Month: September 2016

Broadjam Artist: Ian Graham
Song: Blues Andaluz

Reviewer: Norb Studelska/Upper Air Disturbance

Positive Comments: I thought I was going to review a blues song, but was treated to an awesome folk song.Tremendous guitar work the acoustic accompaniment finger picking as-wall-as the very tasteful acoustic lead. Very strong vocals. Interesting mix of an “old English” thematic sound with a more contemporary lyrical idea.

Constructive Comments: My only constructive criticism is that the vocal mix was too dominent. I would prefer to here the guitar come through better with the vocal melody, which complemented one another well. Otherwise, great tune.

Broadjam Artist: FRED GROSS
Song: Along For The Ride

Reviewer: Norb Studelska/Upper Air Disturbance

Positive Comments: Nice driving tempo. The mix between the instruments was very good, nothing dominated.Nice subtle theme changes to standard blues riffs. Very clear (almost stark) recording quality.Nice job!

Constructive Comments: I’m not sure if all of the instrumentation was sampled/electronic. My ears wanted to hear a more natural, acoustic piano track, as-well-as a “grittier” guitar effect (not so much a criticism, but what I think would have been more appealing for my listening taste).

Broadjam Artist: Jeff Ashbaker
Song: We Shall Stand Free

Reviewer: Kate Carpenter

Positive Comments: I love folk music like this…honest vocals sound so real and engaging. Almost has the feel of a sea shanty, definitely a song of appreciation for the immigrants who came over to make this country what it is today. Woody Guthrie would probably like this song…the first verse of your song reminded me of “This Land is Your Land.” Nice guitar, bass and harmonica…all flows seamlessly through the song. I like the nod to Anchors Aweigh in the ending harmonics!

Constructive Comments: Female background vocals sounded a bit tentative and soft…they could be stronger. I do not like the way percussion came in at the end…it sounded like (sorry for saying this) a rude intrusion that just didn’t fit with the character of the song. (Just my personal preference, hop I am not hurting anyone’s feelings here).

Broadjam Artist: Josh Walker
Song: Marimba Samba

Reviewer: Kate Carpenter

Positive Comments: I really like the beginning. Cute sounds sounded fresh and original. There are probably good avenues for marketing this nicely-produced composition in the commercial world. Great job putting this together.

Constructive Comments: At .21 when the “music bed” came in, I didn’t like it as much as before…but if you are looking for background music for a voiceover, it’s probably perfect. Have you got your music on audiosparx.com? They like this kind of stuff and license it…they’re good at it. I think it’s worth looking into. I’ve been pretty happy with that company. And they don’t charge you until you make money. Then they get 60% and you get 40%. I wish that were different….but a check is a check.

Broadjam Artist: Bob Higgs
Song: Dreambody

Reviewer: Kate Carpenter

Positive Comments: Tight musical arrangement with keys, guitar, drums, and bass with pleasing vocals. “Don’t call for me” is a pretty catchy hook. Male/female vocals and harmonies sound good together. Nice guitar and harmonica work… really like those electric guitar licks. Outro sounds really great and I love the way you eased it out gradually. “Escape into the atmosphere…like an idiot, I let him.” Original!

Constructive Comments: Intro could be shorter…but no big deal. Vocals are a bit too muddy for my liking…bring them up in the mix so we can understand what you are singing about better. 6:28 is pretty long. Is that “Dreambody” you are singing?

Broadjam Artist: Jeff Roberts
Song: Out of the Gaze of the Evil Eye

Reviewer: Kate Carpenter

Positive Comments: Happy sounding upbeat song with some really cool guitar & bass work and licks. Tight vocals and harmonies. The first verse gave me the impression that this is a song about injecting drugs…and then the subject of human mortality comes up. So you do get pretty high marks for originality. I love the sound of your band. If this IS about drugs, I don’t think I have ever heard anything so positive and happy sounding about such a dark subject.

Constructive Comments: I’m not sure about how the dogs got into your song…but if it IS about drugs, I guess about anything could pop in and out. It was kind of funny (confounded dogs). I tried really hard, listened twice, but there were still a few lyrics I didn’t “get”. But I’m 63 and you are probably a whole lot younger…

Broadjam Artist: Geraint Hughes
Song: MAN WITHE THE PLAN

Reviewer: CAEDMON’S DREAM

Positive Comments: * catchy lead vocals* great mix with a worldly swirling sound* pulsing, rhythmic and powerful

Constructive Comments: + like the unique sounds and rich mix… intro is great+ keep on going with those musical riffs and strong rhythms+ for variation/interlude pull out drums, bass, etc. and soak for a bit in a different mood

Broadjam Artist: Tony DeSimone
Song: Searching

Reviewer: CAEDMON’S DREAM

Positive Comments: * great lead vocal sonic variations well done* upbeat rhythms with melodic hooks throughout * clean production with a cool mix of acoustic instruments* could start a new dance revolution!

Constructive Comments: + nothing more needed on this one+ make a longer dance-club track for DJ’s+ keep making music!!!

Broadjam Artist: Aryz Kahlid
Song: MaMa

Reviewer: The Rap Ghandi

Positive Comments: ill sample hook

Constructive Comments: speak more clearly, and work on your flow. some of the lines aren’t on time and sound like you were struggling to catch it. the vocals are too low and need to be mixed in better.

Broadjam Artist: Tristyn Leach
Song: Looming Lass

Reviewer: CAEDMON’S DREAM

Positive Comments: * clean lead vocals with nice quality and character* smooth rhythm guitar playing with an airy folksy retro sound* has a memorable chorus hook you’ll want to hear this diddy again.

Constructive Comments: + Improve drum sound to fit in with this folk-pop piece snare is heavy and some fills seem too “programmed”+ guitar strumming and sound is nice if possible, recording wise record two guitar tracks and pan rhythm guitar tracks left and right to have lead vocals stand out in the center.+ I thought at first the tempo change and interlude section was another song, but in the end it sounded nice and is very unique- blend the two together with more music and hooks.