Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 3 1 2 3
User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,315
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,315
A co-write with Reid Richmond.

Through the '90's (and beyond), almost every year a rumor would run through the Nashville writing community that "Country radio is moving back to a more traditional sound".
And that never really happens.
It just keeps moving forward.

But...during one of those rumor periods, when Reid and I got together to write (which we did a bunch) we figured we'd throw one out there to "catch that coming traditional wave". HA!

This one got enough interest that it was published and pitched (by Sony/ATV).

I'll post a link to the Nashville demo in the post right below this.



Anyway... I'd thought I'd do my own version of this.

Needless to say, the perfect choice for a harmony partner was Janice Merritt.

The BAND:
RealTracks in style: ~535:Bass, Electric, Pop Sw 085
RealTracks in style: 2918:Guitar, Acoustic, Rhythm CountryFolkSlowSwingBrent Sw 085
RealTracks in style: 3173:Guitar, Acoustic, Rhythm CampfireSlowSwing Sw 085
RealTracks in song: 2876:Fiddle, Background AmericanaSlow128Andy Sw 040
RealTracks in song: 2043 Mandolin, Soloist CountryWaltzAndy Sw 085
MIDI SuperTracks in song: 2657:Piano, Rhythm CountryBentNoteJohn Sw 085
RealDrums [in style:NashvilleSwing8^1-a:Snare, HiHat , b:Snare, Ride

Harmony: Janice Merritt



LEAVING THE LEAVING UP TO YOU

i introduced myself the night that we met
it's always been up to me to take the first step
you couldn't give your love 'til i gave you mine
but if there are hearts about to be broken
it's your turn this time

   i'm leavin' the leavin' up to you
   that's the one thing... i can't do
   i'd do anything you'd ask me to
   but i'm leavin' the leavin' up to you

if there's a chance for us, i'll ask you to stay
if we can fall back in love, i'll lead the way
i'd be the first to say at times i've been wrong
but there's no mistaking just where and to whom
the next move belongs

   i'm leavin' the leavin' up to you
   that's the one thing... i can't do
   i'd do anything you'd ask me to
   but i'm leavin' the leavin' up to you
   i'd do anything.. you'd ask me to
   but i'm leavin' the leavin' up to you



Hope you enjoy the trip back.
J&B - Thank You (again!!)

fj

User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,315
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,315
You should consider commenting on the BIAB version before listening to this if you are so inclined.

I have little doubt that there will be the usual "I like this one better" thing.
But comparisons are a personal choice and a rather moot point.
Shannon is one hell of a singer. And the players on the demo are as good as they come.
I am quite satisfied that BIAB rendered a useable recording and I would have no problem pitching it.

I detailed the demo process in another thread - where I did the same thing...sang my own version of a song that was demoed and pitched in Nashville.
You can find that here if you are interested:
https://www.pgmusic.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=554750#Post554750


So.... here is the Nashville demo.
TURN THE VOLUME DOWN before you hit Play here. For some reason it is really loud!!

We got Shannon Brown to sing the demo. She was signed to a record deal shortly after that (she had several deals over the years, none of which took flight) and we hoped that she might carry this one along for the ride, but her sound was geared to the newer stuff at the time (of course).



LEAVING THE LEAVING UP TO YOU - Nashville Demo


And here are a couple videos of Shannon "doing her thing"...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xeFFeLU8xDw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L9rh6Alhq6w

User Showcase
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 294
B
Apprentice
Offline
Apprentice
B
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 294
Hi Floyd,

You're one of those people in the world who prove that the music that is "played" by the industry doesn't necessarily reflect those who are the most talented. Only those who are pushed on people to listen to. I can picture your song being played on the "Urban Cowboy" soundtrack just right there alongside of Mickey Gilley...

A great tune that lends well to your country crooning...

Last edited by Bawb; 05/04/20 05:28 AM.
User Showcase
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 5,507
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 5,507
Nice opening!

Good vocal and man, those harmonies! Sitting perfectly in the mix along with your vocal. And of course it is Janice so it goes without saying that the tone is pure perfection.

I also listened to the Nashville demo, sounds awesome! But then so does yours, just different is all; I wouldn't say I like one better than the other.

Very good song, I can see why it was picked up.

User Showcase
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 4,109
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 4,109
Man, that is so country --all the best of what that means-- right from the title. What a well-written song, Floyd. Love the harmony, Janice. This band sounds great, but I'm now off to hear the other one. Hey, all I got is opinions, but I ain't got no bad opinions 'bout you, Floyd. I won't tell ya how much I like either better because... nevermind.


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: Mar 2018
Posts: 6,581
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 6,581
FJ,
Very good (re)write. Yeah, traditional! Excellent vocals by you and Janice. Everything sounds BIG and clear. Fiddle was a nice touch. Mandolin (Andy Leftwich) added whole dimension to this. Radio quality stuff.

I am not going to compare the versions as they are completely different animals, but they both are top notch. Thank you for sharing.

Misha.

User Showcase
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 3,357
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 3,357
Floyd,
This is my kind of country - a heartache inside a clever turn of phrase,a simple melody that gets you humming along and a relaxed and strong upfront vocal.To those good things you bring Janice for lovely harmonies and great production skills.

Hard to believe your demo singer didn`t have a successful solo career; her vocal is faultless.
I enjoyed both versions and the look into your back pages.

Robert

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 22,521
Veteran
Online Content
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 22,521
Originally Posted By: Bawb
Hi Floyd,

You're one of those people in the world who prove that the music that is "played" by the industry doesn't necessarily reflect those who are the most talented. Only those who are pushed on people to listen to. I can picture your song being played on the "Urban Cowboy" soundtrack just right there alongside of Mickey Gilley...

A great tune that lends well to your country crooning...


ditto!

We have some very talented people on these forums and Floyd and Janice are at the top of them.

This what country music should sound like!


My dad showed me a 30-minute PowerPoint presentation of why one should always wear a condom during sex. They were all pictures of me!

64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,622
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,622
floyd

I enjoyed both versions.

I'll just comment on yours, - wonderful vocal and you and Janice sounds superb together as always.
An obviously professional piece of songwriting, great lyric and damn catchy.

Really top notch all the way.

Peter

User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 6,766
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 6,766
Excellent song. The sound of the "demo" is built to siut that female vocal - a little brighter and sparkly maybe.
The recent one is a perfect fit for the voices. The way Janice blends with you is sibling good.
I enjoyed it and, becasue it's more trad country AND western fare I enjoyed the narrative as well.
Could I hear Patsy doing this one? Absolutely.


Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,331
ROG Offline
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,331
Hi Floyd,

The BiaB version immediately took me back about fifty years to when I once played "Dep" bass in
a Jim Reeves cover band for three months, whilst the bass player recovered from a broken arm.
It just had that easy relaxed feel and I could imagine the late, great, Jim singing it.

The other version I liked just as much. It was a lot more "in-yer-face" and the mix was about
twice as loud, but that's only what you'd expect from a radio mix. That Shannon has an amazing
voice and it's a shame she never made the breakthrough.

Both excellent.

ROG.

User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,315
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,315
Originally Posted By: Bawb
Hi Floyd,

You're one of those people in the world who prove that the music that is "played" by the industry doesn't necessarily reflect those who are the most talented. Only those who are pushed on people to listen to. I can picture your song being played on the "Urban Cowboy" soundtrack just right there alongside of Mickey Gilley...

A great tune that lends well to your country crooning...


Well, gee, Bawb... That is really nice of you to say! It is always nice to hear stuff like that.... Thanks!!


Originally Posted By: BlueAttitude
Nice opening!

Good vocal and man, those harmonies! Sitting perfectly in the mix along with your vocal. And of course it is Janice so it goes without saying that the tone is pure perfection.

I also listened to the Nashville demo, sounds awesome! But then so does yours, just different is all; I wouldn't say I like one better than the other.

Very good song, I can see why it was picked up.



Thanks, Dave. (as always)


Originally Posted By: BabuMusic
Man, that is so country --all the best of what that means-- right from the title. What a well-written song, Floyd. Love the harmony, Janice. This band sounds great, but I'm now off to hear the other one. Hey, all I got is opinions, but I ain't got no bad opinions 'bout you, Floyd. I won't tell ya how much I like either better because... nevermind.


Thanks, Marty... sometimes you just have to find your way back to where things began... smile

User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,004
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,004
Yep..... good song. I won't make the comparison but I will say you can certainly tell the studio version from the BB version sound. Both are good, but different.


Looked at the videos from Shannon.... I remember one of those from the old days.

Yep.... the rumor that country is returning to it's roots..... mostly not but on occasion you have artists like Chris Templeton come along that gives rise to the hope that maybe.... just maybe there is some fact to the rumors.

The song itself was squarely in the solid country category. I could easily hear that on a Lori Morgan CD and stage show.... in fact Shannon has a lot of Lori's vocal timbre as well as Martina McBride. The girl can sing. Unfortunately, talent only gets you so far in the industry in recent years.

Yep... I really enjoyed that old blast from the past.


You can find my music at:
www.herbhartley.com
Add nothing that adds nothing to the music.
You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both.

The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,035
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,035
Dave and Marty,

Thank you for mentioning my harmony. It was my pleasure.

Janice


Our albums and singles are on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Pandora and more.
If interested search on Janice Merritt. Thanks!
Our Videos are here on our website.
User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 708
Journeyman
Offline
Journeyman
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 708
Hi Floyd.
Very nicely written, with a clever turn of phrase for the chorus. Both versions are great (can't really go wrong with you and Janis collaborating). Checked out those clips of Shannon. That she didn't achieve more commercial success just goes to show how fickle the music biz can be.
Regards,
Leon

User Showcase
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,081
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,081
This is an outstanding country song. (If it didn't sell in Nashville, that's why - they aren't playing country any more.) Lovely harmonies from both of you and Janice. That title hook line in gold Great job.


My music can be heard at: The Cracks
User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,315
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,315
Originally Posted By: Rustyspoon#
FJ,
Very good (re)write. Yeah, traditional! Excellent vocals by you and Janice. Everything sounds BIG and clear. Fiddle was a nice touch. Mandolin (Andy Leftwich) added whole dimension to this. Radio quality stuff.

I am not going to compare the versions as they are completely different animals, but they both are top notch. Thank you for sharing.

Misha.


Misha - Thanks for the very nice review. Thanks for mentioning Janice's part - she did a great job and fits in perfectly.

Nice that you called out Andy, too. The fiddle RT is his as well. So he was essential to putting this together. He is an extremely talented musician. AND... I played golf with him a number of times - he's good at that, too!!! A real sweetheart of a guy, too... Nice as they come.

User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,232
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,232

Hey Floyd,

This is great man. And SO Country. smile

Really a textbook song on how to write a classic country song. I love it.

Regarding the versions, you know I always love to hear you sing and I love your BIAB arrangements. They are so WARM. Very warm man, and you know I love that warm sound.

The Nashville demo is awesome, but you always ask us a version of the following question:

So, which is better, this butterscotch mint condition '57 Tele, or this gold top mint condition '57 Les Paul?

The question isn't fair and I'm bowing out.

smile

User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,315
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,315
Originally Posted By: Robertkc
Floyd,
This is my kind of country - a heartache inside a clever turn of phrase,a simple melody that gets you humming along and a relaxed and strong upfront vocal.To those good things you bring Janice for lovely harmonies and great production skills.

Hard to believe your demo singer didn`t have a successful solo career; her vocal is faultless.
I enjoyed both versions and the look into your back pages.

Robert


Robert - Thanks for the nice comments...

User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,315
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,315
Originally Posted By: MarioD
Originally Posted By: Bawb
Hi Floyd,

You're one of those people in the world who prove that the music that is "played" by the industry doesn't necessarily reflect those who are the most talented. Only those who are pushed on people to listen to. I can picture your song being played on the "Urban Cowboy" soundtrack just right there alongside of Mickey Gilley...

A great tune that lends well to your country crooning...


ditto!

We have some very talented people on these forums and Floyd and Janice are at the top of them.

This what country music should sound like!


That is very nice of you to say, Mario. Thanks - from both of us....

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
Video: Summary of the New Band-in-a-Box® App for iOS®

Join Tobin as he takes you on a tour of the new Band-in-a-Box® app for iOS®! Designed for musicians, singer-songwriters, and educators, this powerful tool lets you create, play, and transfer songs effortlessly on your iPhone® or iPad®—anytime, anywhere.

Band-in-a-Box® for iOS® :Summary video.

Check out the forum post for more information.

Introducing the New Band-in-a-Box iOS App!

We’re excited to introduce the new Band-in-a-Box iOS app, designed to enhance your music creation. The Band-in-a-Box iOS app is the perfect companion to your desktop version, giving you the freedom to sketch out ideas wherever you are and develop them further when you're back at your workstation. Now, you can create, play, generate, and transfer songs seamlessly between your iOS device, and desktop.

Key Features:

- Easily Create and Play Songs – Build and play songs effortlessly on your device.
- MIDI and RealTracks/RealStyles Support – Generate MIDI tracks and RealTracks/RealStyles right on your iPhone or iPad (RealTracks/RealStyles require an internet connection).
- Notation Support – View chord sheets, professional notation, tab, and drum notation for all tracks.
...and more!

Watch the Band-in-a-Box iOS Overview Video.

Visit the Band-in-a-Box for iOS support page for more information and to listen to demos of our RealStyles catalogue.

Download the Band-in-a-Box iOS App from the Apple App Store today!

Update your Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Windows® Today!

If you’ve already purchased Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Windows®, great news—a new update is now available! This update introduces a handy new feature: a vertical cursor in the Tracks window that shows the current location across all tracks, and more.

Discover everything included in this free update and download it now at https://www.pgmusic.com/support_windowsupdates.htm#1124

Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Windows®: Boot Camp: The AI Lyrics Generator

With Band-in-a-Box 2025® for Windows®, we've introduced an exciting new feature: the AI Lyrics Generator! In this video, Tobin guides you step-by-step on how to make the most of this new tool.

Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Windows®: Boot Camp: The AI Lyrics Generator video.

Check out the forum post for more information.

Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Windows®: Using VST3 Plugins

Band-in-a-Box 2025® for Windows® now includes support for VST3 plugins, bringing even more creative possibilities to your music production. Join Simon as he guides you through the process in this easy-to-follow demonstration!

Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Windows®: Using VST3 Plugins

Join the conversation on our forum.

Video: Band-in-a-Box 2025 for Windows: Using The BB Stem Splitter!

In this video, Tobin provides a crash course on using the new BB Stem Splitter feature included in Band-in-a-Box 2025® for Windows®. During this process he also uses the Audio Chord Wizard (ACW) and the new Equalize Tempo feature.

Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Windows®: Using the BB Stem Splitter

Check out the forum post for some optional Tips & Tricks!

Congrats to Misha (Rustyspoon)…downloaded/installed a full Audiophile 2025!

Breaking News!

We’re thrilled to announce that Rustyspoon has made PG history as the very first person to successfully complete the download and install of the full Band-in-a-Box 2025 Windows Audiophile Edition (with FLAC files)—a whopping 610GB of data!

A big shoutout to Rustyspoon for stepping up to be our test "elf!"

Thank you for your support, Rustyspoon!

Forum Statistics
Forums58
Topics83,555
Posts767,029
Members39,353
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
Newest Members
Adrichmen, Migrena, resco, ruppert, MrBarrysMinistry
39,353 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 217
DC Ron 139
rsdean 95
WaoBand 82
Today's Birthdays
4mrwrkr, Alan59, HELIXT
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5