I could not wait so I tried what Bob suggested. Still the same issue but I think I now know why it is happening. I do not understand but I know what makes it happen and I do not know if it has any bearings on the results.
Explanation: A) song in BAIB is a slow blues in 12/8 ........41 measures.........12/8 time signature
B) when tracks are imported in Sonar X3 ........41 measures if X3 at 4/4 times signature
C) 29 measures if X3 at 12/8 time signature.

I have listened to both X3 version and my old ears cannot tell if there are any differences in tone, beat or
whatever.
I do not know if all this makes sense.
Should I leave it 4/4 in X3 and proceed with what I want to do or what?
I am far from an expert but I love music and have a bunch of software to play with.
Regards
Thank you
Gerry