Month: March 2020

Broadjam Artist: Hartmut Oberdieck
Song: touch down

Reviewer: Groove Fondue

Positive Comments: Just a fantastic groove. The instruments all sound really good. The mix is perfect, everything is where it should be. The guitar sound is great and the playing is sublime. It reminds me a lot of a Chris Rea in sound and style, especially those slide part which is a very big compliment, I love his stuff so much and I love this tune very much. Nicely done!

Constructive Comments: I wouldn’t change a note or a sound. It’s exceptionally well done!

Broadjam Artist: Marilyn Hall
Song: America Stands-Country version

Reviewer: Ladee V

Positive Comments: Love the instrumentation, recording, arrangement, and vocals. You shouldn’t have a problem getting this song licensed. In fact I saw an ad recently looking for this type of song specifically. Great job!

Constructive Comments: Personally, not a big fan of the lyrics itself but I understand everyone has a right to create what they feel and that much I can appreciate. Great job!

Broadjam Artist: Sam Cooper
Song: L.O.V.E-MAIL ME, BABY (featuring Billy Arr)

Reviewer: Ladee V

Positive Comments: Very nice song. Instrumentation, lyrics, arrangements were all very nice. The vocals were perfect for this type of song. Although it’s not country it would make a great Jazz tune. I can definitely hear this on movies/TV/Film. Great job!

Constructive Comments: Definitely not country but was a great tune.

Broadjam Artist: Rodney Magee
Song: A Lovers journey

Reviewer: Bob Birthisel

Positive Comments: I enjoyed the song a lot. Some interesting changes and effects and it was well-recorded for the most part. It had my interest and the horn play was especially-tasteful. Well done with a smooth feel and nice playing by the various band members.

Constructive Comments: Just a couple of things. I didn’t get the vocals AT ALL. The song was hip and smooth as an instrumental, then the vocals sounded gratuitous. I’m guessing this is the piano player’s band, as piano was 3-4 db hotter than the other instruments and I missed the drums in particular. A quick remix would do wonders for this tune, even as much as I liked it to start with. I would have given the recording quality a higher score if the instruments were blended better.

Broadjam Artist: Bill Dake
Song: Time Traveling

Reviewer: Bob Birthisel

Positive Comments: The opening piano lick had me all-in. Extremely engaging and overall the song sounded like retro John Sebastian with beautiful piano and some interesting choices in melody and chord progression. Definitely has a lot of potential with some small changes.

Constructive Comments: Sorry to report the singing has a number of missed notes and pitch issues, plus the low-voice transition needs to be smoothed out. The fact that I REALLY liked the song makes this frustrating, but those things can be repaired/re-recorded in a studio that would make this song really shine.

Broadjam Artist: Craig Bishop
Song: These Hands–Rock

Reviewer: Bob Birthisel

Positive Comments: I enjoyed the feel and found the chord progression interesting. The lead vocal is part Cat Stevens, part John Sebastian so it’s very much a retro or throwback sound but it fits well in the song. Overall a nice piece to listen to.

Constructive Comments: Not sure there is a market for this sound. The guitar was SO well-recorded and current sounding, but all the other instruments sounded like they were recorded 30 years ago. Very background-ish and the song would dramatically benefit from a professional re-mix. I still enjoyed it but found limitations for my personal taste.

Broadjam Artist: Groove Fondue
Song: Groove Fondue (Funky Driver)

Reviewer: Ladee V

Positive Comments: Really enjoyed listening to this one. Great job. The instrumentation was good, the lyrics were good as well. Also sounded kind of fun! Great job!

Constructive Comments: Nothing here. Great job!

Broadjam Artist: Smokin Joe Pilloud
Song: Wheres My Money

Reviewer: Ladee V

Positive Comments: Great song! Loved the story! This was fun too. The vocals were great, the band was awesome and the recording seemed like it was a lot of fun. Great job guys!

Constructive Comments: Nothing here. Song was awesome!

Broadjam Artist: Earl.C.Webb
Song: STARTING FIRES Duet w/Julia Schmidt

Reviewer: Ladee V

Positive Comments: Great duet! Loved it! Great vocals, lyrics, instrumentation, and recording. I could feel the emotions here! You should have trouble finding licensing for this one. Great job guys!

Constructive Comments: Nothing here. Great duet!

Broadjam Artist: StarburstRecords
Song: RM 13. Fantasy Friend

Reviewer: Bob Birthisel

Positive Comments: Very nice lead vocal and the harmonies are nice although they could be more forward in the mix. Solid instrumentation throughout and I enjoyed the vibe very much. Overall it’s balanced, catchy and well-performed.

Constructive Comments: I liked the song overall, so this is meant as constructive. The opening drum lick seems at odds with the full band feel when they kick in, and I didn’t get the little background electronic sounds. They were completely distracting. The hook is super-strong but for my taste the lyrics need work, sounding a bit too juvenile in comparison with the professional sound and feel of the rest of the tune. Again, just my taste but that’s honest feedback.