ons. These include the 2025 RealCombos Booster PAK, 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, and more!

Upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for just $49 and add 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and 20 RealStyles, FLAC Files for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks, Look Ma! More MIDI 14: SynthMaster, MIDI SuperTracks Set 45: More SynthMaster, Artist Performance Set 18: Songs with Vocals 8, and RealDrums Stems Set 8: Pop, Funk & More with Jerry Roe.
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs!

Forum Statistics
Forums57
Topics85,241
Posts789,955
Members39,842
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
Newest Members
Wandy, Doughboy, Michael Flitta, Bucasa costa, pharr99
39,842 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
jpettit 304
MarioD 213
DrDan 210
Noel96 171
DC Ron 138
Rob Helms 129
Today's Birthdays
OthniJavier, RADIODIRECT
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5