Ballin' The Jack Another song written by one of our favorite artists: Trad. Arr.
So nice of him to fill in when we have writer’s block.
First appearing in the late 1890’s the term “Jack” refers to a steam locomotive and “Balling” meant going full throttle. Later it was referenced in this traditional 1913 song to introduce a new dance. It’s been done by hundreds of artists from early jazz and blues to Judy Garland to Brenda Lee.
We made up an acoustic mashup genre band with 40’s boogie woogie piano, jazz rhythm guitar, rockabilly bass, western swing solo fiddle, fiddle background chops and N’ville drums.
We also used an early jazzy chord progression and tweaked the lyric a bit and the melody a lot.
Comments are always welcome. Thanks for your time to listen!
Note: As this song is in the public domain (world wide) we own all rights to this arrangement and thus it conforms to PG Music’s ownership protocols.
Tech stuff:
Janice: Vocal > Rodes NT1 mic > Scarlett 212 USB interface > Logic Pro DAW > Logic Pro Channel EQ > Waves CLA Vocals
Bass: RT 2351 Acoustic Rockabilly / Waves Bass Rider > Neutron
Drums: N’ville Hillbilly Swing / Waves CLA Drums
Piano: MIDI SuperTrack 2067 Rhythm 40s Boogie > Logic Pro Grand Steinway > Waves CLA Unplugged > Waves Imager /
Guitar Rhythm: RT 558 Acoustic Jazz > Waves CLA Unplugged
Fiddle Solo: RT 1872 Western Swing (Bluesy) > Waves CLA Unplugged
The last note in solo to vocal segue was changed via Logic Pro’s pitch editor. Thanks to PeterF for the suggestion.
Fiddle Rhythm: RT 1115 Fiddle Country Swing Chops > Waves CLA Unplugged
Mastering: Logic Pro EQ > Waves LinMB > Waves Imager > Waves UltraMaximizer > Ozone Tonal Balance > YouLean Loudness Meter
Dang!This song is HOT! I will admit, there is just too much to comment on with the song. It's So damn good. I'll try to comment on some things I don't normally comment on. I'm sure others will have NO problem filling in many more accolades.
I have said this; but do want to say at least this again, these mixes are phenomenal! You can hear everything. There space for it; and it's still tied together very cohesively in a warm way. That's what I love about your mixes; and I swear they keep getting better. You will probably tell me you use the same presets; but I don't know. Just mark me as impressed.
One specific thing about the mix I'm not sure I've REALLY mentioned is, I have now officially built a club in my head where your songs are played. I can very vividly picture this song being performed. I know where I'm sitting. I can see the crowd enjoying it...maybe put a crowd sound in sometime.
It's that real to me. That stems from the authenticity of of how you do things. It REALLY matters!
The vocal is always great. How often? Always. But this was a masterclass on what you can't teach. (can you do that?) Seriously, this kids is what they call groove in a vocal. It's having a strong recognition of pitch and rhythm; then making it your muse. As a drummer, I can't tell you how much I appreciate how perfectly timed these vocals lines are. I'm not talking quantized. To me, quantized is not perfection. It lacks heart and feel; therefor is not perfect. This vocal is! It plays with the rhythm so effortlessly. Has Janice ever played drums or percussion? Many of the great singers have. You need that groove to make it this great.
I loved the violin solo when I didn't expect it. THEN Janice took the "this is a real band" to the next level by scatting right along. Come on! FANTASTIC!
The sound/instrument choices were brilliant as well. I love that piano! Actually, the drums too. And the bass. Ok, and the...I will stop now.
The picture is fun too! That girl CAN swing! No doubt!
To never disappoint is one thing. To continuously raise the bar, blow someone's mind, and inspire...that's just who you two are. Thank you for that!
I wanted to be sure to respond because I owe you, and a few others, comments on the songs I've been enjoying. I think I pre-mentioned that I'm somewhat absent in January to early February. Still listening though.
Thanks again for the smile.
(Not check for spelling or other errors. Speech to text. If you don't understand something. Feel free to ask. It can get interesting at times. lol)
What a lovely job with the vocals, as always! Thanks for sharing.
Well,
Hear to Learn pretty much hit on all the stuff I noticed - clear mix, excellent vocals, great arrangement.
I always figured that
"Ballin' the Jack" had something to do with the game of Jacks, so thanks for the explanation, too!
Had another listen. Audio perfection.
So, that's what you come up with when you have writer's block, is it? One of the likely reasons that works is that imagery -- Ballin' the Jack = Steam locomotive at full throttle -- sounds like something Johnny Cash would have come up with. Ya get a hook like that in yer mind and suddenly, no more writer's block.
The style mash makes perfects ense once the chorus kicks in...I was scratchin' until then because I was listening to everything at once rather than going with the flow.
The flow is excellent.
Everything is clear, clean and classic.
Nuff said.
Nice work on this! Sounds really professional - the mix is superb, and I loved the chorus on this. Delightfully catchy and it flows effortlessly.
Thanks for sharing
Dang!This song is HOT! I will admit, there is just too much to comment on with the song. It's So damn good. I'll try to comment on some things I don't normally comment on. I'm sure others will have NO problem filling in many more accolades.
I have said this; but do want to say at least this again, these mixes are phenomenal! You can hear everything. There space for it; and it's still tied together very cohesively in a warm way. That's what I love about your mixes; and I swear they keep getting better. You will probably tell me you use the same presets; but I don't know. Just mark me as impressed.
One specific thing about the mix I'm not sure I've REALLY mentioned is, I have now officially built a club in my head where your songs are played. I can very vividly picture this song being performed. I know where I'm sitting. I can see the crowd enjoying it...maybe put a crowd sound in sometime.
It's that real to me. That stems from the authenticity of of how you do things. It REALLY matters!
The vocal is always great. How often? Always. But this was a masterclass on what you can't teach. (can you do that?) Seriously, this kids is what they call groove in a vocal. It's having a strong recognition of pitch and rhythm; then making it your muse. As a drummer, I can't tell you how much I appreciate how perfectly timed these vocals lines are. I'm not talking quantized. To me, quantized is not perfection. It lacks heart and feel; therefor is not perfect. This vocal is! It plays with the rhythm so effortlessly. Has Janice ever played drums or percussion? Many of the great singers have. You need that groove to make it this great.
I loved the violin solo when I didn't expect it. THEN Janice took the "this is a real band" to the next level by scatting right along. Come on! FANTASTIC!
The sound/instrument choices were brilliant as well. I love that piano! Actually, the drums too. And the bass. Ok, and the...I will stop now.
The picture is fun too! That girl CAN swing! No doubt!
To never disappoint is one thing. To continuously raise the bar, blow someone's mind, and inspire...that's just who you two are. Thank you for that!
I wanted to be sure to respond because I owe you, and a few others, comments on the songs I've been enjoying. I think I pre-mentioned that I'm somewhat absent in January to early February. Still listening though.
Thanks again for the smile.
(Not check for spelling or other errors. Speech to text. If you don't understand something. Feel free to ask. It can get interesting at times. lol)
Reading this along with a cup of good joe really makes for a great start of the day!
Yep, about the same presets -- as you mentioned...but we do tweak them for each tune
We really do appreciate you mentioning the live feel. That is our objective for every song we do. We're always thinking could our arrangement be performed by a small live band? And, if so, what would it sound like if we were five rows back in the center?
I guess for many that approach would be very limiting regarding use of tracks, etc., and we much understand that...but we decided years ago to just "dance with one that brung ya" regarding our continued minimalist productions.
And, Janice is very appreciative of your comments regarding her vocal. This tune has been done in so many styles that I (Bud) just threw out some chords and she had at it
Thanks for mentioning the photo...the eternal child!
BTW, you mentioned percussion...yes, she plays cajon and taps our rhythms all day long
Thanks for all!
J&B
Crystal clear piano. Spread across the stereo field. Perfect.
Snappy snare. Pumping kick.
Cool, cool walking bass. Carrying his weight.
A heavenly vocal. Feeling, expression, fun. "I'll show this little dance to you..." just the right inflections....
A fiddle for a little surprise! Nice.
This sounds like a band that has been playing together for years (and still LOVE doing it).
Superb mix.
Y'all are the cat's pajamas.
fj
Heattolearn and Floyd said everything that I wanted to say but they say it so much better than I ever could.
Another winner!
What a lovely job with the vocals, as always! Thanks for sharing.
Thank you Ember!
J&B
Bud/ Janice
Some pretty hard comments to follow! Loved the reviews so far, and the comments about the rhythmic singing.
Needles to say this is a flawless production, and a thoroughly enjoyable listen.
The mix is wonderful, the performance riveting and the arrangement excellent.
Another clear winner.
Peter
Hi Bud and Janice
Just back to viewing the forum after having been away for a while.
Nice to immediately find another outstanding piece of work from you two.
I'm running out of superlatives!
Best wishes,
Leon
I'm going to pretend that Balling the Jack has jack all to do with trains, simply because it's more fun.
The addition of the jazzier chords in the verses and breaks are a sweet juxtaposition with the straighter harmonies in the chorus. Sweet arranging. The band is classy. Janice sings all loosy and takes it home on that long slide. Grease to the rhythm of the wheels. (Just not train wheels.)
Hugely enjoyed.
Well,
Hear to Learn pretty much hit on all the stuff I noticed - clear mix, excellent vocals, great arrangement.
I always figured that
"Ballin' the Jack" had something to do with the game of Jacks, so thanks for the explanation, too!
Had another listen. Audio perfection.
Thanks for the listens!
J&B
Well, that was fun!
Great arrangement, outstanding vocal (of course!) and killer mix as usual.
Really enjoyed this, well done you two!
Excellent job on this one...
You put your own stamp on an old well-written tune...
And I really enjoyed listening to your rendition!
Great arrangement, production and performance. Always top notch from you guys. I've been away from the User Forum and this one makes it a lot of fun to come back to. Will be back for some more listens.
WOW, is this GOOD!!!
I'm really enjoying your trip down music history lane. Janice, your vocals are as good as ever on this one! You need to keep doing this kind of stuff. I agree, with the scat and chattering, it gives it a real live feel.
Bud, your mixing is superb on this!
Awesome!
Steve
So, that's what you come up with when you have writer's block, is it? One of the likely reasons that works is that imagery -- Ballin' the Jack = Steam locomotive at full throttle -- sounds like something Johnny Cash would have come up with. Ya get a hook like that in yer mind and suddenly, no more writer's block.
Thanks! I hope so
Neat song. Loved that you added the historical data on the song. Super vocal and song production. Thanks for adding the mike info. I just switched to a Scarlet 212 and a Shure 57 mike from USB mikes. Timing is much better in Reaper.
Very well done. Like others I immediately thought just how clean and clear the mix is. It really lets a great vocal through. Well done but I guess that is to be expected from yourselves.
Tony
Well, what is there left to say after that? A plethora of superlatives, that's what. Bravi, bravi, bravi, bravi, bravi. Where would I start? Great arrangement/production/etc., and Janice just sings the absolute maximum out of this song. The pitch bends, the scatting, etc. etc. etc. Hear To Learn said it, I believe: the rhythm control, too. I always feel awful analysing something like this and taking it apart in order to say what I liked when, at the end of the day, it's the whole package that is amazing, as the sum of its parts and of itself ... it feels awful to take apart and praise each part, if that makes sense. So I won't ... I'll just say the whole thing is incredibly well done, to the standard that we've all become accustomed from you. To say any more would be like picking apart a flower or something as beautiful - even if to praise its individual components.
The style mash makes perfects ense once the chorus kicks in...I was scratchin' until then because I was listening to everything at once rather than going with the flow.
The flow is excellent.
Everything is clear, clean and classic.
Nuff said.
Glad we got you over that itch
Thanks!
J&B
Nice work on this! Sounds really professional - the mix is superb, and I loved the chorus on this. Delightfully catchy and it flows effortlessly.
Thanks for sharing
Thanks Deryk...it’s always good to hear from you!
J&B
Crystal clear piano. Spread across the stereo field. Perfect.
Snappy snare. Pumping kick.
Cool, cool walking bass. Carrying his weight.
A heavenly vocal. Feeling, expression, fun. "I'll show this little dance to you..." just the right inflections....
A fiddle for a little surprise! Nice.
This sounds like a band that has been playing together for years (and still LOVE doing it).
Superb mix.
Y'all are the cat's pajamas.
fj
Thanks mr jane. Glad you like that MST piano. They are amazing. Not many tracks but we did spend time trying to achieve that well honed small band feel. Thanks for mentioning that. And Janice MUCH appreciates your comments on the vocal as Bud does on the mix.
J&B
Heattolearn and Floyd said everything that I wanted to say but they say it so much better than I ever could.
Another winner!
Thank you Mario
J&B
Janice & Bud,
Very nice booggie wooggie!
That was so fun.
I didn't really listen to American music before the 1940s, so it was very interesting for me.
Janice's vocals are outstanding.
The way to use each instrument is also very skillful.
Enjoyed my listen a lot.
Best regards.
Shigeki Adachi
J&B,
Just too darn good, that’s all I gotta say. Really crisp production—that piano kills. Great vocal (no surprise). Nicely, very nicely done—love the fiddle solo! Diggin’ it!
My best regards,
Deej
J&B,
Made for Janice`s vocal swoops and timing sachays... if that`s a thing, you`ve got it!
Love the fiddle and, everything else that made my head spin and toes tap.
Robert
Bud/ Janice
Some pretty hard comments to follow! Loved the reviews so far, and the comments about the rhythmic singing.
Needles to say this is a flawless production, and a thoroughly enjoyable listen.
The mix is wonderful, the performance riveting and the arrangement excellent.
Another clear winner.
Peter
Thanks Peter. We appreciate that and your suggestion on the fiddle note edit!!
J&B
J&B, I love the way that swinging piano seems like it's all over the place in the verse sections but in the end it provides a super cohesive foundation for the tune! The chorus departs from that chaotic chord structure and falls in line with a more familiar pattern. All of which create a very enjoyable tune! Janice's vocal is the real star though (once again). She just does a super job every single time she sings! Great song/performance/production!! Thanks, Torrey
Smash production from start to finish. The piano is quite the driving force.
Janice's alto is at its best here.
Beautifully done!
Hi Bud and Janice
Just back to viewing the forum after having been away for a while.
Nice to immediately find another outstanding piece of work from you two.
I'm running out of superlatives!
Best wishes,
Leon
Welcome back and thanks for the kind words!
J&B
Great tune for all ages. hehe. My 5 year old granddaughter insisted we get up and dance when she heard it.
I'm going to pretend that Balling the Jack has jack all to do with trains, simply because it's more fun.
The addition of the jazzier chords in the verses and breaks are a sweet juxtaposition with the straighter harmonies in the chorus. Sweet arranging. The band is classy. Janice sings all loosy and takes it home on that long slide. Grease to the rhythm of the wheels. (Just not train wheels.)
Hugely enjoyed.
Hahaha!
Glad you liked the chords. We grabbed them from several versions. It ended up almost like two different tunes melded into one. Thanks for noticing that.
And thanks for mentioning the band and, yep, give Janice a chance and it’s gonna be loosy phrasing! From our old bluegrass days to now that’s been the way she hears things
We appreciate it!
J&B
Janice + Bud...
I was waiting to leave a comment when dust settles, but seems you guys are on fire. Very cool makeover. Performance & recording are a rocket. A lot of positive movement in vocals and melody. Enjoyed this a lot. On my third listen
Thank you for sharing and including a brief history of the tune.
Misha.
Well, that was fun!
Great arrangement, outstanding vocal (of course!) and killer mix as usual.
Really enjoyed this, well done you two!
Thanks Dave! Yeah, it was fun.
J&B
Hi Janice, hi Bud,
well, seems like a writer's block must not be always something bad... Didn't know that song, but I loved it right from the start - who could ever keep their feet still when the boogie's rolling....
Excellently arranged (I think you were in charge of that, Bud), couldn't think of the slightest thing I would change. And, Janice, with this one you answered one of those eternal questions of mine: Is there any song or genre Janice would not sing brilliantly? Short anser: NO.
Very, very cool and big fun to listen to this flawlessly sounding uplifting production. And thanks a lot for the back info on the song title - very interesting.
You really did it again - all the best,
Stefan
Hi Janice and Bud,
I must have missed this absolute lovely song that is so well performed by the both of you. But of course the vocals of Janice are unbeatable! I enjoyed the song very mutch. It's playing again while I'm typing this post.
And what could I add more than all the others wrote. One big compliment for your performance!
Hans
Excellent job on this one...
You put your own stamp on an old well-written tune...
And I really enjoyed listening to your rendition!
Thanks Jim!
J&B
Pro vox and mix as usual, appreciated the titular explanation as I always assumed "Ballin the Jack" was synonymous with "That Same Thing." Thanks again for another great track!
Great arrangement, production and performance. Always top notch from you guys. I've been away from the User Forum and this one makes it a lot of fun to come back to. Will be back for some more listens.
Thanks Charlie. Great to have you back around!
J&B
WOW, is this GOOD!!!
I'm really enjoying your trip down music history lane. Janice, your vocals are as good as ever on this one! You need to keep doing this kind of stuff. I agree, with the scat and chattering, it gives it a real live feel.
Bud, your mixing is superb on this!
Awesome!
Steve
Thanks Steve. And more thanks for mentioning the live feel. We work to hopefully achieve that!
J&B
Neat song. Loved that you added the historical data on the song. Super vocal and song production. Thanks for adding the mike info. I just switched to a Scarlet 212 and a Shure 57 mike from USB mikes. Timing is much better in Reaper.
Thanks Scott. We’ve never had any problems with our 212. Great unit.
J&B
Very well done. Like others I immediately thought just how clean and clear the mix is. It really lets a great vocal through. Well done but I guess that is to be expected from yourselves.
Tony
Thanks Tony. We appreciate the mention of the mix and the vocal!
J&B
Well, what is there left to say after that? A plethora of superlatives, that's what. Bravi, bravi, bravi, bravi, bravi. Where would I start? Great arrangement/production/etc., and Janice just sings the absolute maximum out of this song. The pitch bends, the scatting, etc. etc. etc. Hear To Learn said it, I believe: the rhythm control, too. I always feel awful analysing something like this and taking it apart in order to say what I liked when, at the end of the day, it's the whole package that is amazing, as the sum of its parts and of itself ... it feels awful to take apart and praise each part, if that makes sense. So I won't ... I'll just say the whole thing is incredibly well done, to the standard that we've all become accustomed from you. To say any more would be like picking apart a flower or something as beautiful - even if to praise its individual components.
Thanks for the kind and thoughtful comments. They are really appreciated,
We agree that it’s easy to get lost in parsing productions out. I sometimes feel I miss the proverbial forest looking for the trees!
J&B
Janice & Bud,
Very nice booggie wooggie!
That was so fun.
I didn't really listen to American music before the 1940s, so it was very interesting for me.
Janice's vocals are outstanding.
The way to use each instrument is also very skillful.
Enjoyed my listen a lot.
Best regards.
Shigeki Adachi
Thanks Shigeki! We always enjoy hearing from you.
J&B
J&B,
Just too darn good, that’s all I gotta say. Really crisp production—that piano kills. Great vocal (no surprise). Nicely, very nicely done—love the fiddle solo! Diggin’ it!
My best regards,
Deej
J&B,
Made for Janice`s vocal swoops and timing sachays... if that`s a thing, you`ve got it!
Love the fiddle and, everything else that made my head spin and toes tap.
Robert
Thanks y’all. We appreciate it!
J&B
J&B, I love the way that swinging piano seems like it's all over the place in the verse sections but in the end it provides a super cohesive foundation for the tune! The chorus departs from that chaotic chord structure and falls in line with a more familiar pattern. All of which create a very enjoyable tune! Janice's vocal is the real star though (once again). She just does a super job every single time she sings! Great song/performance/production!! Thanks, Torrey
Thanks Torrey. Yes, we had to comp some piano sections to get it to cooperate with the verses! And Janice greatly appreciates your vocal comments.
J&B
Smash production from start to finish. The piano is quite the driving force.
Janice's alto is at its best here.
Beautifully done!
Thanks for your time to listen and make such supportive comments!
J&B
Great tune for all ages. hehe. My 5 year old granddaughter insisted we get up and dance when she heard it.
Glad it got y’all moving. Thanks!
J&B
Sounds fantastic! Great use of BIAB. Top notch recording.
Janice / Bud,
This version is truly outstanding in every way. You have a real knack with these older blues / jazz standards.
A great arrangement, mix and vocal...
Going back for another listen...
Bob
Janice and Bud ...
WOW! What a number!!! That piano just took everything else, put it on its back and chugged right down the track ... nothing gonna stop it. My time here is extremely limited for a while but wanted to get in a few listens. And what a way to start the parade!
The mix and vocal are standout excellent. Never a bad minute when you open your studio up to the rest of us ... thanks for the fun ride!
Best to you both ...
Alan
Love the band! Janice, you have a grip on this style like a python wrapped around it's dinner!
Smooth clean and toe-tapping goodness!!!!
Janice + Bud...
I was waiting to leave a comment when dust settles, but seems you guys are on fire. Very cool makeover. Performance & recording are a rocket. A lot of positive movement in vocals and melody. Enjoyed this a lot. On my third listen
Thank you for sharing and including a brief history of the tune.
Misha.
We always appreciate your thoughts Misha.
Thank you!
J&B
Hi Janice, hi Bud,
well, seems like a writer's block must not be always something bad... Didn't know that song, but I loved it right from the start - who could ever keep their feet still when the boogie's rolling....
Excellently arranged (I think you were in charge of that, Bud), couldn't think of the slightest thing I would change. And, Janice, with this one you answered one of those eternal questions of mine: Is there any song or genre Janice would not sing brilliantly? Short anser: NO.
Very, very cool and big fun to listen to this flawlessly sounding uplifting production. And thanks a lot for the back info on the song title - very interesting.
You really did it again - all the best,
Stefan
Stefan, thanks for the time to listen and offer such supportive remarks. It means a lot to us!
J&B
Hi Janice and Bud,
I must have missed this absolute lovely song that is so well performed by the both of you. But of course the vocals of Janice are unbeatable! I enjoyed the song very mutch. It's playing again while I'm typing this post.
And what could I add more than all the others wrote. One big compliment for your performance!
Hans
Thanks Hans! It was a fun project.
We appreciate the support.
J&B
Pro vox and mix as usual, appreciated the titular explanation as I always assumed "Ballin the Jack" was synonymous with "That Same Thing." Thanks again for another great track!
And thank you for the nice comments!
J&B
Sounds fantastic! Great use of BIAB. Top notch recording.
Thanks!
J&B
Janice / Bud,
This version is truly outstanding in every way. You have a real knack with these older blues / jazz standards.
A great arrangement, mix and vocal...
Going back for another listen...
Bob
Thanks Bob. There are some real treasures out there in the PD. Love your latest!
J&B
Janice and Bud ...
WOW! What a number!!! That piano just took everything else, put it on its back and chugged right down the track ... nothing gonna stop it. My time here is extremely limited for a while but wanted to get in a few listens. And what a way to start the parade!
The mix and vocal are standout excellent. Never a bad minute when you open your studio up to the rest of us ... thanks for the fun ride!
Best to you both ...
Alan
Thanks Al and extra thanks for mentioning the piano. We appreciate it!
Best to you both...
J&B
Love the band! Janice, you have a grip on this style like a python wrapped around it's dinner!
Smooth clean and toe-tapping goodness!!!!
Hahahaha...love the analogy! Thanks!
J&B
Hi, Janice & Bud !
I am not as eloquent as
most of those commenting
earlier here so I stick to
say that this is wonderful
in every aspect with Janice
shining as ever before !
Cheers
Dani
Hi, Janice & Bud !
I am not as eloquent as
most of those commenting
earlier here so I stick to
say that this is wonderful
in every aspect with Janice
shining as ever before !
Cheers
Dani
Thanks Dani. Best to the both of you!
J&B
WOW, you deserve all the nice things said about this song guys, it's a cracker. Had me feet tapping from bar one. Can't add any further things that ain't already been said, just thanks for makin me smile !