Month: April 2020

Broadjam Artist: Randy Steward
Song: As Daylight Breaks

Reviewer: Bob Birthisel

Positive Comments: The instruments themselves have a nice depth and balance although the drums could be more forward in the mix. I would absolutely re-categorize as Folk instead of Rock.

Constructive Comments: I heard a whole lot of pitch inconsistencies in both the lead and backing vocals. This would benefit greatly from either re-doing the vocal or using pitch correction. The song was nice enough but I never heard any sort of hook at all, severely limiting any commercial potential.

Broadjam Artist: Jay Gross
Song: Are you So Sure

Reviewer: Bob Birthisel

Positive Comments: Very mellow and a smooth sound. The vocal was strong.

Constructive Comments: To me this sounds like a VERY old recording, and I’d never put it in Rock – more Pop or Broadway. The instrumental mix was so low compared to the vocal volume it was hard to get a read on quality. But the song doesn’t start until around the 10-second mark and it sounds like you hear the needle drop on a record player. For this to have commercial value I’d at least re-mix if not re-record it with a more modern flair.

Broadjam Artist: Dave Haddad (CenterPeace)
Song: Hold On Me

Reviewer: John Walradt

Positive Comments: Vocals are lovely! Convincing delivery of emotion. Also, there’s no doubt that you know your stuff in the studio. You know how to arrange instrumental parts in a song with not too little and not too much in the way orchestration.

Constructive Comments: The most important thing to remember is that I am not the last word, not even the middle. The song is pleasant but I would not release it as a single however, I would include it on an album. Lyrically, it’s trite: it doesn’t say you’re stringing me along in a new and different way. Although the melody doesn’t stand out as unique, it shows you’ve got what it takes because the melody and arrangement show variations that can be followed and remembered.

Broadjam Artist: Ladee V
Song: My Walking Sun

Reviewer: Square One

Positive Comments: I really like smash mouth and that whole vibe that they had going and I really appreciate your love for them enough to record this. And your attempts to be authentic and to cover it as authentically as possible.

Constructive Comments: Although I can tell you are trying to be authentic in your replication it doesnt quite hit the spot, the timing is off, and most noticable at the beginning of the track. The track lacks the soul and small timing differences of the original. I think with enough practice you can nail it, and with a few mix tweaks you can add some more interest. Good luck tho m8!

Broadjam Artist: Dave Haddad (CenterPeace)
Song: Magnetic Attraction

Reviewer: Square One

Positive Comments: Its a very unique tune with lots of interesting harmonies and ideas in there, kept together by some in the pocket drums. The melodies are dark and at times dissonant which adds to the suspense of a track that almost has 1930s detective smoky back alley feel. The occasional horn is nice which really adds to that same feeling.

Constructive Comments: The mix could use some work i think. Its going for a classic sound especially with the transister type organ, but the mix can be a bit sharp at times. The punch is great, but sometimes there are some unpleasant harmonics in there, and a couple of clicks that affect the transients in a weird way. but overall i see what your trying to do and it mostly hits the spot, I just want to be thourough. Good luck m8!

Broadjam Artist: Hartmut Oberdieck
Song: sufidance

Reviewer: Square One

Positive Comments: It sounds like some Roland Fantom X mixed with some earlier Native Instruments stuff as a guess? some nice sounds there. Some are dated a bit, but i think a few mix tweaks would solve that easy. I like the ever changing progression to it, its consistently evolving and changing.

Constructive Comments: The mix is slightly unbalanced and doesnt quite hit the spot, I like the idea of the stereo imaging and seperation, but it just doesnt quite sound cohesive. Maybe a nice bit glue on the mix buss or limiting the song with less stereo seperation. But the overall idea is there and the punch to it is great, and I think could shine through with a few tweaks, it just feels like it changes its direction a bit too much with mixing decisions to sound cohesive to me, But of course this is all personal preference and overall its quite good m8, but i wanna be thourough. good luck!

Broadjam Artist: Ian Graham
Song: Galleries

Reviewer: Square One

Positive Comments: It has a nice haunting feel to it. It minimalist in its approach, so when the instrumentation comes in, it has more of an impact. There are some nice melodic melodies intertwined into there. It could be used in a Nordisc type of show, however it would need a few alterations for that I think, but it is well on its way!

Constructive Comments: I really like this track, but the bridge at 38 seconds in really kills the vibe. I think its a combination of mix and instrumentation, but it just doesnt fly for me, again, this is of course personal preference, and its not quite as intrusive when it comes back in the second time as a melody behind the vocals, but at times it feels too loud, but only slightly so. Overall, i listened to it twice, and do really appreciate it as a whole! Good luck m8! p.s. 3 times now ^^

Broadjam Artist: Third Word
Song: Two Wings

Reviewer: Sam Cooper

Positive Comments: Shades of Sade, the marvelous hit singer. Very smooth arrangement with great musicianship in a wonderful arrangement that has an Afro-Latin groove accented by that wonderful fretless bass and beautiful background vocals. This oozes of soul magic. Great job all the way around on this production! We need more!

Constructive Comments: Can’t tell you anything that would improve this! Thanks for the great vibes!

Broadjam Artist: Earl.C.Webb
Song: ROOM AT THE BACK

Reviewer: Sam Cooper

Positive Comments: Clearly influenced by one of the all-time best artists, the late, great Sam Cooke! This is timelessly cool. I could listen to the groove all night with my baby! We need more of this in the world. Kudos to the singer and the musicians!

Constructive Comments: Boy, I’m just digging that this is a throwback to the golden age of rock & roll from the sixties. Don’t change a damn thing!

Broadjam Artist: Rodney Magee
Song: Fly High

Reviewer: Sam Cooper

Positive Comments: “Tighter than a tick’s ass” as the old saying goes. Nice programming with feel-good groove.

Constructive Comments: Can’t complain about anything here. Great job!