Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
#110369 04/02/11 03:13 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 59
P
Enthusiast
OP Offline
Enthusiast
P
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 59
Hi you all

Well I'm going to start posting the first series of jazz tunes that I've been writing since 2007. The accompaniments are all RT. I imported the accompaniments tracks in Garage Band and then recorded myself playing my themes and improvisations on tenor sax. That's mainly what I've been doing with BIAB since 2007 : accompaniments tracks to jazz standards and writing my own jazz themes. Can't say that I write progressive jazz. If I'd have to categorize it, I guess it's rather in a cool jazz vein. I try to explore different styles : songs in the path of Porter and Washington, blues, bossa, jazz waltz, ballads.

I've been studying (and still studying) classical clarinet for almost 20 years. Around 2005 I started to get interested in playing jazz. Tenor sax seemed to be the right instrument for me to play jazz. So in september 2006 I bought a tenor sax. I learned to play jazz by myself. Now I need to play both classical and jazz. Since my main activity in music is to compose, it seemed natural to try my hand at writing some jazz.

If some of you are interested in RT specifics, I'd have to check in detail. Usually I try and use the jazz styles as is, but some times I mix up a basic style with different real tracks.

I think the recordings are acceptable. Mostly, what I'd like are your impressions on the music and the playing. If you give me sound tips, don't give me complicated explanations. Don't get me wrong, it can only help to have the best recording possible, but I don't have the patience or the knowledge to make professional recordings like most people do around here. I really get lost in all the parameters that can be applied on a single recorded track, and I'm only working with Garage Band ! I mainly want to write and play. So I stayed basic. For those of you who know Garage Band : I chose “solo sax” to record myself and what they call a “lounge” sound for the general ambiance and normalized the sound when converting to mp3. So it doesn't sound, to my ears at least, like I recorded myself in my living room, in front of my MAC. I guess I'd need a real microphone in front of my sax, which I don't have.

That's as far as I went in “sound tweaking”. I did leave here and there some very small “glitches” (don't know how to call them). Seemed like they didn't interfere with the overall atmosphere of the tunes. All the few distortions, dissonances and sometimes “forced” sound, were done on purpose. On some tunes, when taking my breath before hitting a note, I could hear the “click” of the sax keys way too loud, so when I could, I erased a few of those. On some tunes I was wondering if the sax shouldn't be a bit louder, but then again sometimes I think it's ok.

The themes and improvisations were played in one take. I mean, not just once, but themes + improv always in one take. Since I try to be as accurate as possible when I play the in and out themes , I started over some tunes several times, mainly because some themes were not as I wanted them to sound. But I never workout an improv before playing. What I redid though, were some codas. Sometimes after starting over some tunes a couple of times (theme + improv) and if I seemed satisfied enough and missed the coda, I really didn't feel like redoing the whole tune. So some codas were directly re-recorded on a different track and pasted on the original.

I put a link to 5 audio files. If somebody is interested in seeing the lead sheets, there's also a link that contains the sheets (in concert pitch) to each tune. I use Overture for scoring everything I compose. This past month I recorded all I wrote up to now in jazz. I think it would be too much to put everything at the same time, so once a month, if people don't get bored, I'll put another link to 5 new tunes, without writing this much. That's about it. Hope I wasn't to long.

audio : http://www.box.net/shared/an9n9c1jtq

scores : http://www.box.net/shared/0c9oe3ou70


Best of all and hope your day is a nice one

Pierre

IMac OSX 10.6.5 / latest BIAB
vista BIAB 2008
User Showcase
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 18,884
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 18,884
Hi Pierre Julien,

I'm listening to "Uncle Mongnon's Blues" as I type. I know nothing about tenor sax but I am thoroughly enjoying the listen. You have a very smooth and engaging sound happening. To my ears this sounds excellent. The mix works for me.

Your work was a pleasure to listen to.

Regards,
Noel


MY SONGS...
Audiophile BIAB 2024
Noel96 #110371 04/02/11 03:44 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 59
P
Enthusiast
OP Offline
Enthusiast
P
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 59
Hey Noel

That was fast ! I thought everybody was still sleeping. Don't know what time it is in Australia... Thank you very much for comments. Very encouraging, as this is the first time I put my jazz playing on a forum. Glad you liked it.


Best of all and hope your day is a nice one

Pierre

IMac OSX 10.6.5 / latest BIAB
vista BIAB 2008
User Showcase
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 95
Enthusiast
Offline
Enthusiast
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 95
Bonjour Pierre
Wow - it is very nice to hear you playing the sax. Very nice playing I must say. My favourite track is the up-tempo "sunny side up". The mix works for me too. But yes, the sax "could" be a tad more forward, but it works like it is very well. I hope you don't mind me suggesting to you to control the low end very carefully. The bass comes through here quite strong (but this could be my setup here, don't know). I enjoy listening to your jazz and am looking forward to hearing more....
Avec mes meilleures salutations
Daniel


BIAB 2012 (ASIO) on Vista 32, Dual-Core 2.0Ghz with 4GB Memory. Main DAW is Samplitude (11 & ProX) and I like Spaghetti. BTW: Today is a good Day to have a Good Day.
deltagolf #110373 04/02/11 07:08 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 59
P
Enthusiast
OP Offline
Enthusiast
P
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 59
Sälü Daniel

Thanks for your comments. Really don't mind your suggestions on the bass. It doesn't seem that strong over here, but I will try and check it out as best I can. Thanks for listening.

Guete Tag


Best of all and hope your day is a nice one

Pierre

IMac OSX 10.6.5 / latest BIAB
vista BIAB 2008
User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 6,643
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 6,643
Pierre, this is really great stuff! I completely enjoyed your music.

Bob

rsdean #110375 04/03/11 02:27 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 59
P
Enthusiast
OP Offline
Enthusiast
P
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 59
Hi Bob

Thanks for the listening and your comment. Glad my music provided you some enjoyable moments.


Best of all and hope your day is a nice one

Pierre

IMac OSX 10.6.5 / latest BIAB
vista BIAB 2008
User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 108
B
Apprentice
Offline
Apprentice
B
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 108
Hi Pierre
i have to say this is excellent ,i am not a huge lover of jass but this is so professional and one amazing sound .you must have spent years getting this good ,a standing ovation for you my friend,best wishes Brian.

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,439
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,439
Good stuff Pierre - looking forward to hearing more.


--=-- My credo: If it's worth doing, it's worth overdoing - just ask my missus, she'll tell ya laugh --=--
You're only paranoid if you're wrong!
Lawrie #110378 04/05/11 04:19 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 59
P
Enthusiast
OP Offline
Enthusiast
P
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 59
Brian

Thanks for listening, even if jazz is not your cup of tea. Hey, we all have are own preferences. Well I've been at it for 5 years, but I play, listen and study as much as I can. It's not truly a "real" jazz session, since I'm the only one doing the solos. I wouldn't see myself improvising with BIAB. But I'm not trying to recreate a "make believe" session. I made these to have recordings of my pieces and a document of how I thought them out.

Lawrie

Thanks for the listen. And yeah, I'll have some more coming to the showcase next month. I'll start putting some bossa too. Glad you liked it.

Last edited by Pierre Julien; 04/05/11 04:28 AM.
User Showcase
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,986
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,986
Pierre,

I enjoyed these songs - very pleasant listen. I think they turned out well, especially for "recording your playing in front of your Mac in the living room"! Obviously, with a good quality mic, and so on, you would be able to do more, production-wise. But you got a good representation of your playing and that's what counts. Band in a Box is a great tool for what you are doing. Gives you a good solid platform to develop your chops, and you are doing just that. Keep up the good work!

Steve


Steve Young
Music
"In order to compose, all you need to do is remember a tune that nobody else has thought of." - Robert Schumann
User Showcase
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 59
P
Enthusiast
OP Offline
Enthusiast
P
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 59
Hi Steve

Thanks for your nice comments. It's encouraging coming from you that always produces quality work, I may just run out and go buy myself a mic ! No, I think I'll stay an endless amateur in sound production. Like you said BIAB is great tool for me, but also for many different music horizons. We have proof of that in the showcase. Keep up the good work on your side too !


Best of all and hope your day is a nice one

Pierre

IMac OSX 10.6.5 / latest BIAB
vista BIAB 2008
User Showcase
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 27
Enthusiast
Offline
Enthusiast
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 27
Very impressive considering you used your built-in computer mic!....Yes go get yourself a good quality microphone and interface....You play great....might as well make your recordings even better....
Len

limbery #110382 04/05/11 06:52 PM
User Showcase
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,545
PG Music Staff
Offline
PG Music Staff
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,545
Nice work Pierre!


Have Fun!
Peter Gannon
PG Music Inc.
User Showcase
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 59
P
Enthusiast
OP Offline
Enthusiast
P
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 59
Thanks Peter for listening.

Thanks also to you Len. Yeah, guess one of these days I'll put a post in off topics to ask for some pointers on buying a mic. But I'm not there yet...


Best of all and hope your day is a nice one

Pierre

IMac OSX 10.6.5 / latest BIAB
vista BIAB 2008
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
Update Your PowerTracks Pro Audio 2024 Today!

Add updated printing options, enhanced tracks settings, smoother use of MGU and SGU (BB files) within PowerTracks, and more with the latest PowerTracks Pro Audio 2024 update!

Learn more about this free update for PowerTracks Pro Audio & download it at www.pgmusic.com/support_windows_pt.htm#2024_5

The Newest RealBand 2024 Update is Here!

The newest RealBand 2024 Build 5 update is now available!

Download and install this to your RealBand 2024 for updated print options, streamlined loading and saving of .SGU & MGU (BB) files, and to add a number of program adjustments that address user-reported bugs and concerns.

This free update is available to all RealBand 2024 users. To learn more about this update and download it, head to www.pgmusic.com/support.realband.htm#20245

The Band-in-a-Box® Flash Drive Backup Option

Today (April 5) is National Flash Drive Day!

Did you know... not only can you download your Band-in-a-Box® Pro, MegaPAK, or PlusPAK purchase - you can also choose to add a flash drive backup copy with the installation files for only $15? It even comes with a Band-in-a-Box® keychain!

For the larger Band-in-a-Box® packages (UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition), the hard drive backup copy is available for only $25. This will include a preinstalled and ready to use program, along with your installation files.

Backup copies are offered during the checkout process on our website.

Already purchased your e-delivery version, and now you wish you had a backup copy? It's not too late! If your purchase was for the current version of Band-in-a-Box®, you can still reach out to our team directly to place your backup copy order!

Note: the Band-in-a-Box® keychain is only included with flash drive backup copies, and cannot be purchased separately.

Handy flash drive tip: Always try plugging in a USB device the wrong way first? If your flash drive (or other USB plug) doesn't have a symbol to indicate which way is up, look for the side with a seam on the metal connector (it only has a line across one side) - that's the side that either faces down or to the left, depending on your port placement.

Update your Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows® Today!

Update your Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows for free with build 1111!

With this update, there's more control when saving images from the Print Preview window, we've added defaults to the MultiPicker for sorting and font size, updated printing options, updated RealTracks and other content, and addressed user-reported issues with the StylePicker, MIDI Soloists, key signature changes, and more!

Learn more about this free update for Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows at www.pgmusic.com/support_windowsupdates.htm#1111

Band-in-a-Box® 2024 Review: 4.75 out of 5 Stars!

If you're looking for a in-depth review of the newest Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows version, you'll definitely find it with Sound-Guy's latest review, Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows Review: Incredible new capabilities to experiment, compose, arrange and mix songs.

A few excerpts:
"The Tracks view is possibly the single most powerful addition in 2024 and opens up a new way to edit and generate accompaniments. Combined with the new MultiPicker Library Window, it makes BIAB nearly perfect as an 'intelligent' composer/arranger program."

"MIDI SuperTracks partial generation showing six variations – each time the section is generated it can be instantly auditioned, re-generated or backed out to a previous generation – and you can do this with any track type. This is MAJOR! This takes musical experimentation and honing an arrangement to a new level, and faster than ever."

"Band in a Box continues to be an expansive musical tool-set for both novice and experienced musicians to experiment, compose, arrange and mix songs, as well as an extensive educational resource. It is huge, with hundreds of functions, more than any one person is likely to ever use. Yet, so is any DAW that I have used. BIAB can do some things that no DAW does, and this year BIAB has more DAW-like functions than ever."

Convenient Ways to Listen to Band-in-a-Box® Songs Created by Program Users!

The User Showcase Forum is an excellent place to share your Band-in-a-Box® songs and listen to songs other program users are creating!

There are other places you can listen to these songs too! Visit our User Showcase page to sort by genre, artist (forum name), song title, and date - each listing will direct you to the forum post for that song.

If you'd rather listen to these songs in one place, head to our Band-in-a-Box® Radio, where you'll have the option to select the genre playlist for your listening pleasure. This page has SoundCloud built in, so it won't redirect you. We've also added the link to the Artists SoundCloud page here, and a link to their forum post.

We hope you find some inspiration from this amazing collection of User Showcase Songs!

Congratulations to the 2023 User Showcase Award Winners!

We've just announced the 2023 User Showcase Award Winners!

There are 45 winners, each receiving a Band-in-a-Box 2024 UltraPAK! Read the official announcement to see if you've won.

Our User Showcase Forum receives more than 50 posts per day, with people sharing their Band-in-a-Box songs and providing feedback for other songs posted.

Thank you to everyone who has contributed!

Forum Statistics
Forums66
Topics81,625
Posts735,216
Members38,522
Most Online2,537
Jan 19th, 2020
Newest Members
Steve Smith, Bpnsrinu, DanyLevy, Arnav Singh, vasilich
38,521 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 185
DC Ron 100
dcuny 87
DrDan 72
Today's Birthdays
Bernard Rasson, John Temmerman
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5