Well, I'm a big Tony Joe White fan in particular and the swampy blues style in general, so this one ticked a lot of boxes for me
Cool to hear Peter on Harp, that sound never grows old for me. And of course he nails the guitar as per usual. And Janice always sounds great, love that swampy vocal!
Good mix and good write too, Bud!
Loved it you three, well done.
Glad to hear you like Tony Joe. We love the vids of just him and the drummer. And his whomper stomper. 😀
Great that you liked it all. It was a fun revisit.
Much appreciate!
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! A few of our videos are here on our website: https://www.janiceandbud.com/our-music.html
Gotta admit I don't know the genre except Dr. John (is he swamp music?) but when he mentioned gris-gris I thought it was cajun food! Sounded good to me, dark for sure, and if Janice is singing I'm there whatever the style of music. Good guitar, too. I googled swamp rock but it was way off base. Definitely different for you guys but I dug it. Good work, team!
Thanks! Glad you liked our little adventure. Glad you didn’t eat any gris Gris. 😀 Here’s the best net description we could find of swamp rock.
“Swamp rock is a genre originating in the late 1960s that fuses swamp blues, rockabilly, country, and Southern soul, characterized by a gritty, low-toned guitar sound and dark, rhythmic, and funky grooves. Primarily associated with Louisiana and popularised by artists like Tony Joe White and Creedence Clearwater Revival, it captures a rustic, moody atmosphere of the Southern U.S.â€
Thanks again for the nice remarks.
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! A few of our videos are here on our website: https://www.janiceandbud.com/our-music.html
If Tony Joe White ever decided to ghost‑write a sequel, it would sound a lot like this. “Some Average Mojo†is the kind of track that makes me wonder whether I’ve just stumbled into a sun‑sweated bayou or a vintage‑tube‑lab where every knob is dialed to “just‑right.†The re‑imagining of this ten‑year‑old gem is a masterclass in tasteful over‑drive: fuzz‑laden guitars that bite, a piano that sneaks in like a mischievous river otter, and a new bass line that makes the swamp feel a little wider.
The real show‑stopper is Janice’s vocal double‑track—2026 Janice singing with her 2016 self. It’s the sonic equivalent of seeing your younger self pop up at a family reunion, only cooler, grittier, and with a hint of mystic “gris‑gris†luck charm. Her voice, polished by a custom‑tuned Nectar chain, glides over Peter’s unchanged yet freshly‑positioned guitar‑and‑harp combo—a ghostly, time-travel duet that gives the song a haunting, layered soul.
Bud's voodoo expertise with all the vintage‑amp, tape‑saturation, and compression wizardry is applied with the precision of a seasoned swamp guide—enough to make the mix feel hot, but not so much that the listener (me) got lost in the mud. The drums, with a snappy new snare layer, keep the rhythm as steady as a rolling thunderstorm, while the lyrical mantra (“just need some average mojoâ€) feels like a tongue‑in‑cheek prayer you’d whisper to a passing alligator.
The lyrics are a charmingly humble plea for just a touch of decent luck, are elevated by the "gris gris" charm. It’s a song that understands the assignment:- to sound vintage, viscous, and utterly authentic.
Bottom line:This isn't just a song; it's a sonic gris-gris bag for your ears. It is a masterclass in making "average" feel utterly essential. It’s gritty, it’s glossy, it’s got charm‑laden lyrics, and it proves that a little mojo—average or otherwise—can still make waves. I give it 5/5 (with a side of gumbo).
I find the voice dubbing to be of the best quality and the style very pleasant to listen to. You've done a great job again. Laurent
We appreciate that!
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! A few of our videos are here on our website: https://www.janiceandbud.com/our-music.html
Well, this is something completely different from what I'm used to from you! A dark song, dark (but fantastic) vocals, and fantastic guitar playing from Peter. I searched in Google translate for the meaning of "Mojo" but it came up with "Mojo" in Dutch...? Whatever, as I wrote; a great song, wonderful singing and solo.
Liked the lyrics, especially: "met an old woman on the corner i knew she had my answer i saw wisdom behind her eyes she said quit listening to them lies"
Janice, I also warned you for those wrong men you always sing about. Now she comes too!
Once again, the two of you and Peter strike gold. I love the sound. Everything about this production sits really comfortably in my headphones. I can't believe it's been 10 years since this was written. I think that's a pretty clever idea to have a vocal that combines Janice's voice from 2016 with Janice's voice in 2026. Time travel at its best Really nicely done!
By the way, I love the opening verse. It's perfect for setting the scene for what follows!
Originally Posted by J&B
ain't praying for your health ain't praying for my wealth don't want much before I go just need some average mojo
The song really has stood the test of time. Congratulations everyone on a terrific job. --Noel
Noel, we much appreciate your time to listen and write such a thoughtful review. Those comments are all very meaningful to us. It makes us want to revisit another song from that decade! 😀
You said: “Time travel at its best†ðŸ‘😀ðŸ‘
Thank you!
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! A few of our videos are here on our website: https://www.janiceandbud.com/our-music.html
Sorry it took a while to get to this. Yes, this has a swamp rock TJ White feel and is a great line in grit. LOVE the double vocals...a nice bonus given the time frame. Peter's trem guitar is ace.
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
Cool, when I lstened I wondered if the vocal was from the original. Of course I know Janice was born with a beautiful voice, but man it is so good --doubled eh? I really dig the bass. A terrific mastering. Peter on theharp! Wow, this is another reawaken gem. Thanks. Love the drudgery feeling in this one. The average mojo from you 3 far exceeds the average attainable by most everyone else. Thanks for sharing it.
Thank you for the kind review Marty.
We appreciate it all and your mention of the bass is especially meaningful. I’d be embarrassed to to say how much time we spent trying to get it to sit with the grit. 😀
Thank you!
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! A few of our videos are here on our website: https://www.janiceandbud.com/our-music.html
Superb. Grit, Janice's incredible voice(s ) in a new musical context (is there any style she cannot sing?), and THAT guitar! Brilliant mix, excellent writing (musical and lyrics) ... what am I to say? You consistently do it again, and again, and again. Hats off to y'all.
That was effin fantastic. Quite the delicious tune. I'd like a second helping. "Please, sir, I want some more." The doubling worked out well. Gritty, yes, gritty. All sounds good and that guitar sounds like it is alive.
If Tony Joe White ever decided to ghost‑write a sequel, it would sound a lot like this. “Some Average Mojo†is the kind of track that makes me wonder whether I’ve just stumbled into a sun‑sweated bayou or a vintage‑tube‑lab where every knob is dialed to “just‑right.†The re‑imagining of this ten‑year‑old gem is a masterclass in tasteful over‑drive: fuzz‑laden guitars that bite, a piano that sneaks in like a mischievous river otter, and a new bass line that makes the swamp feel a little wider.
The real show‑stopper is Janice’s vocal double‑track—2026 Janice singing with her 2016 self. It’s the sonic equivalent of seeing your younger self pop up at a family reunion, only cooler, grittier, and with a hint of mystic “gris‑gris†luck charm. Her voice, polished by a custom‑tuned Nectar chain, glides over Peter’s unchanged yet freshly‑positioned guitar‑and‑harp combo—a ghostly, time-travel duet that gives the song a haunting, layered soul.
Bud's voodoo expertise with all the vintage‑amp, tape‑saturation, and compression wizardry is applied with the precision of a seasoned swamp guide—enough to make the mix feel hot, but not so much that the listener (me) got lost in the mud. The drums, with a snappy new snare layer, keep the rhythm as steady as a rolling thunderstorm, while the lyrical mantra (“just need some average mojoâ€) feels like a tongue‑in‑cheek prayer you’d whisper to a passing alligator.
The lyrics are a charmingly humble plea for just a touch of decent luck, are elevated by the "gris gris" charm. It’s a song that understands the assignment:- to sound vintage, viscous, and utterly authentic.
Bottom line:This isn't just a song; it's a sonic gris-gris bag for your ears. It is a masterclass in making "average" feel utterly essential. It’s gritty, it’s glossy, it’s got charm‑laden lyrics, and it proves that a little mojo—average or otherwise—can still make waves. I give it 5/5 (with a side of gumbo).
Bravo team. Now, where’s my amulet?
Izzy
We don’t recall using the term gobsmacked before but if there’s ever been an appropriate time this is it.
GOBSMACKED!!!
This review is a keeper to be re-read and shared with family and friends. Choosing anything you wrote as our fav is simply impossible. Being the subject matter of that narrative is humbling, rewarding and joyous.
Thank you!
J&B
PS. We got an amulet for you but it’s too big to ship. 😀
Our albums and singles are on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Pandora and more. If interested search on Janice Merritt. Thanks! A few of our videos are here on our website: https://www.janiceandbud.com/our-music.html
If Tony Joe White ever decided to ghost‑write a sequel, it would sound a lot like this. “Some Average Mojo†is the kind of track that makes me wonder whether I’ve just stumbled into a sun‑sweated bayou or a vintage‑tube‑lab where every knob is dialed to “just‑right.†The re‑imagining of this ten‑year‑old gem is a masterclass in tasteful over‑drive: fuzz‑laden guitars that bite, a piano that sneaks in like a mischievous river otter, and a new bass line that makes the swamp feel a little wider.
The real show‑stopper is Janice’s vocal double‑track—2026 Janice singing with her 2016 self. It’s the sonic equivalent of seeing your younger self pop up at a family reunion, only cooler, grittier, and with a hint of mystic “gris‑gris†luck charm. Her voice, polished by a custom‑tuned Nectar chain, glides over Peter’s unchanged yet freshly‑positioned guitar‑and‑harp combo—a ghostly, time-travel duet that gives the song a haunting, layered soul.
Bud's voodoo expertise with all the vintage‑amp, tape‑saturation, and compression wizardry is applied with the precision of a seasoned swamp guide—enough to make the mix feel hot, but not so much that the listener (me) got lost in the mud. The drums, with a snappy new snare layer, keep the rhythm as steady as a rolling thunderstorm, while the lyrical mantra (“just need some average mojoâ€) feels like a tongue‑in‑cheek prayer you’d whisper to a passing alligator.
The lyrics are a charmingly humble plea for just a touch of decent luck, are elevated by the "gris gris" charm. It’s a song that understands the assignment:- to sound vintage, viscous, and utterly authentic.
Bottom line:This isn't just a song; it's a sonic gris-gris bag for your ears. It is a masterclass in making "average" feel utterly essential. It’s gritty, it’s glossy, it’s got charm‑laden lyrics, and it proves that a little mojo—average or otherwise—can still make waves. I give it 5/5 (with a side of gumbo).
Bravo team. Now, where’s my amulet?
Izzy
We don’t recall using the term gobsmacked before but if there’s ever been an appropriate time this is it.
GOBSMACKED!!!
This review is a keeper to be re-read and shared with family and friends. Choosing anything you wrote as our fav is simply impossible. Being the subject matter of that narrative is humbling, rewarding and joyous.
Thank you!
J&B
PS. We got an amulet for you but it’s too big to ship. 😀
Dear Janice & Bud,
Your boundless grace and flawless decorum deserve a standing‑ovation—so forgive me for dragging you (and other forum victims) into the arena of my epic monologues.
Though each tirade is penned with unvarnished honesty and a wink of fun, I realize it can be a bit more War and Peace than a quick “well done,†that would be far easier for anyone to reply to.
Old habits of drafting briefs cling to me like a favourite cardigan, but rest assured, I’m now filing a formal cease‑and‑desist on the verbosity.
Wow what a cool change up. Loved the production and sound processing. Super vocal and lyric. Peters guitar was very cool and kudos on the harp playing. Perfect bass lines. Really well done.
Great production! A very hard blues song. Doubling Janis 2016 and Janis 2026 is a very nice idea. It's a wonderful doubling. Peter's guitar and harmonica are fantastic too. Enjoyed my listen a lot.
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.
Everything is clear: drums and bass provide support, harp and guitar shine, and we get double the Janice!
Cool. We’re glad it worked for you!
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! A few of our videos are here on our website: https://www.janiceandbud.com/our-music.html
Janice Merritt is THE most exacting singer I've ever known. Beyond amazing.
Bass sounds great. Nice drums.
A good, swampy write.
Excellent mix (needless to say).
Superb Music....
fj
We’re glad the Peter grit came through. And, your vocal comment made the girl shine.
Well she shines all the time but this was super bright! 😀
And more thanks for commenting on the write, mix and the bass. I’d be embarrassed to say how many bass tracks and fx were tried.
We always appreciate your support!
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! A few of our videos are here on our website: https://www.janiceandbud.com/our-music.html
zplane recently interviewed Peter Gannon, the founder and creator of Band-in-a-Box, about the software's early days, what sets it apart from AI, how zplane's audio algorithms are used in Band-in-a-Box, and more!
Special thanks to the team at zplane for their continued support.
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!
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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!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.
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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!
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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!
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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!
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