Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
User Showcase
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,986
Expert
OP Offline
Expert
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,986
Well I thought I would join in with contributing a Christmas song. I'm excited about this one, because I was able to coerce my wife into singing with me on it. (Although she sings with me all the time, I think it is easier to get a personal phone call with the queen of England than it is to get Rachel to slow down enough to stand in front of a mic in my little studio and sing!)

The instruments are RT's/RD's, and I threw in some organ, percussion, chimes and bells. Hope you enjoy this!

It's Christmas Time (My Favorite Time Of Year) - VIDEO

It's Christmas Time (My Favorite Time Of Year) - SOUNDCLOUD

It's Christmas Time (My Favorite Time Of Year)
© Stephen W. Young

The frost is on the ground, and the days grow short
And the children dream out loud of all they're hoping for
And the embers in the fireplace are crackling as tender as a prayer
There's a sound of carols ringing in the air

And it's Christmas time, my favorite time of year
When the meaning of this life becomes so clear
And the angels sing, the hosts of heaven
Rejoice before the throne
'Cause in Bethlehem, the Savior has been born

I love to hear the laughter in the afternoon
When the smells of a home cooked dinner fill the room
And the mistletoe starts working, and love is flowing in the air
And the joy of Christmas time is everywhere

And it's Christmas time, my favorite time of year
When the meaning of this life becomes so clear
And the angels sing, the hosts of heaven
Rejoice before the throne
'Cause in Bethlehem, the Savior has been born

Here are the RT's/RD's...
RealTracks in style: ~~519:Bass, Electric, Pop HalfNotes Ev 120
RealTracks in song: 2933:Guitar, Acoustic, Fingerpicking SongwriterFolkSlapQuinn Ev 120
RealTracks in song: 2930:Guitar, Acoustic, Rhythm FolkRock8thsBrent Ev 100
RealTracks in song: 3162:Guitar, Baritone Electric, Rhythm BluesyPopHeldEmbelBrent Ev 100
RealTracks in song: 2681:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm Pop8thsZaneLow Ev 120
RealTracks in song: 646:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm PopRockBritEdgy Ev 120 (A:arp)
RealTracks in song: 2904:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm GrittyBluesyPopBrent Ev 100
RealTracks in song: 2618:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm Funk16thsMutedWahWah Ev16 100
RealTracks in song: 2906:Piano, ElectricVintage, Rhythm BluesyPopMike Ev 100
RealTracks in song: 3203:Guitar, Acoustic, Soloist RnBPopBrent Ev 110
RealDrums in song: NashvilleEven8^1-a:Sidestick, HiHat , b:Snare, Ride
[b][/b]


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: Oct 2008
Posts: 18,838
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 18,838
Hi Steve,

This is really, really wonderful listening.

When I looked at the musical ensemble, my first thought was, "How on earth does Steve manage to get such a warm, cohesive and inviting musical sound using such a wide range of Realtracks!" If I was wearing a hat right now, I'd tip it towards to you in acknowledgement. Without doubt, you are are the master smile I feel bubbles of panic rising in me when I only have 4 tracks to mix and arrange!

Back to the music...

I thoroughly enjoyed this. It has commercial quality and is so very, very friendly on the both the ears and the psyche. As I listened, images of all that makes Christmas special for families drifted through my mind.

The duet between you and Rachel really is the icing on a very fine musical Christmas cake.

All the best,
Noel


MY SONGS...
Audiophile BIAB 2024
User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 2,254
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 2,254
Surprise, great vocals! lol. Man, top notch all the way around. Love the song! It just sounds so good. The perfect song for this time of year!


Chad (Hope that makes it easier)

TEMPO TANTRUM: What a lead singer has when they can't stay in time.
User Showcase
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 709
Journeyman
Offline
Journeyman
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 709
Nice one Steve. This feels like a genuine paean to Christmas.
As usual the production is first class. Rachel's voice is indeed a pleasant surprise - solo and harmonising. In fact, you sound great together.
Merry Christmas,
Mike


Mike Garry
BIAB 2022 (Build 927)/RealBand (5) (64bit), UltraPak, Kontakt, EZmix, Ozone 9 Elements, Hybrid 3, Audacity, Acer Predator, Windows 10, 64bit, 16GB ram, CPU: Intel i7.

https://soundcloud.com/user-952388172
User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 6,214
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 6,214
Harmonies made in matrimony - your voices were a treat.


Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 11,636
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 11,636
Steve & Rachel,

Everything about this is good. No surprise there.

A beautiful Christmas write. Exceptional vocals throughout.

Exquisite production - with a "modern" flair... nice! So many nice, subtle touches...

Sounds like a classic right out of the gate.

fj

User Showcase
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 1,944
Jim Offline
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 1,944
Excellent Christmas song...
I really enjoyed listening...
Rachel has such a lovely voice...
And it compliments your own voice so well...
That I look forward to hearing more duets from you two smile.

Merry Christmas to you & your family.


Jim
†=☮&♥
User Showcase
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,700
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,700
Wonderful Holiday tune, full of warmth, light, love and vivid Christmas images. Super vocals from both of you. All wrapped up in a sweet flawless musical package. Thanks for this ear candy, merry Christmas!

Janne


Hear My Music:

Soundcloud
YouTube

User Showcase
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 2,144
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 2,144
Wow, super good production, excellent voices, great Christmas song


Windows 10, Intel Core I5 10400, 16 gig ram, Scarlett 6i6, Komplete keyboard, Sony Acid Music Studio 11, BIAB 2020 UltraPlus Pak
User Showcase
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,986
Expert
OP Offline
Expert
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,986
Originally Posted By: Noel96
Hi Steve,

This is really, really wonderful listening.

When I looked at the musical ensemble, my first thought was, "How on earth does Steve manage to get such a warm, cohesive and inviting musical sound using such a wide range of Realtracks!" If I was wearing a hat right now, I'd tip it towards to you in acknowledgement. Without doubt, you are are the master smile I feel bubbles of panic rising in me when I only have 4 tracks to mix and arrange!

Back to the music...

I thoroughly enjoyed this. It has commercial quality and is so very, very friendly on the both the ears and the psyche. As I listened, images of all that makes Christmas special for families drifted through my mind.

The duet between you and Rachel really is the icing on a very fine musical Christmas cake.

All the best,
Noel


Thanks so much Noel! Always enjoy reading your very thoughtful comments. Glad you like this one!

Originally Posted By: HearToLearn
Surprise, great vocals! lol. Man, top notch all the way around. Love the song! It just sounds so good. The perfect song for this time of year!



Really appreciate you taking the time to listen and comment! Glad you enjoyed this!

Originally Posted By: mkg50 (Mike G)
Nice one Steve. This feels like a genuine paean to Christmas.
As usual the production is first class. Rachel's voice is indeed a pleasant surprise - solo and harmonising. In fact, you sound great together.
Merry Christmas,
Mike


Thanks, Mike! Your comments are very appreciated. Yep, Rachel has always been one of my favorite singers. We've been singing together for 45 years now. But I really married her for her money. (Her maiden name was Nichols.)


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: Sep 2018
Posts: 2,657
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 2,657
Nice melody. Your wife has a lovely voice. I enjoyed the whole package here. What a joyous holiday song!

User Showcase
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 2,945
PG Music Staff
Offline
PG Music Staff
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 2,945
What a fantastic holiday song! The vocals suited the song wonderfully. Thanks for sharing!


Cheers,
Ember
User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 1,815
D
Expert
Offline
Expert
D
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 1,815
Steve,

Great vocals on this—nice production touches on it, and it really fits in the mix. A fresh take and feel on a Holiday song . . . warm and genuine. This is polished to a shine; first rate all around on the production.

I’m not sure my next comment is going to make sense or that I’ll say it right . . . but I’m just going to put it out there for what little it may be worth. The verses tend to be very new world (almost commercial) while the close of the choruses strike me as a more traditional carol. That is, there’s a contrast in tone between the verse and the more traditional “Bethlehem” references at the end of the chours. Again, not sure that makes sense, nor that there’s anything to change—it just struck me, is all. And as it doesn’t take away from how much I enjoyed the song, not sure it’ve even worth raising . . . but there it is for you to ponder, and most likely, rightly dismiss.

Admirably done, Steve. Enjoyed it!

Regards,

Deej

User Showcase
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 6,576
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 6,576
Catchy chorus, with excellent harmony. You two sound really nice together.

I love like how your vocals are always up front, but never harsh.

Great production - instruments are supportive and clear, but never get in the way. The tubular bells are a nice touch.

Thanks for the Christmas present! smile


-- David Cuny
My virtual singer development blog

Vocal control, you say. Never heard of it. Is that some kind of ProTools thing?
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 7,522
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 7,522
Awesome Christmas tune Steve. You are one of my favorite vocalists on the forum. Love it when you post new tunes. Your wife has a lovely voice as well. Such perfect harmonies. Well done. Guitar was very cool


Scott Collingwood
https://soundcloud.com/scottt709
https://soundcloud.com/spiritlevel-ca
https://www.youtube.com/@SpiritLevel-ge3hm/
User Showcase
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 5,253
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 5,253
Wow Steve that is fantastic! What great pure sounding vocals all around on this! A really top notch Christmas song! Thanks, Torrey




User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 13,978
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 13,978
Stunningly beautiful. At the risk of contradiction...it's a modern classic!

You have one of the finest voices on the forum and now what a joy to hear Rachel...wow!

Great band and that rhythmic chime sound is perfect for the theme.

One to play for the family!

J&B

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 6,892
G
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
G
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 6,892
BEAUTIFUL!!! JUST BEAUTIFUL!!! Absolutely love this line:

And the embers in the fireplace are crackling as tender as a prayer

And it stands out even among lyrics which are all wonderful! Glad your wife could lend a hand.....great voice, and the song works so well as a duet!!

LOVE IT!!! Take care. Greg

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 139
Apprentice
Offline
Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 139
Love hearing all the holiday/Christmas songs this time of year!

User Showcase
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,986
Expert
OP Offline
Expert
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,986
I've been in and out of town for the holidays, and working a lot in between! Just want to say thank you to all who posted such nice words about this song! I hope all of you had a great Christmas, and a Happy New Year (and Happy New Decade)! I pray you all have a wonderful year this year, and look forward to sharing and hearing a lot of great music from you all!

All the best,

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
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
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!

Video: Volume Automation in Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows®

We've created a video to help you learn more about the Volume Automation options in Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows.

Band-in-a-Box® 2024: Volume Automation

www.pgmusic.com/manuals/bbw2024full/chapter11.htm#volume-automation

Video: Audio Input Monitoring with Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows®

We've created this short video to explain Audio Input Monitoring within Band-in-a-Box® 2024, and included some tips & troubleshooting details too!

Band-in-a-Box® 2024: Audio Input Monitoring

3:17: Tips
5:10: Troubleshooting

www.pgmusic.com/manuals/bbw2024full/chapter11.htm#audio-input-monitoring

Video: Enhanced Melodists in Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows®!

We've enhanced the Melodists feature included in Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows!

Access the Melodist feature by pressing F7 in the program to open the new MultiPicker Library and locate the [Melodist] tab.

You can now generate a melody on any track in the program - very handy! Plus, you select how much of the melody you want generated - specify a range, or apply it to the whole track.

See the Melodist in action with our video, Band-in-a-Box® 2024: The Melodist Window.

Learn even more about the enhancements to the Melodist feature in Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows at www.pgmusic.com/manuals/bbw2024upgrade/chapter3.htm#enhanced-melodist

Band-in-a-Box® 2024 DAW Plugin Version 6: New Features Specifically for Reaper®

New with the DAW Plugin Version 6.0, released with Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows: the Reaper® Panel!

This new panel offers built-in specific support for the Reaper® DAW API allowing direct transfer of Band-in-a-Box® files to/from Reaper® tracks!

When you run the Plugin from Reaper®, there is a panel to set the following options:
-BB Track(s) to send: This allows you to select the Plugin tracks that will be sent Reaper.
-Destination Reaper Track: This lets you select the destination Reaper track to receive media content from the Plugin.
-At Bar: You can select a bar in Reaper where the Plugin tracks should be placed.
-Start Below Selected Track: This allows you to place the Plugin tracks below the destination Reaper track.
-Overwrite Reaper Track: You can overwrite previous content on the destination Reaper track.
-Move to Project Folder: With this option, you can move the Plugin tracks to the Reaper project folder.
-Send Reaper Instructions Enable this option to send the Reaper Instructions instead of rendering audio tracks, which is faster.
-Render Audio & Instructions: Enable this option to generate audio files and the Reaper instructions.
-Send Tracks After Generating: This allows the Plugin to automatically send tracks to Reaper after generating.
-Send Audio for MIDI Track: Enable this option to send rendered audio for MIDI tracks.
-Send RealCharts with Audio: If this option is enabled, Enable this option to send RealCharts with audio.

Check out this video highlighting the new Reaper®-specific features: Band-in-a-Box® DAW Plugin Version 6: New Features Specifically for Reaper®

Band-in-a-Box® 2024 DAW Plugin Version 6: New Features Video

The new Band-in-a-Box VST DAW Plugin Verion 6 adds over 20 new features!

Watch the new features video to learn more: Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2024 - DAW Plugin Version 6 New Features

We also list these new features at www.pgmusic.com/bbwin.plugin.htm.

Forum Statistics
Forums66
Topics81,395
Posts732,497
Members38,441
Most Online2,537
Jan 19th, 2020
Newest Members
zagrajbarke, Ernest J, Izzy, BenChaz, Csofi
38,440 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 195
Al-David 124
DC Ron 114
dcuny 87
rsdean 82
Today's Birthdays
CeeDee, SethMould
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5