Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 4 1 2 3 4
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 14,720
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 14,720
Hoodoo Woman
© 2021 Trad Arr (Bessie Brown, 1923) J. Merritt, B. Merritt & P. Fulham

We thought we were knowledgeable about the public domain blues catalog until we discovered this song by Bessie Brown written nearly 100 years ago (originally as Louisiana Hoodoo Blues). Although she was a Bessie Smith contemporary we had not heard of her. A heckuva lyric in our opinion for the time (or any time) and we are thrilled to have found it. Thank you Ms Brown! And Peter and PG Music.
Listens and comments are appreciated. Lyrics on SC.

Glossary smile

Hoodoo - not voodoo but a well defined spiritual belief system that was brought over during slavery times and survives to this day in parts of the South - in Louisiana in particular. 

Dumplings - a notable southern US dough based dish but popular in many forms around the world.

Graveyard Dust or Goofer Dust - used to cast a harmful spell

Black Cat Bone - used for romantic success

Gris Gris - a packet of material to bring the wearer good luck

Conjure (noun) - a potent form of magic

Janice: vocal, melody & arrangement
Bud: very minor lyric tweaks, arrangement, progression, mix and Janice photo
Peter: guitar solos, fills, rhythm and arrangement

Bass: RealTrack 2435 NewOrleansShuffle Sw 130
Rendered DI > Logic Pro X bass amp/cabinet/mic > Waves Bass Rider

Piano: MidiSuperTrack 1800 Rhythm Texas Blues Rock Shuffle Sw 130
Logic Grand Steinway > Waves CLA Unplugged

Drums: RealDrums Blues Rock Shuffle > Waves CLA Drums
Snare double from from RD file sample > Waves CLA Drums
Kick double from RD file sample > Waves CLA Drums
Cymbal from RD file sample > Waves JJP Cymbals

Mastering: Ozone 9 EQ > Ozone 9 multi-band compressor > Ozone 9 Imager > Ozone 9 Maximizer > Ozone Tonal Balance 2 > Logic Pro Loudness Meter


You can listen to our catalog on Apple Music or Spotify by searching on Janice Merritt
Our Videos are here on our website
User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 6,602
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 6,602
This is a big week on the forum: FJ drops a piece of wonderful love positivity and now J&B with Peter deliver a slab of the darker side of that same equation.
A track that deserves the glossary of terms.
Words that are common enough in usage but uttered in relative ignorance.

From the fire starter lead in the intro to the sputtering lick that sees the song out Peter plays to illuminate the song.
The rhythm section reminds me of Screamin' Lord Sutch's band...British heart pumping blues with a solid THWACK n Thud.
The narrative is a cool slice of obsession that's too god for Halloween festivities.
Janice's delivery - from the dragged syllables to the scat - is a perfect resurrection machine for this story of DIY possession & defence.


Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,124
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,124

This is one helluva good time y'all.

smile

User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,135
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,135
Wouldn't expect less from the masters. Loved the bebop part!

Cheers

Mike B.


Music should be part of your life
http://www.soundclick.com/blackcatjazzcafeband
User Showcase
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 5,318
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 5,318
Everyone, great job by all of you! That song was ahead of it's time! All parts sound excellent! Super polished and ready for the masses! Thanks, Torrey




User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 14,720
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 14,720
Originally Posted By: rayc
This is a big week on the forum: FJ drops a piece of wonderful love positivity and now J&B with Peter deliver a slab of the darker side of that same equation.
A track that deserves the glossary of terms.
Words that are common enough in usage but uttered in relative ignorance.

From the fire starter lead in the intro to the sputtering lick that sees the song out Peter plays to illuminate the song.
The rhythm section reminds me of Screamin' Lord Sutch's band...British heart pumping blues with a solid THWACK n Thud.
The narrative is a cool slice of obsession that's too god for Halloween festivities.
Janice's delivery - from the dragged syllables to the scat - is a perfect resurrection machine for this story of DIY possession & defence.


We always appreciate your production counsel and comments here.

We felt like we found a gem and are very pleased that you feel we did it justice.

Your descriptions above alone are worth the effort!

"Dragged syllables to the scat" Yep, Janice had fun with this one and the vocals went very quickly.

Thanks for all Ray.

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
User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,678
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,678
Hi Janice & Bud,

You have done a good job bringing this old tune up-to-date.

Everything sounds good to me except maybe the lead guitar solo - IMHO it is too far back in the mix - It is a very tasty guitar solo and deserves to be featured more.

The lead breaks in the Blues are normally the same volume, centre and front to back position as the lead vocals.

Would Love to hear a remix.

Best Regards
Nigel


Nigel Spiers
Christchurch, New Zealand
info@nzacoustics.com
User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 708
Journeyman
Offline
Journeyman
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 708
Another very tasty revitalisation, team. Great work by all, as per usual.
Regards,
Leon

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,607
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,607
Originally Posted By: NigelSpiers
Hi Janice & Bud,

You have done a good job bringing this old tune up-to-date.

Everything sounds good to me except maybe the lead guitar solo - IMHO it is too far back in the mix - It is a very tasty guitar solo and deserves to be featured more.

The lead breaks in the Blues are normally the same volume, centre and front to back position as the lead vocals.

Would Love to hear a remix.

Best Regards
Nigel


Nigel,
Thanks for the suggestions.
I'm good with the solo volume (I have heard quite a few blues guitar solos grin ) it builds and gets louder as it goes (and sounds quite loud to me especially through headphones) - adds some dynamics.

Panning wise it's in the centre.

Peter

User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 6,602
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 6,602
I can second that the solo is centred AND builds in level and tension.
I don't think it'd sound right any louder either.


Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 7,348
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 7,348
Janice, Bud & Peter,

I love the way you are finding and breathing new life into these old songs.

A big swinging vocal from Janice up against Peter's blistering guitar is a match made in rock n blues...

The arrangement, production and overall presentation are top shelf. None better!

Loved it all!

Bob

User Showcase
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 3,829
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 3,829
Ah, you know I'm a big fan of all you guys do --including your music. hehe. Anyway, this, as to be expected, is absolutely outstanding in every way. Janice, you could sing the bark off a tree; Peter, you were born with taste in your fingers, and, Bud, you add a whole new dimension to the concept of super glue. Great find on this treasure hunt, and, like musical alchemists, you guys turn it into gold. [And here I thought hoodoos were stalagmite-types in Bryce Canyon.]


Enjoy whatever happens!
marty

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@babumusic51
SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/marty-straub
Band in a Box, Reaper, Cakewalk, Ozone 11
User Showcase
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,992
Veteran
Online Content
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,992
Quite a leap from the original, this modern rock version is very far from the slow blues, but it really kicks and rocks. The production is excellent and Peter's guitar sounds amazing, really enjoyed the effects and playing. Janice's vocals are better than ever, great variations and the scatting part completes the perfect blues rock package full of gris gris, I'm sure Bessie is dancing to the tune right now.

Janne


Hear My Music:

Soundcloud
YouTube

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 14,720
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 14,720
Originally Posted By: David Snyder

This is one helluva good time y'all.

smile


And we had the same producing it!

Thanks David

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
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 14,720
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 14,720
Originally Posted By: cubanpete
Wouldn't expect less from the masters. Loved the bebop part!

Cheers

Mike B.


Thanks Mike. Janice had a lot of fun with that part!

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
User Showcase
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 3,063
J
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
J
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 3,063
WOWSER ! the lady can sing ! loved the vocal style on this.
one word SUPERB. I MEAN THIS SINCERELY !
loved that geetar at 1m25secs.
loved those notes at 1m47secs etc etc.
YOU GUYS KNOW HOW TO ARRANGE A SONG !
on the scat at 2m31secs how bout doubling the scat vocs ?
could be fun ?

i dont get excited bout much these days (jaded perhaps ?lol.) but such a pleasure to listen to this.
its a great pity this type of song never appears on the
hit parade these days.
TASTY ! you guys should call yourselves "TOTAL TALENT"
best
om

Last edited by justanoldmuso; 08/19/21 09:24 AM.

my songs....mixed for good earbuds...(fyi..my vocs on all songs..)
https://soundcloud.com/alfsongs
(90 songs created useing bb/rb.)
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,193
B
Expert
Offline
Expert
B
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,193
Dear Bud, Ms. Janice, & Peter...

First thought that came into my mind while I was listening to 'Hoodoo Woman' was, "Damn, but I wish I could have heard this performed live!" The production had a certain 'good-times-at-the-club' kind of energy, and the subject matter, as humorously sinister as it was, was just kind of thing an audience would expect to hear with the kind of music you all performed.

The other thing I really wanna bring out into the open, here, is 'PeterF'(s) electric guitar solo. Damn, man! Countdown...blast-off...reaching escape velocity, now...leaving the solar system...watch out for that black hole! Wailin'. If an electric guitar was a species of canine, this is the way it would howl. You took my breath away with this solo, sir. Really. I am, like, blo-w-w-wn away, dude.

Carve another notch on the bar stool leg, folks laugh !!!


"Music is what feelings sound like."-- borrowed from a Cakewalk Music Creator forum member, "Mamabear".
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 14,720
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 14,720
Originally Posted By: Torrey Bliss
Everyone, great job by all of you! That song was ahead of it's time! All parts sound excellent! Super polished and ready for the masses! Thanks, Torrey


Thanks Torrey!

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
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 2,678
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 2,678
Hi guys and girls love the energy and the vocal was awesome then again Janice always does a great job loved all of it and Peter super job on the guitar work!!!!! and Bud great work on the mix and arrangement you guys are a great team of talent thanks eric


AMD (TM) 5950 4.9 GHz 16Core Processor 64 bit 32 bits of ram windows 10 pro 64 bit os. sound card Antelope ZenQ guitars Ibanez 2202a 1968 les Paul Custom and Cavin ae 185 Guitar boss Gt-100,GT1000 pedal Yamaha HS8 studio monitors
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 14,720
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 14,720
Originally Posted By: Leon1
Another very tasty revitalisation, team. Great work by all, as per usual.
Regards,
Leon


Thanks Leon!

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
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 4 1 2 3 4

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
Topics82,974
Posts753,540
Members39,037
Most Online3,932
Nov 19th, 2024
Newest Members
munchcolo, collin choo, Irene Joshi, Margaret Nolan, Evilmaker
39,037 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 139
jpettit 128
DrDan 110
DC Ron 102
dcuny 87
rsdean 82
vicarn 76
Today's Birthdays
Brian Hughes
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5