Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 2 1 2
#555770 09/20/19 06:36 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 1,926
D
Deej56 Offline OP
Expert
OP Offline
Expert
D
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 1,926
Hi, all:

Here's my latest collaboration with John Vaughan, who wrote these lyrics following the passing of a close friend. I'm determined to get better at mixing, so have sworn off taking on any new song projects until I YouTube myself to death on tutorials (lol), so be patient with me on this one. . . . but I think (and hope) it's well enough along to share. Thanks for the listen!

Here's the song:

Raise a Glass

Here are the lyrics:

Don’t want no flowers on my grave;
my life down on paper—the words will only fade.
Why not say those things to me when I’m still alive?
We’ve shared so many things, pal, now don’t be shy.

Let’s raise a glass to us today . . .
two old friends who go back a long way.
With a bond sealed with memories,
old friend, you mean a lot to me—
Who knows who will go and who will stay?
Let’s find a place to pass some time away,
and raise a glass to both of us today.

Poor preacher one day has to eulogize me
though I’ve been a stranger in his church most of my life;
see, when my time comes to go . . .
just say my friend wasn't perfect—he told me so.

Let’s raise a glass to us today . . .
two old friends who go back a long way.
With a bond sealed with memories,
old friend, you mean a lot to me—
Who knows who will go and who will stay?
Let’s find some place and drink the night away,
and raise a glass to both of us today.

I don’t want you going all down hill.
Go find yourself a new best friend.
But I’ll tell you straight right now
it will never be the same somehow.
Damn, my eyes are watering again.

Let’s raise a glass to us today . . .
two old friends who go back a long way.
With a bond sealed with memories,
old friend, you mean a lot to me—
Who knows who will go and who will stay?
Let’s find a place and laugh the time away,
and raise a glass to both of us today.

And here's the Band:

Drums: Shaker Even 8ths
Bass: Real 2488, Acoustic, Bowed Held
Guitar: Real 2936, Fingerpicking Folk Waltz Fintan
Guitar: Real 2533, Acoustic, Held Chords
Accordion: Real 1752, Rhythm Pop 8ths
Harp: Real 2775, Rhythm Celtic Waltz
Viola: Real 2336, Background Pop
Mandolin: Real 1875, Soloist County

(c)2019 John Vaughan/DJ Lekich

Deej56 #555773 09/20/19 07:51 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 6,602
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 6,602
Really good vocal performance.
the mix is pretty tidy and the arrangement is cool.
the one thing that bothered me most is what seems like a constant pick scrap on one of the guitars.
It's actually the shaker but there's something strident in it that sounds like a pick scrape.
Nice lyric - excellent melody.


Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
Deej56 #555803 09/21/19 03:01 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 1,073
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 1,073
Hi Deej,
This is a nice waltz about a sensitive subject. Christian

Deej56 #555810 09/21/19 03:38 AM
User Showcase
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,214
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,214
This is really, really beautiful and sensitively done, for me at least. Just one small quibble: in some of the D major chords (towards the beginning), one guitar seems to often play a G natural (instead of an F sharp, perhaps?) Anyway, the foreign note jars a little, to my ears at least, that's all. It's a small quibble, but it happened about two or three times, that's why I thought I'd mention it. If it's deliberate - my apologies, haha ... it's just that it broke the spell a little for me. Otherwise - a really well and, again, sensitively done piece - good job!

EDIT: forget the quibble. Listening again - it seems to be a deliberate chord progression after all. Apologies - that's what happens when one comments after only one listen ...

Last edited by musician17; 09/21/19 03:42 AM.
Deej56 #555813 09/21/19 04:25 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 14,720
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 14,720
Man, the older we get and the more we see friends pass on the more contemplative songs like this get.

It's an obvious heartfelt write and vocal performance. Nice touch with the falsetto.

The light touch with the backing tracks helps accent the soulful vocal and the lyric.

Nice band and mix!

Well done and may he RIP.

J&B


You can listen to our catalog on Apple Music or Spotify by searching on Janice Merritt
Our Videos are here on our website
Deej56 #555960 09/22/19 07:15 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 6,992
G
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
G
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 6,992
Really fantastic tune!! Lyrics are beautiful and you completely did them justice....melody and vocal could not have fit better!! Wonderful vocal performance! This is a VERY moving song!! Take care. Greg

Deej56 #555982 09/22/19 08:32 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,087
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,087
Deej,

A nice song.

Your choice of backing works well for it and carries the sentiment nicely.

Your vocal on this is really well done. Nicely recorded and processed. Crisp and clear, but still "warm"....

Good mix all around.

fj

Deej56 #556104 09/23/19 04:06 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,986
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,986
Touching lyrics in an enjoyable warm and lush arrangement, I especially like how the viola brings color. Your excellent vocal delivery amazes me once again.

Janne


Hear My Music:

Soundcloud
YouTube

Deej56 #556138 09/23/19 08:05 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 7,742
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 7,742
Loved the vocal. Super backtrack. Well done


Scott Collingwood
https://soundcloud.com/scottt709
https://soundcloud.com/spiritlevel-ca
https://www.youtube.com/@SpiritLevel-ge3hm/
Deej56 #556144 09/23/19 09:48 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 19,264
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 19,264
Hi Deej,

You and John have some mighty fine collaborations and this sits comfortably alongside the best of them. I found the lyrics very visual as I listened. And as always, your singing is 24 carat gold.

I enjoyed the journey.

All the best,
Noel


MY SONGS...
Audiophile BIAB 2024
Deej56 #556198 09/23/19 06:56 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,193
B
Expert
Offline
Expert
B
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,193
'Deej56'...

Right off the bat, the lyrics of Raise A Glass take center stage. The tone and the rhythm of them, the ease with which they flow, complement and connect to each other -- what I have learned is called 'prosody' -- is ear-catching, startling. It caused me to sit up straight to listen to them being sung.

And then, there's the emotional impact of the lyrics, the way they describe the commonality of the feelings we experience as we cope with the phenomenon of death, the way they validate the sentiments we express to console ourselves and others as we grieve and become lost in nostalgia for the dead. It's all true, man, every last single word of it -- to my ears and heart, at least.

The Real 'Band' is simply stunning in its artificially intelligent musicality, as it becomes one with the mood of the lyrics. This is as much a testimonial to your compositional skills as it is yet another head-shaking affirmation of the ever-increasingly 'real-sounding' instrumental accompaniment that Band in a Box produces.

It's powerfully obvious to me that you can't help but sing from your soul. Your voice has a unique character, sound, and style. You may as well be speaking, so easily do you communicate the meaning of Mr. Vaughan's lyrics. The vocal harmonies are haunting and soothing at the same time.

I raise my glass to your talents, and for sharing them with us, 'Deej56'.

Really impressed,

- bluage -


"Music is what feelings sound like."-- borrowed from a Cakewalk Music Creator forum member, "Mamabear".
Deej56 #556215 09/23/19 11:11 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 1,381
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 1,381
Great lyric. Very natural and conversational. You deliver it well and with a melody that is both fresh and comfortable. The band is just enough. With so many tracks, I was expecting "bigger", but your production and mix kept it simple...something not always easy to do.


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
Deej56 #556236 09/24/19 03:58 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 3,414
PG Music Staff
Offline
PG Music Staff
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 3,414
Nicely done smile A solidly executed waltz. It flows effortlessly and is beautiful and tender. A fine example of 'less is more' - I liked that you gave it lots of breathing room. It manages to sound lush and full without being crowded.

Thanks for sharing!


Cheers,
Deryk
User Showcase
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,072
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,072
Originally Posted By: Greg Johnson
Really fantastic tune!! Lyrics are beautiful and you completely did them justice....melody and vocal could not have fit better!! Wonderful vocal performance! This is a VERY moving song!! Take care. Greg



+1!

Deej56 #556350 09/25/19 02:00 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 19,440
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 19,440
Sensational lyrics, Sensational presentation.

This could be something Dillon might have delivered.

Fantastic!


BIAB & RB2024 Win.(Audiophile), Sonar Platinum, Cakewalk by Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M Monitors, Pioneer Active Monitors, AKG K271 Studio H'phones
Deej56 #556387 09/25/19 05:28 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 3,357
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 3,357
Deej,
A very good write that rings true all the way through- love the hint of humour that`s there to balance the sadness.
The Fintan guitar track is great - and using a hold to emphasise the falsetto parts a nice touch.
As always your vocal is expressive and unique... processing sounding warm and clear.

Robert

Deej56 #556822 09/28/19 04:30 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 1,926
D
Deej56 Offline OP
Expert
OP Offline
Expert
D
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 1,926
Ray, James, J&B, Greg, Floyd, Janne, Scott, Noel, blueage, Tangmo, Deryk, Josie, videotrack, Robert:

Thanks all for the listen and glad you enjoyed it. Sounds like the mix was closer to OK than I thought . . . oh well, blind squirrel and all smile Really appreciate the kind feedback and support.

Ray: Not sure I’m hearing the “pic scrape”, but I’ll need to put on the headphones and give it a closer listen—and then figure if there’s something I can do about it.

James: Yes, the chord change in the last measure before the chorus (which is where I think you are referencing) is intentional—although I likely could have kept it playing a single chord (can’t quite remember what key I ended up playing in this version, but it’s F, G when I play it on guitar—I could just play the F).

bluage: Your feedback is too kind . . . but really appreciated. Thanks.

My kind regards to all,

Deej

Deej56 #556839 09/28/19 05:41 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 210
Apprentice
Offline
Apprentice
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 210
Fantastic vocal performance. Well crafted, mixed, and produced song. I liked the vocal "oohs" going into the end of the song.
I did hear the "pick scrap" thing that Ray mentioned, but I think it was only because I was subconscious of it after reading his comment. Enjoyed listening.

Deej56 #557458 10/02/19 07:30 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 14,720
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 14,720
Back for another raise of the glass...we very much like this song.

J&B


You can listen to our catalog on Apple Music or Spotify by searching on Janice Merritt
Our Videos are here on our website
Deej56 #557549 10/02/19 11:47 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 5,378
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 5,378
What a great song!

Excellent writing, and man, that vocal! Just outstanding.

Mix sounds good to me, well done.

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
Generate Lyrics for your Band-in-a-Box songs with LyricLab!

Need some lyrics to complete your Band-in-a-Box song? LyricLab is here to help!

LyricLab (by Joanne Cooper) is an AI-powered tool designed to quickly create lyrics and chords to fit your music. Just enter a rough idea of your lyrics, and let the AI bring them to life. Once you're happy with the results, simply import the LyricLab file into Band-in-a-Box® 2024 or newer. From there, you can pick your style and generate melodies to match your song’s chords!

Learn more about LyricLab here!

Watch the video.


Band-in-a-Box 2024 Italian for Mac is Here!

Ci siamo dati da fare e abbiamo aggiunto oltre 50 nuove funzionalità e una straordinaria raccolta di nuovi contenuti, tra cui 222 RealTracks, nuovi RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, "Songs with Vocals" Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 3, Playable RealDrums Set 2, due nuovi set di "RealDrums Stems", XPro Styles PAK 6, Xtra Styles PAK 17 e altro ancora!

Tutti Pacchetti | Nuove Caratteristiche

Band-in-a-Box® 2024 German for Mac is Here!

Band-in-a-Box® 2024 für Mac Deutsch ist verfügbar!

Wir waren fleißig und haben über 50 neue Funktionen und eine erstaunliche Sammlung neuer Inhalte hinzugefügt, darunter 222 RealTracks, neue RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, "Songs with Vocals" Artist Performance Sets, abspielbare RealTracks Set 3, abspielbare RealDrums Set 2, zwei neue Sets von "RealDrums Stems", XPro Styles PAK & 7, Xtra Styles PAK 17 & 18, und mehr!

Paket | Was ist Neu

Band-in-a-Box® 2024 French for Mac® is Here!

Band-in-a-Box® 2024 apporte plus de 50 fonctions nouvelles ainsi qu'une importante de contenus nouveaux à savoir : 222 RealTracks, des RealStyles nouveaux, des SuperTracks MIDI, des Etudes d'Instruments, des Prestations d'Artistes, des "Morceaux avec Choeurs", un Set 3 de Tracks Jouables, un Set 2 de RealDrums Jouables, deux nouveaux Sets de "RealDrums Stems", des Styles XPro PAK 6 & 7, des Xtra Styles PAK 17 & 18, et bien plus encore!

New! XPro Styles PAK 7 for Band-in-a-Box 2024 for Mac!

We've just released XPro Styles PAK 7 with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 50 RealTracks and RealDrums that are sure to delight!

With XPro Styles PAK 7 you can expect 25 rock & pop, 25 jazz, and 25 country styles, as well as 25 of this year's wildcard genre: Celtic!

Here's a small sampling of what XPro Styles PAK 7 has to offer: energetic rock jigs, New Orleans funk, lilting jazz waltzes, fast Celtic punk, uptempo train beats, gritty grunge, intense jazz rock, groovy EDM, soulful R&B, soft singer-songwriter pop, country blues rock, and many more!

Special Pricing! Until September 30, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 7 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea)! Supercharge your Band-in-a-Box 2024® with XPro Styles PAK 7! Order now!

Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.

Watch the XPro Styles PAK 7 Overview & Styles Demos video.

XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2024 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.

New! Xtra Styles PAK 18 for Band-in-a-Box 2024 for Mac!

Xtra Styles PAK 18 for Band-in-a-Box version 2024 is here with 200 brand new styles to take for a spin!

Along with 50 new styles each for the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, we’ve put together a collection of styles using sounds from the SynthMaster plugin!

In this PAK you'll find: dubby reggae grooves, rootsy Americana, LA jazz pop, driving pop rock, mellow electronica, modern jazz fusion, spacey country ballads, Motown shuffles, energetic EDM, and plenty of synth heavy grooves! Xtra Style PAK 18 features these styles and many, many more!

Special Pricing! Until September 30, 2024, all the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 18 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea)! Expand your Band-in-a-Box 2024® library with Xtra Styles PAK 18! Order now!

Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 18 here.

Watch the Xtra Styles PAK 18 Overview & Styles Demos video.

Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 18 requires the 2024 UltraPAK/UltraPAK+/Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.

New! Xtra Styles PAK 18 for Band-in-a-Box 2024 for Windows!

Xtra Styles PAK 18 for Band-in-a-Box version 2024 is here with 200 brand new styles to take for a spin!

Along with 50 new styles each for the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, we’ve put together a collection of styles using sounds from the SynthMaster plugin!

In this PAK you'll find: dubby reggae grooves, rootsy Americana, LA jazz pop, driving pop rock, mellow electronica, modern jazz fusion, spacey country ballads, Motown shuffles, energetic EDM, and plenty of synth heavy grooves! Xtra Style PAK 18 features these styles and many, many more!

Special Pricing! Until September 30, 2024, all the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 18 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea)! Expand your Band-in-a-Box 2024® library with Xtra Styles PAK 18! Order now!

Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 18 here.

Watch the Xtra Styles PAK 18 Overview & Styles Demos video.

Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 18 requires the 2024 UltraPAK/UltraPAK+/Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.

Forum Statistics
Forums66
Topics82,946
Posts753,389
Members39,033
Most Online3,932
Nov 19th, 2024
Newest Members
Andreu f, LukeB, Ind1ca, briankennedy, FrankB
39,032 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 140
jpettit 114
DC Ron 104
DrDan 101
rsdean 81
dcuny 80
vicarn 73
Today's Birthdays
Brookes, Herschel Dirtwater, steely
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5