Rayzoon Technologies LLC

[LTE1]

I have been thinking about buying Jamstix. Most of the music I work on is in a Jazz style or softer pop, with some occassional funk. Is Jamstix more geared toward rock styles or would it work well for classic and modern jazz tunes?

Thanks.

[Ralph [RZ]]

Check out the demos of Jamstix+BrushPak: http://www.rayzoon.com/brushpak.html

The first two demos are arranged. The rest is straight rhythms from the library or free jamming.
_________________
Ralph Zeuner
Rayzoon Technologies LLC
http://www.rayzoon.com

[LTE1]

Thanks.

I downloaded a demo a while back and knew there was a "jazz pack" that was supposed to be released. I just realized that the brush set is that release.

[jmellicker]

I would like to join the chorus of people looking for a good jazz drum accompaniment solution.

I am using Band-in-a-Box and have downloaded hundreds of user-made jazz rhythms, some of them quite good in terms of the swing feel and fills.

However, two major downsides of BIAB:

- too repetitive- does same fills over and over
- cymbal hits are all the same sample, so not realistic

and of course, does not respond to MIDI or audio input!

I am just learning about JamStix but it appears you have an engine that could conceivably make the world's best jazz drummer accompanist.

I'm sure you know all this being a drummer... I think you could simulate a jazz drummer brilliantly using a very small, finite number of "rules" that have been honed and fine-tuned over decades, for example:

- pattern-based ride and hat

- snare/cymbal hits totally based on audio/MIDI input or randomly generated with probabilities on certain beats of the measure

- hat over melody, ride over solos

- 2 measure tacit at end of melody before first solo starts

- increasing intensity over a whole solo (intensity = more cymbal/snare hits, more tom fills- change character at the top of each chorus)

- switch ride cymbals on 3rd chorus of solo or when solo instrument changes

- when bass goes to a pedal tone, go to a polyrythmic fill

- when MIDI/audio input repeats a distinct accent more than twice, accent it heavily until it stops

- trade fours with soloist after all solos

There are basically just a few rhythms - 4/4 swing, 3/4 swing, bossa, 4/4 ballad, waltz ballad and samba

I think the JamStix community could be very helpful in contributing their favorite grooves/fills- put us to work!

Such a software drummer, in my controversial opinion, would be about right in the $299 range, there are plenty of businesspeople out there who used to play jazz who are playing with BIAB who miss the fluidity.

I would be willing to work to help make this happen... a former professional musician, MIDI composer... and budding programmer...

anyway, just my .03 (inflation)

[Ralph [RZ]]

Thanks for your input!

We would love to develop a hard-core jazz drummer based on the Jamstix engine. However, this is on the back-burner for now until JamBassist, Jamcussion and Jamstix 2 have been released.

Many of the concepts you have outlined are planned for this project and we'll talk more about it and get more feedback from people like you as we get closer to implementing it.

Thanks again!
_________________
Ralph Zeuner
Rayzoon Technologies LLC
http://www.rayzoon.com

[gregjazz]

I don't use the accompaniment aspect of Jamstix often apart from the occasional bass/Jamstix funk jam session, but I believe there are at least some basic jazz beats in there.

However, I can testify that with the right sounds set up Jamstix can be very appropriate for jazz music.

I should upload some of my kit presets (they've been accumulating). It's just too fun to plug in different sounds and assemble your own kit!

[jmellicker]

[jmellicker]

[gregjazz]

[thomasross20]

[Ralph [RZ]]

Jamcussion -> Working title for our percussion plugin.
_________________
Ralph Zeuner
Rayzoon Technologies LLC
http://www.rayzoon.com

[RWIL]

[Ralph [RZ]]

Likely will be compatible but nothing is set in stone at this time.
_________________
Ralph Zeuner
Rayzoon Technologies LLC
http://www.rayzoon.com

[jmellicker]

Because I don't know quite where to ask this question, I'm wondering if anyone can give me a lead on this:

I am looking for the most realistic jazz ride cymbal solution. I mean just an awesome ride sound.

Obviously the sound must be sampled at various places around the cymbal and at many velocities (otherwise, triggering the identical sample over and over sounds like ting ting ting ting ting

I am looking for 3 - 4 excellent quality ride cymbal options, as well as brush ride. Also would like great brush snare.

Everything else, good toms/BD and crashes seem to be pretty easy to find.

I could use a software instrument, sound module or sampler, WinXP or Mac (prefer Mac). Cost not a big factor.

Any ideas appreciated! Thanks!

[Ralph [RZ]]

Jamstix/BrushPak was designed for that purpose (+DrumPak #1 for stick sounds).

It will give you sizzle and standard ride cymbal (22" Bosphorus Jeff Hamilton) brushed+stick plus other brushed cymbals, snare and toms.

All samples use multiple sounds for the same velocity with alternate hit points for realistic variations.
_________________
Ralph Zeuner
Rayzoon Technologies LLC
http://www.rayzoon.com