Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 2 1 2
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,185
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,185
If Tear Drops Were Dollars - Remix

Been away for couple of weeks - Di in the hospital again. Will listen to as many new posts as I can over the next few days.

First, I realize "Tear Drops" should be one word - "Teardrops". But when I registered it at BMI, I let my brain take a break and entered the title as Tear Drops, so I'm leaving it that way. DUH!

We posted this about a year ago and asked for comments to improve it. Floyd suggested the original vocal was too bright (too much treble), somewhat diminishing the vocal sound typical of the era. Although I didn't redo the vocal, per se, I worked it over pretty good. I took off quite a bit of the high EQ, added a small amount of lower-mids and pulled it back very, very slightly in the mix. I also trimmed the vocal reverb to almost nothing. He told me to leave the horns as they were and work on the vocal. The only thing I did, instrument wise, was add a little more bottom to the acoustic bass. I left everything else as I originally recorded it. Let me know what you think. And thanks in advance.

Alan

Here were Floyd's comments on the original:

This is really well done. Quite special.
You did a GREAT job of using the horns to create the sound of the era.
The write also does a good job of "being of the era".

A couple of things struck my as somewhat "outside" the era. Your vocal (which is quite good, btw) is "too bright" for that time - vocals of the era never had that high end (which makes this stand out as being "modern recording"). The other is the word "cents"...I think it would feel much more "authentic" if it were "a hundred pennies".

Really enjoyed this. Great job!

fj



File:If Tear Drops Were Dollars.SGU
Key=Bb , Tempo 116, Length (m:s)=3:43
Style is _JAZFRED.STY (Jazz Fred w/ Piano)

RealTracks in style: ~~768:Bass, Acoustic, Jazz Sw 110
RealTracks in style: ~~771:Piano, Acoustic, Rhythm Jazz Sw 110
RealTracks in style: ~~938:Guitar, Acoustic, Rhythm JazzFreddie Sw 110
RealTracks in song: 2633:Horn Section, Background JazzBallad2PartJack Sw 085
RealTracks in song: 2593:Horn Section, Background CroonerBigBand9-Part Sw 110
RealDrums in style: JazzBrushes: a: Brushes Swirling b: Brushes Busier



If Teardrops Were Dollars
© 2017 Alan D. David, BMI / Diana Randall, BMI

(v1)
If teardrops were dollars
I’d be the world’s richest man
I could buy New York City
And maybe even Amsterdam
But since the day I left you
I stand on shifting sand
I was a fool to let you go
Now I hold the pauper’s hand

CHORUS
If teardrops were dollars, I wouldn’t have a care
I’d buy a magic potion that would dry my misty air
But my tears ain’t turned to money, so I have this cross to bear
Yes if teardrops were dollars, I’d be a millionaire

INSTRUMENTAL VERSE

CHORUS


(v2)
If I had a hundred cents
For every tear I’ve cried
I’d drive a brand new Cadillac
And drink water purified
I’d buy a fancy penthouse
Yet not be satisfied
I’ll never want to smile again
Without you by my side

REPEAT CHORUS


Last edited by Al-David; 10/07/18 11:50 PM.

BIAB 2024 Ultra Plus-all StylePaks*Win11*32GB DDR5*Rhyzen 9745x*AT 2035 Mic*Peavey Nashville 112 Amp*Ibanez ART120* Acoustic/Electric/Washburn D200S Acoustic*Stromberg Monterey Jazz Guitar

Loops: https://aldavidmusic.wixsite.com/bestmusicloops

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 7,867
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 7,867
This is so smooth Alan. Loved this piece. Reminds me of a Sinatra so. Such a excellent vocal. Super back track. Well done. Very cool lyric


Scott Collingwood
https://soundcloud.com/scottt709
https://soundcloud.com/spiritlevel-ca
https://www.youtube.com/@SpiritLevel-ge3hm/
User Showcase
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 1,677
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 1,677
Al-David,

what the heck is this? AMAZING !!!!

Closed my eyes and felt like sitting in a 40s ball-room. And yes, after the song had finished I felt very much like having the singer drink on me for the rest of the night.

Loved the lyrics, melody, arrangement and the way you're using BB.

Very very nice.

User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,315
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,315
Alan,

Super. You'd give Frank a run for his money.

fj

User Showcase
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 19,629
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 19,629
Alan,



This is excellent. It's nearly 3:00 am here in Melbourne right now and your singing and this fantastic backing track is a perfect fit for this time of day! I thoroughly enjoyed everything about this composition. I love what you've done with the vocals. You've created a crooner's edge to the sound now and in my headphones, it's a really great fit with the big band backing. The chord progression you've used is outstanding (as your chord progressions always seem to be).

More superb music from a master craftsman!

Please say 'Hi' to Di and let her know that I'm still bombarding the two of you with healing thoughts.

All the best,
Noel


MY SONGS...
Audiophile BIAB 2024
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,043
G
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
G
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,043
Sounds great Al!! I think I heard the original version. It is an excellent tune....authentic feel with a catchy melody and wonderful lyric. Love that era, and this song fits right in the pocket!! Take care. Greg

User Showcase
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 2,947
PG Music Staff
Offline
PG Music Staff
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 2,947
Tear Drops or Teardrops! Doesn't matter, the song is still fantastic. Thanks for sharing!


Cheers,
Ember
User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 6,780
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 6,780
The modification of the vocal worked really well - it lessened the essing as well.
The only other thing I'd suggest is using ReaTune or similar to smooth the vibrato or increase it either would work.


Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
User Showcase
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 3,414
PG Music Staff
Offline
PG Music Staff
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 3,414
Wow - this is incredible! It sounds so lush and professional. The swingin' groove in this is superb, and your vocals are top notch. It really sounds like an old school crooner tune from the 50's/60's. You totally nailed it.

Great work, and thanks for sharing smile


Cheers,
Deryk
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,066
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,066
Croonin' and swingin'

Right in our wheelhouse.

Nice to revisit this and enjoy it again!

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!
Our Videos are here on our website.
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,623
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,623
Alan

Nice to hear this again. One of the best uses of this style I've heard.
Excellent.

Peter

User Showcase
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 3,357
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 3,357
Al,
Very, very good use of the style. I remember the original and its improved here. You sound right at home: crooner smooth, sir!

Robert

User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 1,381
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 1,381
The world turned a beautiful nuanced black-and-white listening to this. Much enjoyed.


BIAB 2021 Audiophile. Windows 10 64bit. Songwriter, lyricist, composer(?) loving all styles. Some pre-BIAB music from Farfetched Tangmo Band's first CD. https://alonetone.com/tangmo/playlists/close-to-the-ground
User Showcase
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 2,360
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 2,360
This is so cool!

Everything sounds great, nice write and melody

nice mix too,

enjoyed,

Kenny

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,185
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,185
A really big "Thank You!" to all who have left a comment. I sure do appreciate all those kind words. Would reply individually, but don't have the time at the moment. Please know I've read each and every one of the. Ya'll make an old guy smile - thank God wrinkles don't hurt!

Again, many thanks to each of you. Wishing all of you the very best.

Alan


PS: Di told me to say "Hi" to all and thanks for your warm thoughts. I echo her sentiments.


BIAB 2024 Ultra Plus-all StylePaks*Win11*32GB DDR5*Rhyzen 9745x*AT 2035 Mic*Peavey Nashville 112 Amp*Ibanez ART120* Acoustic/Electric/Washburn D200S Acoustic*Stromberg Monterey Jazz Guitar

Loops: https://aldavidmusic.wixsite.com/bestmusicloops

User Showcase
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 5,461
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 5,461
Wow did you ever do a great job on this one Alan! Your mix is superb and those instruments really pop and the vocal is great! Thanks, Torrey


I'm a peripheral visionary! I can see the future but only way off to the sides! SW
User Showcase
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 4,487
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 4,487
Hi, Al !:))

I love this piece Al !
It has a wholeness that
sooths my ears immensely !!
I just love those big band
brass sounds and your singing
is as fine as ever !

Super ! One of your best !!!

Cheers
Dani

Last edited by dani48; 10/12/18 12:01 PM.
User Showcase
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 2,989
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 2,989
Hello, Alan

Nice to hear this again.
I feel again this is entirely a song of Sinatra with Nelson Riddle orchestra.
Really nice use of this style.
I tried listening to the previous version as well.
I am also always puzzled very much about the depth of reverb and how to apply EQ, so I could not judge which is better.
But, enjoyed my listen a lot again this time.

Best regards.

Shigeki Adachi

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,185
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,185
Originally Posted By: Torrey Bliss
Wow did you ever do a great job on this one Alan! Your mix is superb and those instruments really pop and the vocal is great! Thanks, Torrey


Thank you, Torrey. I worked on this remix pretty hard. Glad it turned out okay. Thanks for the input and kind words.

Alan


BIAB 2024 Ultra Plus-all StylePaks*Win11*32GB DDR5*Rhyzen 9745x*AT 2035 Mic*Peavey Nashville 112 Amp*Ibanez ART120* Acoustic/Electric/Washburn D200S Acoustic*Stromberg Monterey Jazz Guitar

Loops: https://aldavidmusic.wixsite.com/bestmusicloops

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,185
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,185
Originally Posted By: dani48
Hi, Al !:))

I love this piece Al !
It has a wholeness that
sooths my ears immensely !!
I just love those big band
brass sounds and your singing
is as fine as ever !

Super ! One of your best !!!

Cheers
Dani


Dani!

Thanks so much. I'm delighted you enjoyed it. Wishing you the very best.

ALan


BIAB 2024 Ultra Plus-all StylePaks*Win11*32GB DDR5*Rhyzen 9745x*AT 2035 Mic*Peavey Nashville 112 Amp*Ibanez ART120* Acoustic/Electric/Washburn D200S Acoustic*Stromberg Monterey Jazz Guitar

Loops: https://aldavidmusic.wixsite.com/bestmusicloops

Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 2 1 2

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 to RealBand® 2025 Build 5 Windows Today!

Already using RealBand® 2025 for Windows®? Download Build 5 now from our Support Page to ensure you have the latest enhancements and improvements from our team.

Get the latest update today!

PowerTracks Pro Audio 2025 for Windows is Here!

PowerTracks Pro Audio 2025 is here! This new version introduces many features, including VST3 support, the ability to load or import a .FLAC file, a reset option for track height in the Tracks window, a taller Timeline on the Notation window toolbar, new freeze buttons in the Tracks window, three toolbar modes (two rows, single row, and none), the improved Select Patch dialog with text-based search and numeric patch display, a new button in the DirectX/VST window to copy an effects group, and more!

First-time packages start at only $49. Already a PowerTracks Pro Audio user? Upgrade for as little as $29!

www.pgmusic.com/powertracks.htm

Video: Summary of the New Band-in-a-Box® App for iOS®

Join Tobin as he takes you on a tour of the new Band-in-a-Box® app for iOS®! Designed for musicians, singer-songwriters, and educators, this powerful tool lets you create, play, and transfer songs effortlessly on your iPhone® or iPad®—anytime, anywhere.

Band-in-a-Box® for iOS® :Summary video.

Check out the forum post for more information.

Introducing the New Band-in-a-Box iOS App!

We’re excited to introduce the new Band-in-a-Box iOS app, designed to enhance your music creation. The Band-in-a-Box iOS app is the perfect companion to your desktop version, giving you the freedom to sketch out ideas wherever you are and develop them further when you're back at your workstation. Now, you can create, play, generate, and transfer songs seamlessly between your iOS device, and desktop.

Key Features:

- Easily Create and Play Songs – Build and play songs effortlessly on your device.
- MIDI and RealTracks/RealStyles Support – Generate MIDI tracks and RealTracks/RealStyles right on your iPhone or iPad (RealTracks/RealStyles require an internet connection).
- Notation Support – View chord sheets, professional notation, tab, and drum notation for all tracks.
...and more!

Watch the Band-in-a-Box iOS Overview Video.

Visit the Band-in-a-Box for iOS support page for more information and to listen to demos of our RealStyles catalogue.

Download the Band-in-a-Box iOS App from the Apple App Store today!

Update your Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Windows® Today!

If you’ve already purchased Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Windows®, great news—a new update is now available! This update introduces a handy new feature: a vertical cursor in the Tracks window that shows the current location across all tracks, and more.

Discover everything included in this free update and download it now at https://www.pgmusic.com/support_windowsupdates.htm#1124

Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Windows®: Boot Camp: The AI Lyrics Generator

With Band-in-a-Box 2025® for Windows®, we've introduced an exciting new feature: the AI Lyrics Generator! In this video, Tobin guides you step-by-step on how to make the most of this new tool.

Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Windows®: Boot Camp: The AI Lyrics Generator video.

Check out the forum post for more information.

Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Windows®: Using VST3 Plugins

Band-in-a-Box 2025® for Windows® now includes support for VST3 plugins, bringing even more creative possibilities to your music production. Join Simon as he guides you through the process in this easy-to-follow demonstration!

Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Windows®: Using VST3 Plugins

Join the conversation on our forum.

Forum Statistics
Forums58
Topics83,620
Posts767,857
Members39,371
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
Newest Members
Gary So, Jahmir Waylen, KurtisAWatkins, Jon Rambo, Jim4453
39,371 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 218
DC Ron 151
Al-David 115
WaoBand 96
rsdean 96
Today's Birthdays
dipalma18, Joey45, Karantois
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5