Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 3 1 2 3
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 14,707
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 14,707
Pretty Polly
For quite a while we’ve wanted to remake our first forum post from eleven years ago. It’s a complete “start over” with Peter on guitar and Janice’s new vocals and her cajon playing. The tune is based on a 250 year old English murder ballad “The Gotsport Tragedy” later known as “Pretty Polly.” There are literally scores of verses and variants on the theme. We performed this with our bluegrass band back in the day in the typical uptempo style. So does reggae + hillbilly = reggaebilly? smile

Our objective was to make the song sound as haunting and melancholic as are the many folk versions. Variations of the tune have been recorded in "mountain modal" tuning with the banjo being the prominent instrument. To try and approximate this we ended up doing the song in Bbm. We rested the temptation to add chords as it has been performed for hundreds of years with just the two. Also we hoped to pay homage to its roots with Peter’s acoustic guitar and brief fiddle bits.

Thanks to Peter, PG Music and to you for your time to listen and, as always, comments are welcomed and appreciated - even if reggae isn’t your genre smile

If interested here’s some of the tune’s history:
Wiki Article

Janice: lead/harmony vocals, cajon & arrangement

Peter: guitar solo/fills - Variax emulating a Martin D28.

Bud: mix, mastering, arrangement, photo, etc.

lead/harmony vocals > Rodes NT1 mic > Scarlett Interface > Logic Pro X > Nectar

Bass: RealTracks 1157 Reggae > Waves Bass Rider > Neutron 3 (pieced together from multiple tracks)

Drums: RealDrums Reggae Classic > Waves ClA Drums
(includes bits from multiple tracks)

Cajon > MXL Mic > Scarlett Interface > Logic Pro X > Waves CLA Drums

Rhythm Guitar: RealTracks 1158 Rhythm Reggae > Chromaverb

Organ: RealTracks 1159 B3 Rhythm Reggae > Logic Pro X Direction Mixer > Chromaverb

Fiddle: RealTracks 624 Soloist George > Waves CLA Unplugged > Ozone Imager

Mastering: Ozone Dynamic EQ > Ozone Vintage EQ > Ozone Imager > Ozone Maximizer > Izotope Tonal Balance > Logic Pro X 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: 6,596
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 6,596
A cracking remake.
The reggae elements are a wonderful fit.
Plenty of great reggae tunes were songs of woe so this fits in.
Excellent comping.
Peter's guitar bursts are ace.
A vocal and harmony that tell a story and inhabit it as well.
Well done crew.
Love it.


Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
User Showcase
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 3,820
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 3,820
Oh, man. What a great day when I see a new one by you folks. Man, what a treat. This is unsurprisingly outstanding. I've heard versions of this but never really knew the backstory. Thanks! Peter, what you do in there is just perfect --so appropriate and adds so much. That bass drum was at first too strong, but then it makes a great emphatic statement that fits gloriously with the song. Janice, you vocals are so --yeah, you know what I'm going to say-- GREAT! The mix, as always, shines all the proper light on all the magic you guys pack into each production.


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: Dec 2011
Posts: 14,707
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 14,707
Originally Posted By: rayc
A cracking remake.
The reggae elements are a wonderful fit.
Plenty of great reggae tunes were songs of woe so this fits in.
Excellent comping.
Peter's guitar bursts are ace.
A vocal and harmony that tell a story and inhabit it as well.
Well done crew.
Love it.




Your familiarity with the genre makes your positive comments very special for us.

Thank you 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 Folks,

This has a very catchy and hypnotic beat - well done.

I also liked the vocals and the mix.

I was particularly taken with the excellent lead guitar where it had a Tony Joe White funky swamp feel in the middle of the song - terrific.

Well done all of you.

Best Regards
Nigel


Nigel Spiers
Christchurch, New Zealand
info@nzacoustics.com
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 14,707
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 14,707
Originally Posted By: BabuMusic
Oh, man. What a great day when I see a new one by you folks. Man, what a treat. This is unsurprisingly outstanding. I've heard versions of this but never really knew the backstory. Thanks! Peter, what you do in there is just perfect --so appropriate and adds so much. That bass drum was at first too strong, but then it makes a great emphatic statement that fits gloriously with the song. Janice, you vocals are so --yeah, you know what I'm going to say-- GREAT! The mix, as always, shines all the proper light on all the magic you guys pack into each production.


That is much appreciated Marty. Taking on a genre like this is always akin to stepping of a cliff. smile

We’re glad it worked for you!

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: May 2020
Posts: 1,572
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 1,572
Hi Janice & Bud and PeterF,

It's still as well constructed with a slightly reggae style. The whole thing is very pleasant with Janice's superb voice and Peter's guitar accompaniment.

Kindly regard
Derochette
alias JaniJackFlash


Kindly regards
Derochette
alias JaniJackFlash
User Showcase
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 6,020
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 6,020
Damn good reggaebilly!

Team, more reggaebilly please. Seriously, very original raw and authentic stuff. I will start with complaint. Bud definitely could of played upright on it.

Janice, very versatile vocals and excellent cajon drumming. Peter caught the vibe very well, not an easy thing for cross genre, A+. Bud, fantastic mix. Listens very "live", almost club feel. Congrats on this gem and thank you for sharing.

Misha.

User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 7,339
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 7,339
Janice, Bud & Peter,

Truly outstanding! A great variety of tracks and awesome arrangement.

Love Peter's guitar and Janice sings this as only she can...

Crystal clear mix with loads of dynamics. Absolutely love it!

Bob

User Showcase
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 2,992
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 2,992
Reggaeabilly is a nice twist on what I imagine is a standard English folk tune. Those lyrics are haunting. Mix and instrumentation sounds fantastic. Thanks for bringing another old and mostly forgotten so to life and to the forefront.

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 14,707
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 14,707
Originally Posted By: NigelSpiers
Hi Folks,

This has a very catchy and hypnotic beat - well done.

I also liked the vocals and the mix.

I was particularly taken with the excellent lead guitar where it had a Tony Joe White funky swamp feel in the middle of the song - terrific.

Well done all of you.

Best Regards
Nigel



Thank you Nigel. Thanks for all you said and especially for mentioning the beat … that’s what we strove for. Also we are long time Tony Joe fans and it’s interesting that you mentioned him … so maybe this tune is reggaeswampybilly! smile

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: Apr 2019
Posts: 708
Journeyman
Offline
Journeyman
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 708
Who doesn't love a murder ballad? Great mix, Bud (as always). The reggaebilly adaption works a treat. Janice's vocals are superb (as always) and Peter's guitar fills are excellent, as is that touch of fiddle.

This reminded me that many years ago I bought an album called 'songs from my funeral' by a duo called Snakefarm, which consisted of contemporary (at the time) updates of traditional folk songs. It included a version of a similarly themed murder ballad, 'Banks of the Ohio'. I expect you know the song, recorded many times by many luminaries. Snakefarm's version, available on Spotify and YouTube, is one I reckon you guys would appreciate.

Regards,
Leon

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 14,707
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 14,707
Originally Posted By: Derochette
Hi Janice & Bud and PeterF,

It's still as well constructed with a slightly reggae style. The whole thing is very pleasant with Janice's superb voice and Peter's guitar accompaniment.

Kindly regard
Derochette
alias JaniJackFlash


Thanks, glad you liked it!

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 2003
Posts: 21,862
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 21,862
Hey mon that was fantastic.

Not only is this fantastic, as usual, but you have created a new genre, reggaebilly!

As usual everything is perfect.


Have you ever noticed there are no lines to a bathroom at a water park?

64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
User Showcase
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 4,483
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 4,483
Hi, Bud and Janice !


This is absolutely superb !
Wonderful music I love it !
..and Janice´s superb voice
WOW sends goosebumps up
my spine !

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,602
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,602
Originally Posted By: rayc
A cracking remake.
The reggae elements are a wonderful fit.
Plenty of great reggae tunes were songs of woe so this fits in.
Excellent comping.
Peter's guitar bursts are ace.
A vocal and harmony that tell a story and inhabit it as well.
Well done crew.
Love it.


Thanks Ray

Peter

User Showcase
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 1,873
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 1,873
2 chords, a tastefully played guitar and the voice of Janice are all you need to write/re-make a wonderful reggae.
And of course a great arrangement and mix by Bud to make everyone shine.
Great work by all involved!


Making bits and bytes sound good...

Goldmania Bella - A One-Man Girlband with no fans
Listen on Spotify
Watch on YouTube
User Showcase
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 1,406
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 1,406
Hello Janice, Peter and Bud
Absolutely brilliant mix
Janice's voice fits so perfect to the reggae style
And Peter's guitar work is in no way inferior to that
But extremely impressive is the crystal clear rich sound Bud created here
Just an exceptionally good song
Many greetings
Andi ;-)

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,602
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,602
Originally Posted By: BabuMusic
Oh, man. What a great day when I see a new one by you folks. Man, what a treat. This is unsurprisingly outstanding. I've heard versions of this but never really knew the backstory. Thanks! Peter, what you do in there is just perfect --so appropriate and adds so much. That bass drum was at first too strong, but then it makes a great emphatic statement that fits gloriously with the song. Janice, you vocals are so --yeah, you know what I'm going to say-- GREAT! The mix, as always, shines all the proper light on all the magic you guys pack into each production.

Thanks a lot Marty.
Peter

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 14,707
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 14,707
Originally Posted By: Rustyspoon#
Damn good reggaebilly!

Team, more reggaebilly please. Seriously, very original raw and authentic stuff. I will start with complaint. Bud definitely could of played upright on it.

Janice, very versatile vocals and excellent cajon drumming. Peter caught the vibe very well, not an easy thing for cross genre, A+. Bud, fantastic mix. Listens very "live", almost club feel. Congrats on this gem and thank you for sharing.

Misha.


Thanks Misha! We much appreciate your supportive comments. Bud says, man, I can thump out a walking swing and a few other styles on the bass but reggae would, at least for me, require a LOT of study. It is some funking timing. smile

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 3 1 2 3

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
Forums65
Topics82,879
Posts752,894
Members39,021
Most Online3,932
Nov 19th, 2024
Newest Members
Uke Berlin, Rodion Shynharov, davesbass, million, momo25
39,021 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 155
DC Ron 104
rsdean 86
dcuny 83
DrDan 68
jpettit 68
Today's Birthdays
Fred Marzin, kindofblue, philncookie
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5