Page 1 of 2 1 2 >
You need to be logged in to post
Options
Index
#692280 - 12/19/21 03:18 PM [User Showcase] NEW SONG POST: Ain't Christmas without You
Registered: 12/21/13
Posts: 6793
Loc: Davis, CA
Greg Johnson Offline
Veteran

Registered: 12/21/13
Posts: 6793
Loc: Davis, CA
Hello fellow BIABers!! Just listened to a number of great offerings!! Did not get a chance to respond to all of the nice comments on my last post but I read them all and am very humbled by your kind words...they mean a great deal to me!
I've always loved Xmas songs and have written at least one every Xmas for the past 5 years or so. I have to run so I didn't make it to the Xmas offerings near the top of the forum but will be back for them soon. This is a traditional style Xmas tune like Sinatra or Andy Williams might have sung....maybe Michael Buble for a current singer. Would love to hear what you think!! Merry Xmas everyone!! Take care. Greg

https://soundcloud.com/gjohnson-2/aintchristmaswithoutyou?si=ebfca825666740faaeee3ed837cad4be&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

Ain’t Christmas without You

I see the decorations strung across the streets downtown
Hear the children singing carols but still I’m feeling down
I always try to find the magic of this time of year
But it just don’t seem the same without you here

All the Christmas lights are shining bright but still my heart is blue
I guess Christmas just ain’t Christmas without you

Salvation Army Santas ring their bells and “Ho, Ho, Ho”
And I drop a few dollars in but still I’m feeling low
I remember all the joys of seeing the world in red and green
But I just can’t find the magic in this scene

All the Christmas lights are shining bright but still my heart is blue
I guess Christmas just ain’t Christmas without you

I know come January, you’ll be in my arms again
But I just don’t think I can shake this feeling until then

All the Christmas lights are shining bright but still my heart is blue
I guess Christmas just ain’t Christmas without you

Top
#692358 - 12/19/21 10:45 PM [User Showcase] Re: NEW SONG POST: Ain't Christmas without You [Re: Greg Johnson]
Registered: 12/29/12
Posts: 6734
Loc: Originally Missouri ... Now Al...
Al-David Offline
Veteran

Registered: 12/29/12
Posts: 6734
Loc: Originally Missouri ... Now Al...
Hi Greg ...

I can never find adequate superlatives to fully describe the beauty and smoothness of your songs.

As you probably know, I love the old big band sounds and man ... this captures it so wonderfully. Loved that sax solo! This is just so smooth dreamy. A gentle swing and so endearing. I always marvel at your music. Simply gorgeous, my friend.

Merry Christmas to you & yours ...

Alan

PS: Hope your first year of retirement was everything you hoped it would be!
_________________________
BIAB 2022 Ultra Plus-all StylePaks*Win10*8GB DDR4*I5-6th Gen*AT 2035 Mic*Peavey Nashville 112 Amp*Ibanez ART120 Electric/Washburn D200S Acoustic*Stromberg Monterey Jazz Guitar

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


Top
#692372 - 12/19/21 11:42 PM [User Showcase] Re: NEW SONG POST: Ain't Christmas without You [Re: Greg Johnson]
Registered: 02/20/10
Posts: 2144
Loc: Maryland
TuneMonger Offline
Veteran

Registered: 02/20/10
Posts: 2144
Loc: Maryland
Nice to hear the BIAB horns get a good workout. And of course, matched with a great song and your excellent voice, this is a true present for all of us. When I use BIAB horns I usually do a lot of splicing so they don't step on my vocals so much. You played them as a complete track and it sounded fine. I can't do that, you must be a much better mixer than me. Whatever, it sounded great. Happy Holidays.
_________________________
Windows 10, Intel Core I5 10400, 16 gig ram, Scarlett 6i6, Komplete keyboard, Sony Acid Music Studio 11, BIAB 2020 UltraPlus Pak

Top
#692385 - 12/20/21 01:28 AM [User Showcase] Re: NEW SONG POST: Ain't Christmas without You [Re: Greg Johnson]
Registered: 02/03/16
Posts: 1675
Loc: Germany
Crossroads Offline
Expert

Registered: 02/03/16
Posts: 1675
Loc: Germany
Hey Freg,

one thing's for sure: There is not one nation in the world that has produced and year in,year out, produces Chrostmas songs like the Americans can. Even if you're not a dedicated fan of the yuletide hurry and fuss, you simply must like them. Well, most of them.

And this one is - in the best sense of the word - a typical sample: It's simply great as a composition and absolutely pro regarding the production.

Were you ever told that you're a heck of a singer ? grin

Merry Christmas and all the best for 2022,

Stefan

Top
#692393 - 12/20/21 01:57 AM [User Showcase] Re: NEW SONG POST: Ain't Christmas without You [Re: Greg Johnson]
Registered: 11/30/07
Posts: 4860
Loc: Ontario, Canada
BlueAttitude Offline
Veteran

Registered: 11/30/07
Posts: 4860
Loc: Ontario, Canada
Hi Greg,

Yes, I could easily see this as something that Sinatra or Andy Williams might have done back in the day. Excellent!

Best to you and yours for the holiday smile

Top
#692429 - 12/20/21 04:22 AM [User Showcase] Re: NEW SONG POST: Ain't Christmas without You [Re: Greg Johnson]
Registered: 09/30/16
Posts: 2027
Loc: Netherlands, Haarlem
Birchwood Offline
Veteran

Registered: 09/30/16
Posts: 2027
Loc: Netherlands, Haarlem
Hi Greg,

A very nice warm voice singing a very nice Christmas song or carol.
And accompanied by a classic Jazz band. Well, you made it a succes, that is for sure!
Only the lyrics... They are (a bit) appropriate if you feel this way, but sad.
But next year has a wonderful start and you'll be happy again!
I hope that'll be the theme of next years carol ;-)

Merry Christmas, Greg!
Hans
_________________________
Hans Berkhout
(Birchwood)
https://soundcloud.com/user-296497130

Top
#692454 - 12/20/21 06:29 AM [User Showcase] Re: NEW SONG POST: Ain't Christmas without You [Re: Greg Johnson]
Registered: 08/10/12
Posts: 11105
Loc: Florida
floyd jane Offline
Veteran

Registered: 08/10/12
Posts: 11105
Loc: Florida
Greg,

You are the KING of Christmas Songs! They have ALL sounded like they've been with us forever. Classics, one and all...

Writing a good Christmas song is not easy. And yet, you make it seem like it's a breeze to do.
Excellent lyric. Excellent melody. Excellent BAND. Excellent vocal.
Pro in every regard.

Solid mix.

Killer.

Merry Christmas, buddy...


fj

Top
#692489 - 12/20/21 08:00 AM [User Showcase] Re: NEW SONG POST: Ain't Christmas without You [Re: Greg Johnson]
Registered: 08/12/04
Posts: 1409
Loc: Christchurch, New Zealand
NigelSpiers Offline
Expert

Registered: 08/12/04
Posts: 1409
Loc: Christchurch, New Zealand
Hi Greg,

I enjoyed the whole song and particularly the choruses.

Yes - Michael Buble would be mad not to include this on his 2022 Christmas album.

Best Regards
Nigel
_________________________
Nigel Spiers
Christchurch, New Zealand
info@nzacoustics.com

Top
#692558 - 12/20/21 11:19 AM [User Showcase] Re: NEW SONG POST: Ain't Christmas without You [Re: Greg Johnson]
Registered: 10/21/21
Posts: 1247
Loc: Versmold - GERMANY
PROJECT M Offline
Expert

Registered: 10/21/21
Posts: 1247
Loc: Versmold - GERMANY
Hello Greg
This is a beautiful Christmas song
You sang it so well
I like it extraordinarily well
Both thumbs up
Many greetings
Andi ;-)

Top
#692666 - 12/20/21 06:06 PM [User Showcase] Re: NEW SONG POST: Ain't Christmas without You [Re: Al-David]
Registered: 12/21/13
Posts: 6793
Loc: Davis, CA
Greg Johnson Offline
Veteran

Registered: 12/21/13
Posts: 6793
Loc: Davis, CA
Originally Posted By: Al-David
Hi Greg ...

I can never find adequate superlatives to fully describe the beauty and smoothness of your songs.

As you probably know, I love the old big band sounds and man ... this captures it so wonderfully. Loved that sax solo! This is just so smooth dreamy. A gentle swing and so endearing. I always marvel at your music. Simply gorgeous, my friend.

Merry Christmas to you & yours ...

Alan

PS: Hope your first year of retirement was everything you hoped it would be!


Thanks so much Alan for your incredibly kind words!! Just listened to a cool instrumental of yours!! Merry Xmas!!

Top
#692667 - 12/20/21 06:11 PM [User Showcase] Re: NEW SONG POST: Ain't Christmas without You [Re: Greg Johnson]
Registered: 08/29/14
Posts: 7205
Loc: North Carolina
David Snyder Offline
Veteran

Registered: 08/29/14
Posts: 7205
Loc: North Carolina

Hey Greg,

This sounds gorgeous.

Merry Christmas to you and yours!

smile

Top
#692682 - 12/20/21 06:53 PM [User Showcase] Re: NEW SONG POST: Ain't Christmas without You [Re: Greg Johnson]
Registered: 01/01/17
Posts: 670
Loc: Queensland, Australia
mkg50 (Mike G) Offline
Journeyman

Registered: 01/01/17
Posts: 670
Loc: Queensland, Australia
Christmas just ain’t Christmas without a great Greg Johnson Christmas song.
Thanks Greg; this was delightful.
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

Top
#692686 - 12/20/21 07:01 PM [User Showcase] Re: NEW SONG POST: Ain't Christmas without You [Re: Greg Johnson]
Registered: 12/06/03
Posts: 5301
Loc: Sydney Australia
PeterF Offline
Veteran

Registered: 12/06/03
Posts: 5301
Loc: Sydney Australia
Greg

Lovely Christmas song and perfect for the Buble of Sinatra Christmas album

Merry Christmas.

Peter

Top
#692703 - 12/20/21 09:04 PM [User Showcase] Re: NEW SONG POST: Ain't Christmas without You [Re: Greg Johnson]
Registered: 05/30/08
Posts: 5060
Loc: Gulf Coast
Sundance Offline
Veteran

Registered: 05/30/08
Posts: 5060
Loc: Gulf Coast
Beautiful Greg.

Josie
_________________________
Josie Beck Youtube Channel


Top
#692713 - 12/20/21 10:29 PM [User Showcase] Re: NEW SONG POST: Ain't Christmas without You [Re: Greg Johnson]
Registered: 02/22/16
Posts: 1555
Loc: Illinois, USA
firesong Offline
Expert

Registered: 02/22/16
Posts: 1555
Loc: Illinois, USA
Greg...what a great song to fit the season...Vocally and instrumentally so appropriate...great sax solo...as usual superb...thanks for posting.
_________________________
www.soundclick.com/firesong
BiaB 2023, Steinberg Cubase Pro 12, Wavelab 11.1, SpetraLayers Pro 10, Audacity, UR44 Interface, Yamaha Genos, Roland FP60 and FP10, Windows 10

You are who you are because you do what you do because of what you believe.

Top
#692875 - 12/21/21 12:31 PM [User Showcase] Re: NEW SONG POST: Ain't Christmas without You [Re: Greg Johnson]
Registered: 09/27/10
Posts: 5967
Loc: Sacramento, California
dcuny Online   content
Veteran

Registered: 09/27/10
Posts: 5967
Loc: Sacramento, California
This is a great match to your smooth vocals.

You nailed the "traditional" sound.

Excellent write. As floyd jane said, you make something that's difficult seem effortless!
_________________________
-- David Cuny
My virtual singer development blog

Vocal control, you say. Never heard of it. Is that some kind of ProTools thing?

Top
#692886 - 12/21/21 01:05 PM [User Showcase] Re: NEW SONG POST: Ain't Christmas without You [Re: Greg Johnson]
Registered: 12/05/11
Posts: 13329
Loc: GA USA
Janice & Bud Offline
Veteran

Registered: 12/05/11
Posts: 13329
Loc: GA USA
As always smooth and lush! Nice sax too.

Happy Holidays!

J&B
_________________________
J&B Videos
J&B Soundcloud
J&B Website

Top
#692944 - 12/21/21 04:58 PM [User Showcase] Re: NEW SONG POST: Ain't Christmas without You [Re: Greg Johnson]
Registered: 09/02/18
Posts: 2376
Loc: Virginia USA
Ezekiel's Storm Offline
Veteran

Registered: 09/02/18
Posts: 2376
Loc: Virginia USA
Velvety smooth vocal performance.

Song would fit among the Christmas standards.

Nice work!

Top
#692951 - 12/21/21 05:12 PM [User Showcase] Re: NEW SONG POST: Ain't Christmas without You [Re: BlueAttitude]
Registered: 12/27/03
Posts: 19523
Loc: Hamlin NY
MarioD Offline
Veteran

Registered: 12/27/03
Posts: 19523
Loc: Hamlin NY
Originally Posted By: BlueAttitude
Hi Greg,

Yes, I could easily see this as something that Sinatra or Andy Williams might have done back in the day. Excellent!

Best to you and yours for the holiday smile



I agree. Excellent vocal with a super big band backing tracks. Super mix.

Loved it.
_________________________
Texting for seniors - ROFLACGU = rolling on the floor laughing and can't get up. BYOT = Bring your own teeth. BTW = Bring the wheelchair.


64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software and hardware

Top
#692955 - 12/21/21 05:38 PM [User Showcase] Re: NEW SONG POST: Ain't Christmas without You [Re: Greg Johnson]
Registered: 04/15/19
Posts: 767
Loc: SA, Australia
Ghostgum Offline
Journeyman

Registered: 04/15/19
Posts: 767
Loc: SA, Australia
What a great song!
I'm sorry I got to it too late in the season to include in it my current batch Christmas concerts. However, with your permission, I'd sure like to sing it next year. smile
_________________________
My music may not set the world on fire but if it causes a glow in just one person's heart, it has all been worthwhile smile

Top
Page 1 of 2 1 2 >


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
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation - Holiday Hours

Saturday, September 30th is National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada. This day is also being recognized by employers on Monday, October 2nd.

We will have limited hours this weekend:

Saturday, Sept 30: 8am PDT - 4pm PDT
Sunday, Oct 1: closed
Monday, Oct 2: 8am PDT - 4pm PDT

Regular hours resume on Tuesday, October 3rd.

Review - Band-in-a-Box® 2023 for Windows is Overflowing with Features!

Dennis posted his very thorough Band-in-a-Box® review recently, where he dives into some of the new features added with version 2023: Sound-Guy's Band-in-a-Box Review

Read his thoughts on the Download & Install Manager, partial track regeneration, Playable RealTracks, Audio Editing, the addition of SynthMaster, the VST DAW Plugin, and more!

"Band-in-a-Box continues to be an expansive musical tool-set for both novice and experienced musicians to compose, arrange and mix songs, as well as an extensive educational resource. It is, without negative connotation, a monster of a program. Yet, so is any DAW that I have used. No DAW can do some of the things BIAB does, while BIAB can do a lot that DAWs do."

Band-in-a-Box® Tutorials for Low-vision and Blind Program Users

Our friends at EyesFree_Tutorials have just released their Band-in-a-Box Tutorials, Bundle 2!

Created for low-vision and blind program users, this collection of Band-in-a-Box for Windows tutorials includes 31 audio instruction files and 19 music files for practice, plus help documents. Specific topics include "ABACA, let's make a song form," "Recording melody and lead-in," "Playing and editing: part markers; the handy clipboard. The play function. Search and replace," and more!

Learn more about their new tutorials, and connect with Roy & Gudrun to order the Band-in-a-Box Tutorials, Bundle 2 here.

Introducing... ChatPG!

Looking for answers to your questions about Band-in-a-Box? From "How do I ____?" to "What do I ____?" to "What is ____?" and more, you'll find your answers when you ask ChatPG!

We will be constantly updating the resources for this powerful addition to our website based on suggestions & feedback, as well as all of the questions that have been asked by program users and website visitors.

Videos! Get To Know XPro Styles PAK 5 & Xtra Styles PAK 16 for Band-in-a-Box® 2023

XPro Styles PAK 5 adds 75 new RealStyles for rock, pop, jazz, funk, and country, and 25 styles based around MIDI SuperTracks that utilize the SynthMaster plugin!

Here's just a taste of what XPro Styles PAK 5 has in store: electronic Latin funk, spacey dancehall grooves, soulful Americana ballads, heavy house beats, vibin' cool jazz, rollicking country train beats, playful pop country jams, gritty blues rock, modern disco funk, moody synthwave, subdued bossa nova, lo-fi jazz, and many more! Pick up XPro Styles PAK 5 today!

What are XPro Styles PAKs?
XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with any version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2023 (or higher). Each PAK includes over 100 styles!

XPro Styles PAKs aren't exclusive to Pro users, there's a huge range of RealStyles available for everyone - even Audiophile customers! That's right, XPro Styles PAKs can be used with ANY Band-in-a-Box® 2023 package!

XPro Styles PAK 5: https://youtu.be/QdhS9tc0y_s


Xtra Styles PAK 16 includes an absolute plethora of styles... 200 to be exact! 50 new styles each for Jazz, Country, Rock & Pop, and Praise & Worship!

Take a gander at what you can expect to find: modern disco funk, exciting gospel shout, busy jazz fusion, soulful R&B ballads, various Americana styles, modern pop country, blistering heavy metal, uplifting worship rock, lo-fi hip hop, a plethora of progressive rock, old-timey autoharp, modern surf rock, and many more!

What are Xtra Styles PAKs?
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2023 (or higher). With over 2,600 styles included in Xtra Styles PAKs 1-16, the possibilities are endless!

Xtra Styles PAK 16 requires the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® version 2023. They won't work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the 2023 UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition..

Xtra Styles PAK 16: https://youtu.be/KP1svm_RMfI


How do I know if I have XPro Styles PAKs or Xtra Styles PAKs?
You can find out in Band-in-a-Box® by clicking the "Add-ons" button in the StylePicker. Show me how.

Just Released - XPro PAK 5 & Xtra Styles PAK 16 for Band-in-a-Box® 2023!

We're back with 300 new RealStyles included in XPro Styles PAK 5 & Xtra Styles PAK 16!

XPro Styles PAK 5 adds 75 new RealStyles for rock, pop, jazz, funk, and country, and 25 styles based around MIDI SuperTracks that utilize the SynthMaster plugin!

Xtra Styles PAK 16 includes an absolute plethora of styles... 200 to be exact! 50 new styles each for Jazz, Country, Rock & Pop, and Praise & Worship!

Amp up your Band-in-a-Box® 2023 experience when you add XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs!

Each PAK can be purchased for $49... Order XPro Styles PAKS | Order Xtra Styles PAKs

Mac User? Click here for your OS specific announcement.

Band-in-a-Box® 2023 for Mac - Translations Available!

The Band-in-a-Box® 2023 for Mac German, French, and Italian translations are complete!

Already using the English version? Download a language patch here.

Have you been waiting to order a translated version? Here are some handy links for you:
German: www.bandinabox.com/bb.php?os=mac&lang=de
French: www.bandinabox.com/bb.php?os=mac&lang=fr
Italian: www.bandinabox.com/bb.php?os=mac&lang=it

Forum Stats
37906 Members
67 Forums
79201 Topics
706420 Posts

Max Online: 2537 @ 01/19/20 07:09 AM
Newest Members
Fuzz-x, Quini71, Sound101, coder, DanYel

37906 Registered Users
Top Posters (30 Days)
MarioD 116
rayc 80
Rob Helms 79
Janice & Bud 77
rsdean 76
Rustyspoon# 65
BabuMusic 61
floyd jane 60
musocity 58
Bass Thumper 51
Today's Birthdays
jeffgee