Here are two renditions of the "Chattanooga Choo Choo"
both performed by Petry Gilles

1) Performed on Tyros 4 Alone:



2) Performed on Tyros 4 and Korg Kronos:

Scott,
I have not the slightest intention of saying which I think is best I am sure you never ever posted these two for that reason and why the player recorded them both on 2 x KB I don’t know, I would not want to start World War 3 ! I think the demos are in stereo Scott, I could hear both channels, are they.

Tony

Sorry, but I can't see either version getting anyone's juices flowing, and isn't that what music is supposed to do? Couldn't sound more sterile if it had been performed inside of an autoclave. It's like someone put some heavy-duty compression/limiting on the thing, killing all the dynamics. I freely admit that I'm not a big fan of 'Big Band' and faux Big Band is even worse. Strange in a way, because I thoroughly enjoyed playing Horn and trumpet in our big band in college. Big bands are way more fun to play in than to listen to.

I thought the T4 sax was terrible in the first version (although it sounds VERY authentic when played alone (auditioned). I think this has a lot to do with mastering the technique of emulating sax player technique on a keyboard. If you play it like a keyboard, it's going to sound like a keyboard playing sax sounds. Likewise, I wasn't blown away with the muted trumpet in version 2, but the open trumpet at @ 2:00 sounded pretty good.

I think the problem trying to play 'Big Band' on an arranger is that a big band arrangement is too complex to get the dynamics in the right places AND that the 'generic' style parts in 'big band' styles rarely fit any specific song very well.

I am not bashing the instruments here, just offering my opinion on what I heard. YMMV.

chas

I try to pull off big band too and agree. Very tuff to do on an arranger.


But anyways I liked the 2nd one better. I'm not sure a Korg Kronos was necessary though?

Scott,

I liked both, but now, after hearing a few videos done with Kronos and without, I can't see the point of adding one to a T4.

The Tyros4 does a great job all on it's own. I can see having a Kronos for other purposes, but for arranger playing, the T4 is in no need of any additional keyboards (or modules) and it keeps things nice and simple (and less expensive). Perhaps a Yamaha PSR-S910 would be a better partner with a Kronos?


My take on the accuracy of the recordings, it is that if you want to hear the "real deal", buy the darned CD or get a ticket to a Big Band concert. Or, get your little rusty trumpet or kazoo out of the closet, shine it up and join the local community band. No band? Start one up yourself, or play along with a SMF or MP3 of your favs.

For the rest of us who actually enjoy playing arrangers, having fun doing different genres of music, with a nice bit of realism, is what it's all about.

Some are clever enough to use arranger keyboards to make money with their musical talent.

For me, and for most others that I know who play arranger keyboards, sounding "identical" to a recording of a "live band' isn't what it's all about...it's about putting our own stamp on music, and being our own arranger...that's why we play an instrument of the same description.

Want to hear the "real deal"?

Buy the CD and/or concert tickets and be done with it.

What about playing your own arrangements of tunes and having a great deal of fun doing it?

Simply get an arranger keyboard and express yourself. You are the band, and the conductor.

Ian

PS...if you get a Yamaha arranger, make sure you play it through a stereo system for best results.

I agree Ian, I would rather hear a an intersting arrangement/rendition rather than a complete copy of the oringinal recording. Leave that to the DJ's.

Yes, I feel the same way. DJ's can have that market.

I appreciate the arranger keyboard's power in being able to put my own stamp on a piece of music rather than do it identical to the original.

I notice that you do the same with your music, and it is refreshing to listen to your arrangements.

Ian

What I liked most was the style being used! It was shown as "Big Band T2". I do not recognize the style on either my T2 or T4. Perhaps it has been modified but I certainly would like to get it if it is not purchased. Most of my senior center playing is around big band and this one would really be appreciated.

Dick

Dick, check your g-mail address (the one in your profile).

Ian

Hi Scott,
I prefer the second version with the Kronos & not because I'm a korg fan ( which of course I am haahaa). To me it just sounded better.


best wishes
Rikki
p.s. thank you so much for the link to the bird carrier for charlie. They have some interesting stuff. Didn't want to hijack Uncle Dave's topic any further.