JJazzLab (BIAB alternative for linux users)

[Doug Garrick]

I followed up a tip from Bob Shilling about JJazzLab which is a linux alternate to BIAB for folks like me who use linux. I started this thread to log my efforts with JJazzLab and relay my experience. Hopefully it's helpful to the other linux users who don't like the dual booting method for keeping BIAB on their machines. I use System76's hardware and their POP_OS linux.

First off, JJazzLab is available in two installation methods, a Flatpak version and the zipped version. Since JJazzLab was listed by System76 via their Cosmic app store I assume it's available in most of the other distro's application repositories. The other version is a standard 'zip' file available from https://www.jjazzlab.org/en/

I initially installed the Flatpak version from System76. However, Flatpak applications are generally run in 'sandboxed' environments (which are great for a lot of reasons) but there are some things about running this particular sandboxed application that were awkward so I am going to switch to the standalone zipped version. Briefly, the Flatpak sandbox restricts access to system directories, including /usr/bin, where the java tools/files are located. That and the user directories for songs and rhythm styles are not easily identified and that's the real show stopper - for me. ( I like the security of sandboxed apps and it makes sense if you're getting a lot of files from internet sources but it does come with some overhead ).

I have already installed the direct zipped version so standby for updates..


dg

[Doug Garrick]

I spent a lot of time looking for the best audio framework to use for JJazzlab before I started reporting on it's pros and cons plus it's capabilities. This post is just a quick update on how I installed the product and a quick operational overview.

1st thing, in my opinion - it's quite capable and very stable. However for various reasons I had some trouble installing it into my own user account so I created a new user account in order to install it without all the odd environmental stuff I have going on in my account. I used JACK (Jack Audio Connection Kit) for the audio framework. If you don't already use JACK you may want to check into getting it into your environment. Here's an example of what it looks like.

The song underneath everything is Lay Lady Lay

samle-jjazzlab.png

In the bottom left window is the Qjackctl application than controls JACK and and the window floating over the song editor is the JACK Connection Manager. (The connection manager is started from the Qjackctl application).

I really really like the way I could build the song. Once I got used to how the song sections were built and added/removed it became clear that it is plenty flexible enough. Here's one point I really like. First I used the song editor to build the entire song to copy the original arrangement as close as possible, then later I added a few measures for solos. The bottom window ( section editor) shows the order the song sections are played in. I can move any of the sections around to fit the arrangement. For example If I want to copy the solos section and use parts of it for a reprise or prelude I can copy the part of the existing section, insert a new section, rename that new section , paste the progression into it, then slide it around to where it works the best.

I also did a quick experiment with sending the output to a track in Ardour and it was super easy.

If your interested in hearing more (without waiting for me to post something ) send me a message

[Doug Garrick]

Briefly, this illustrates the ease of making the connection from JJazzlab to a track in Ardour.

• 1. Start JACK,

• 2. Start JJazzlab and load the song,

• 3. Start Ardour and create a new song,

• 4. Add Audio Track,

• 5. Right Click on the new track and select Inputs.

• 6. Click the external tab,

• 7. Check the stereo channels like shown,

[Doug Garrick]

Turns out that JJazzLab is quite sophisticated. It's seems to be more of an arranger workstation than just a backing track generator. Currently, I'm in that love/hate phase where I go great guns for a little while (and love it ) then have to learn more about the product and the Yamaha styles and variations before I can get something to work ( hate it ). Bear with me linux users. I'm getting better at this.

[Tom Troughton]

Just letting you know that I am following this. XUbuntu user.

[Doug Garrick]

Thanks Tom, It's good to know someone is watching. I've been making a lot of progress with creating songs but I'm back in 'learning more' mode. I am trying to get comfortable with the basics of midi control and Ardour. Since JJazzLab is not JACK aware it's taking some time to figure out how to get JJazzlab to start the Ardour transport. I'm getting the audio across it but still not starting the transport. The module snd-virmidi is one key in that effort but the whole thing is pretty complex. I'm not exactly a quick learner.