Month: March 2020

Broadjam Artist: RICARDO ALONSO
Song: Superficies Subterraneas (Subterranean Surfaces)

Reviewer: Bob Birthisel

Positive Comments: Very tight instrumentals, and the feel kept its grip on the listener as intended for most of the song. Reminded me of Jan Hammer, and the layering of keyboards worked well throughout the song.

Constructive Comments: I didn’t quite get the fade ending. It almost sounded like you had this terrific riff for 2:30 and then needed a way to end the song. Still, I would say overall it was a nice effort and well-placed in the correct genre.

Broadjam Artist: Bob Bentley
Song: I Really Want You Tonight

Reviewer: Bob Birthisel

Positive Comments: Great balance and smooth, even mix on all the instruments. I enjoyed the instrumentation a lot and the hook was rock solid. Reminded me a lot of listening to Pure Prairie League with Craig Fuller on vocal. The instrument accents were right on and un-obtrusive, as they should be.

Constructive Comments: I thought the backing vocals were downright buried, and should have been brought up to maybe 2-3db below the lead vocals. That’s just a small thing though, as overall I enjoyed the song.

Broadjam Artist: Margie & Art Corey
Song: Paparazzi #2 Corey’s

Reviewer: Bob Birthisel

Positive Comments: Even though lo-fi isn’t my taste, the artist did a good job with the feel, tempo and keeping true to form. The standout instrument by a mile was the horn player (or players).

Constructive Comments: This is personal preference but I’m a purist when it comes to higher fidelity. When you go all lo-fi on the vocal and much of the instrumentation, it gets a bit muddy sounding to me. Again, some people are loving that these days but I almost feel too much lo-fi and reverb makes it sound like you’re just covering up underlying issues.

Broadjam Artist: Hartmut Oberdieck
Song: western union

Reviewer: Bob Birthisel

Positive Comments: Outstanding listening music with excellent drums and complimentary guitar work. Reminds me a bit of ZZ Top or The Aristocrats. Extremely well-recorded and the instrument blend is also strong.

Constructive Comments: Not much negative to say – it was very good. If I were re-writing the song I might add some dynamics, like a few kicks, pauses or stops to break up the shuffle feel, but it’s a SHUFFLE! So no real complaints. Good job.

Broadjam Artist: Uncle Spider & The Electric Dirt Clods
Song: When The Dark Calls / Rock & Roll

Reviewer: Bob Birthisel

Positive Comments: The balance of the instrument mix was good and overall the melody was solid enough even though stylistically it just wasn’t my taste.

Constructive Comments: Right from the get-go I was hearing timing issues, like everyone was free-styling without a metronome. That may be the lo-fi sound you’re looking for, but I would definitely not call this hard rock (I think of hard rock as Whitesnake, Greta Van Fleet or The Dead Daisies as a few examples).

Broadjam Artist: StarburstRecords
Song: 32. Two Parts Penance, updated with bridge 5.2009

Reviewer: Bob Birthisel

Positive Comments: Excellent instrumentation and mix, outstanding levels although the lead vocal may have been about 2db “hot” but not obtrusive. Overall a strong effort and it kept my attention start to finish.

Constructive Comments: My biggest issue with the song is the hook itself, as it’s not clearly defined and there are places where the lyrics are rushed so it’s difficult to catch very word. Having said that, I still very much enjoyed the feel, sound and overall song.

Broadjam Artist: Dave Haddad (CenterPeace)
Song: Moroccan Star

Reviewer: Bob Birthisel

Positive Comments: Really nice sound. It kept my interest throughout and the mix was excellent. I liked the fact that even when multiple guitars were present, one didn’t over-ride another but stayed within the framework of the piece. Would definitely like to hear more.

Constructive Comments: Nothing really negative to say – if anything I’d have wanted it to be longer, and would encourage the writer/band to include vocals whenever possible, but again that’s just my personal preference.

Broadjam Artist: Sam Cooper
Song: TIME TO PARTY

Reviewer: Bob Birthisel

Positive Comments: Lead vocal is very nice and the flow is good overall. I get that it’s a fun song without too much depth, and the feel-good vibe is definitely there. Sounds like a solid album cut, not necessarily the single release.

Constructive Comments: The mix is pretty dry other than the lead voice – I’d like to hear more blending of the instruments as opposed to sounding like they were all done as separate tracks and pieced together. Towards the end the harmonies could definitely be tightened up.

Broadjam Artist: Jeana Potthoff
Song: Impasse

Reviewer: Rodney Magee

Positive Comments: This song is very marketable, I loved it. The Piano arrangement was relaxing, comforting, and very moving. The sings really brought out a sense of emotional bliss. The recording quality was very professionally made. I listened to this song several times and would give it an overall rating of 5 stars. Keep up the great work!

Constructive Comments: This song was well put together. Very good job!

Broadjam Artist: Serneka
Song: A Reason –

Reviewer: Rodney Magee

Positive Comments: I feel this song should be in the market place. The Lyrics were pretty good and the hook was on point. The instrumentation was fitting and gave the song a bluesy feel. The vocals were clear and understandable. The overall quality of the arrangement was good. I would give this song a high rating, Good work!

Constructive Comments: This song was very good, However I would suggest more detailed mixing. Everything sounds centered with no pans. Vocals could use some compression and maybe a little Reverb/Echo. Arrangement was a little repetitive, but it still was a song overall.