Month: September 2020

Broadjam Artist: Sam Cooper
Song: SPREAD THE WEALTH (featuring Ray Dahrouge)

Reviewer: David James

Positive Comments: Great stereo separation at the beginning. An outstanding vocal performance. A very catchy song with a memorable chorus. Lovely chord progression. The instrumentation is superb all round. Excellent Santana even Steely Dan style guitar. The dynamics of the song are superb.

Constructive Comments: I’ve marked down the lyrics, not because of their content, but I thought in the first verse some of the lyrics didn’t quite sit right with the music, possibly (I’m guessing) because the lyrics were written before the music. It’s a minor issue but I thought it was worth pointing out. Otherwise it’s an excellent piece of work.

Broadjam Artist: Felice Kaye-Cooper / Songwriter
Song: The Lonely Guitar/ Phat Instrumental

Reviewer: David James

Positive Comments: Excellent intro. I really like the Latin style melody. It’s catchy, passionate and atmospheric. It really transports you to South America. The chord progression is lovely. Great ending. Worth pitching for the appropriate opportunities.

Constructive Comments: You’ve uploaded some lyrics here, although it’s an instrumental. That caught me out as I was expecting a singer to enter. Although I like 90% of the instrumentation I’ve marked it down, along with the arrangement because the drums do something strange at 0.29 and again at 0.46. In fact I thought the drum track was a bit cluttered, which is a shame because otherwise it would be very strong. I did enjoy the tune however.

Broadjam Artist: Simpson-Mancine Band
Song: Line in the Sand

Reviewer: Bob Birthisel

Positive Comments: Very atmospheric and the lead vocalist is outstanding on this song. The overall mix is pretty strong, even though it’s fairly drenched in echo. Nice dynamic changes. This could easily find its way into the right film or TV scenario. I liked it a lot.

Constructive Comments: The instruments were fine, but felt they could have done more to expand the song. I would have loved more counterpoint or soloing on a song exceeding 4 minutes as it started to sound “same-y” after a while. If there’s a hook, I couldn’t really find it. The lyrics are pretty much lost in a lot of places even with a 2nd listen. But with slight clean-up this could really be sweet.

Broadjam Artist: Simpson-Mancine Band
Song: Lost in a Maze

Reviewer: Dale Lawrence

Positive Comments: I’ll try to be as helpful as possible. I always say a lot depends on the musicians’ goals – commercial hit or art song? I loved some of the instrumental choices here particularly the use of horns. It adds flavor and interest. Nice flow changes and rhythmic buoyancy.

Constructive Comments: Now for the sticking points (these are the observations that were most helpful to me as I progressed)At 4:49 the song is quite long if commercial appeal is your goal. I cut my teeth on every sub-genre of rock as a teen. There is also a very long outro and a lengthy solo which is not en vogue at this time. Again if this is an art song then no problem there.Lyrics could use some work. They are serviceable but with the huge choices competing for listeners attention you have to ask your self “what am I saying that they haven’t heard before?” Reach for surprises or unusual references. Sheila Davis’ book The Craft of Lyric Writing will give you some great examples and direction.Keep on making music. I hope I was of some help.

Broadjam Artist: Bob Birthisel
Song: Leave Ohio Behind

Reviewer: David Watson

Positive Comments: What a great tune!!

Constructive Comments: Keep on a going man!!

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

Reviewer: David Watson

Positive Comments: Nice sounds

Constructive Comments: Keep up the great work

Broadjam Artist: Mark S. Ludes (MSL)
Song: A Shot of Luck

Reviewer: David Watson

Positive Comments: Nice melody

Constructive Comments: Keep up the great work

Broadjam Artist: Dale Lawrence
Song: ONE SOLDIER AT A TIME (demo)

Reviewer: David Watson

Positive Comments: Nice work!

Constructive Comments: Love you chord progressions man!!

Broadjam Artist: Greg Lambert
Song: Guitar Man (Instrumental)

Reviewer: David Watson

Positive Comments: Nice riffs!

Constructive Comments: Nice job man!! Keep on it!

Broadjam Artist: Jeana Potthoff
Song: Bright Skies Ahead

Reviewer: MGB

Positive Comments: Very pleasing and soothing piano work and a really nice flow make this a very enjoyable listen. Very good arrangement. The strings add so much good texture to it.

Constructive Comments: Nice piece. Hope you can find a placement for it.