Here is another AABA form song that I wrote. I really do like this style. It's fun.

The song is an ode to Jacksonville, FL. I've only passed through Jacksonville twice in my life and I really know nothing about the city other than what I've read. My grandmother came from St. Augustine, which is in that general vicinity.

Here is a key to certain phrases, etc., used in the song:

Title and referenced in song:

JAX - the city is nicknamed JAX. The airport code is JAX.

Second verse:

"Strolling on a beach that's stretched for miles" - Jacksonville has the most shoreline of any other city in the U. S. They have lots of beaches and they stretch for miles.

Bridge:

"Duval" - Jacksonville is in (and makes up most of) Duval County. And "Duval" is another nickname for JAX.

Third verse:

"...the First Coast" - The five counties in Northeast Florida were the first colonized by Europeans. It is a marketing term that they came up with in the 1980s and it has stuck.

Now for the particulars:

I'm still using BIAB 2012 as I have some unfinished songs in there, although this one was not one of them. I was tired of trying to finish my old songs so I decided to write a completely new one - this one.

BIAB style - Bogey - Slow Swing Ballad

33 Acoustic String Bass
1 Acoustic Piano
41 Brush Kit
And I used "Pads," but I'm not sure if it is 50 Slow Strings or 12 Vibes

I recorded the vocals on my LG Android phone (in my basement this time, not my car). I transferred the file to my Mixcraft 5, where my BIAB files were also uploaded to. Everything was mixed in Mixcraft5. I usually try to play at least one instrument on my tracks but I just couldn't fit anything in so I butted out.

So, after all that, here is:

The JAX

I also did a video for the song. I removed the introduction from the video as most viewers (other than fellow BIAB form artists, perhaps) don't get past the first 30 seconds of a song in many cases, so I try to hit them with the meat of the composition as soon as I can.

Here is the video:



Thanks for any listens and comments.

The Jax

Goodbye New York
So long snow
I had to hop a plane
And just go
I surely lost my winter chill
Down in Jacksonville

I met happy people
With friendly smiles
Strolling on a beach
That's stretched for miles
I'm kicking back, I know the drill
Down in Jacksonville

Sunshine feels so fine
Palm trees in the ocean breeze
Duval has it all
These are the facts about the Jax

I'm sending post cards
From the First Coast
Hurry on down
I'll play host
Put your drinks on my bill
Down in Jacksonville

Sunshine feels so fine
Palm trees in the ocean breeze
Duval has it all
These are the facts about the Jax

I'm sending post cards
From the First Coast
Hurry on down
I'll play host
Put your drinks on my bill
Down in Jacksonville

Cool, jptjptjpt. I've passed through Jacksonville many times, but definitely would've stopped in for a song like this. A laid-back feeling, catchy melody, and inviting lyrics. Loved the video with all the old postcards too. Very well done all around.

Sean,

A good write.

Good vocal.

Would be nice to hear this with an updated BIAB using RealTracks...

Always enjoy hearing your songs.

fj

Good song!

I like your vocal, nice tone, and it's amazing to me that you recorded it with your phone!

Also enjoyed your video with the old postcards, very effective.

Nice to hear a new one from you, well done.

Hi Jptjptjpt,

Like Marty said, if I will cross through Jacksonville i will certainly stop. Not only for the song, but also the drinks on your account. I think Marty meant that as well.
A pitty though, the road to your place is very long...

I liked the idea you were singing in your car I once said to you. But the recording in your basement is even brighter. Very well done!
Your lyrics are very nice and tell something about that city. That's nice.
There is one 'but' though: You sing a bit sadly and also slightly monotonous. Not the sparkling tuones I was expecting for this song with this message. It feels you have lost something or -one and not celebrating it is you living in Jacksonville.
Oh... I also think it maybe is time to upgrade to BiaB X (where X stands for every version higher than 2012). The sound of the piano will then be much better, I bet.

Enjoyed your song and nice video,
Hans

Thank you very much for listens, views, and comments.

I agree that it is just about time for the new BIAB.

I'm finding my cell phone mic is better than my SP1. I guess future phones will be even better - I hope!

I wish I had a new voice, but that's not going to happen anytime soon.

I imagined this song would be one for Dean Martin to have recorded.

Yes, drinks are on me when we all meet in JAX!

What a nice song! It paints a nice clear picture of what it's like there, and I'd be curious to visit sometime now. Thanks for sharing!

The vocal recording is much better than last time...well done.
I reckon the backing's a little limp though. Is it Midi? That's explain it.
I'd do some Real Tracks swaps and pull the vocal back a little BUT it's a fine song, sounds sun drenched and thirty.

Nice song, well sung, good effort all the way around.

Thank you for the listens and comments everyone. I appreciate it.

Easygoing tune. My favorite line:

I surely lost my winter chill/Down in Jacksonville

Hi jptjptjpt,
Quaint and nicely put-together tune. At times it has shades of Leon Redbone. Nice job on the video too.

Thank you very much for the listens, views and comments. I appreciate very much.

jptjptjpt,

It's incredible that you recorded your vocal with a phone! It sounds great!The LG company should use you in an advertisement!

Great job on your tune in all aspects! I've seen Jacksonville several times from a distance on the way to the beach but obviously can't relate to it like you!

Thanks, Torrey

I like the light instrumentation--that along with the piano and melody give the song an airy feel.

Good one. I enjoyed it a lot.

Cool tune. Loved the lyric. Excellent vocal. Well done

Thank you everyone for the listens and comments. I appreciate it very much.

jptjptjpt,
Nicely done. Good vocals, I can't believe you recorded it with a phone!
Good arrangement, but I wish drums would be a little "thicker" and more realistic. There are some very convincing free ones out there in the form of VST or SF2. Thank you for sharing and detailed background on the tune.

Misha.

Got a little Ray Wylie vibe here with your vocal and the arrangement -- a good thing.

Jacksonville? Hmmm....I saw the Beatles there, Janice vacationed there
when a child and the Allman Brothers started there. Hard to go wrong!

The lyric could've come from Buffet ... nice.

Enjoyed it!

J&B

PS Cool postcard video.

Thanks for listens, views, and comments. I appreciate it very much.

"Ray Wylie" - I'll have to look him up.

I like it. A very enjoyable trip. (Yeah, I can imagine Dean Martin doing it, but maybe even better would be Johhny Cash).
Regards,
Leon

Thank you Leon 1 for the listen and comments. I appreciate it very much. Cash is always good.

Getting cool up north , might have to come see JAX soon.
Nicely done.

Very well done!!! Has an intimate quality, like a Tom Waits song!! Love the feel of the vocal! Great stuff!! Take care. Greg