Month: October 2020

Broadjam Artist: MGB
Song: COLD LONELY HOUSE

Reviewer: Monday Funeral

Positive Comments: This is an exceptionally clean arrangement. The production value is very, very strong. I would be shocked if this wouldn’t get picked up for commercial use. The text is strong, as I love the image of the cold house. It resonates. The singing is fluid and very much in tune. There is nothing musically that is not working in terms of intonation and arrangement and feel. The word “clean” is what I keep coming back to. The musicianship is extremely strong overall, and I can tell I’m listening to pros.

Constructive Comments: The main thing I want is more soul. As a singer myself, it feels like the singer is holding something back. It might be because he is trying to really fit this country style? And it sounds a bit fake to me, ie the vocal fry at the starts of phrases. I would love to be in the room with the singer, and ask him to really just take risks and let it rip. I feel this is the X factor to making this recording something really special. I think this song could really use piano. Once the drums kicked in, I really like the idea of some piano chords helping to drive the rhythm of it. In addition, I like the idea of making it a little bit more alt country. I feel this would fit the singer. I’m hearing some raw, distorted guitar coming in at some point after the forward motion is built. This would be nothing overpowering, but I feel would help build with what you have here. Overall, while everything sounds perfect, I feel the recording is almost too perfect. There is a lack of something real and a spark inherent in a more live performance. I think giving the singer more freedom to really let go is critical. Realize, this is a strong critique, because the quality of what is here is so good.

Broadjam Artist: MGB
Song: COLD LONELY HOUSE

Reviewer: Monday Funeral

Positive Comments: This is an exceptionally clean arrangement. The production value is very, very strong. I would be shocked if this wouldn’t get picked up for commercial use. The text is strong, as I love the image of the cold house. It resonates. The singing is fluid and very much in tune. There is nothing musically that is not working in terms of intonation and arrangement and feel. The word “clean” is what I keep coming back to. The musicianship is extremely strong overall, and I can tell I’m listening to pros.

Constructive Comments: The main thing I want is more soul. As a singer myself, it feels like the singer is holding something back. It might be because he is trying to really fit this country style? And it sounds a bit fake to me, ie the vocal fry at the starts of phrases. I would love to be in the room with the singer, and ask him to really just take risks and let it rip. I feel this is the X factor to making this recording something really special. I think this song could really use piano. Once the drums kicked in, I really like the idea of some piano chords helping to drive the rhythm of it. In addition, I like the idea of making it a little bit more alt country. I feel this would fit the singer. I’m hearing some raw, distorted guitar coming in at some point after the forward motion is built. This would be nothing overpowering, but I feel would help build with what you have here. Overall, while everything sounds perfect, I feel the recording is almost too perfect. There is a lack of something real and a spark inherent in a more live performance. I think giving the singer more freedom to really let go is critical. Realize, this is a strong critique, because the quality of what is here is so good.

Broadjam Artist: Dave Haddad (CenterPeace)
Song: The Creator

Reviewer: Jenny McGregor

Positive Comments: A great track that had me bopping. Loved the bongo and the dreamy section in the middle, which gave it great variety. Loved the electric guitar with the beats too- reminded me a little bit of the sounds of Enigma. The choir vocals also gave it that dreamy feel. I could see myself chilling out at the beach enjoying listening to this track on a summer’s day. Great stuff!

Constructive Comments: Not much to add really- possibly would like to hear more from this artist, maybe with some vocals- (even just aaaahhh’s and ooooh’s in harmony- not necessarily lyrics). Not to say I didn’t like this just as an instrumental too- I just can’t submit this review without constructive comments apparently!!!

Broadjam Artist: Ante Novaselic
Song: Strychnine

Reviewer: Jenny McGregor

Positive Comments: I really liked this unique piece of music- in particular the pizzicato strings. They added a wonderful element of suspense and excitement. This piece really told a story and the music drew me in so much that I wanted to know what that story was! Lovely notes to finish.

Constructive Comments: Not much to add really- I guess maybe could have been longer… purely because I wanted to hear more!

Broadjam Artist: Simpson-Mancine Productions
Song: Walks with Grace

Reviewer: Monday Funeral

Positive Comments: Really like the opening, I was immediately engaged much more than normal. I’m a big fan of the arpeggiated guitar and the whole flow of this piece. Singing is exceptional, and wonderfully unique to me. I’m hearing something vocally that reminds me of the 90’s/2000’s “rock” or “metal” but with a lyricism and maturity and legato that is really balanced and beautiful. The instrumentation is great, it serves the song really well. The guitar work after 2:30, on the slide, was perfect. You are to my ears pros and keep on keeping on. Really, really good and something special here.

Constructive Comments: I found myself waiting for a few things…1) I would love to hear the singer close a phrase, maybe right before the short bridge at 2:15, going into his falsetto and just popping up an octave on the final note. To me the sweetness would match the lyrical content. 2) I feel the bridge at 2:15 is a little awkward. I don’t think it’s needed, I’d go right into the slide solo. 3) I realize this is a flowing song, more about feel and text than “tune,” but it would be STELLAR if there was a nice little hook, or even a close to each phrase, that is memorable. And then the guitar solo could mimic it a bit? As great as I found this song, if there was some type of short vocal melody to cling to, it would make it a song I’d want to listen to again with urgency.

Broadjam Artist: Jeff Ashbaker
Song: When I Think I Should Forgive You

Reviewer: MGB

Positive Comments: Well instrumented and heart felt piece with pleasing vocals. Captures the essence of what classical country is all about.

Constructive Comments: Good tune.

Broadjam Artist: Vi: 00110110
Song: Good Eatz (2019 Instrumental demo)

Reviewer: Lawrence K. Bodien

Positive Comments:

Constructive Comments:

Broadjam Artist: Randall Mark
Song: Wonder Boy (alternate)

Reviewer: Jenny McGregor

Positive Comments: A beautiful song, with beautiful lyrics and a beautiful voice. I really enjoyed this track and was singing along towards the end. It has a catchy hook, a sweet melody, lovely piano and flute. Female vocals reminded me a bit of that of Sara Watkins from Nickel Creek, who I love- candy for the ears!

Constructive Comments: Not much to add really. Whilst I thought the instruments sounded fine, I guess you could always improve in this area- ie more sophisticated guitar- a few more real instruments (wasn’t sure if the flute was live or keyboard?) However, that is not to say this didn’t sound lovely as is.

Broadjam Artist: Thierry Coupey
Song: Quand Decembre Emporte (Movie Theme)

Reviewer: Ante Novaselic

Positive Comments: I like this mellow tune. It’s the first song of many that I have reviewed that actually belongs in the New Age genre. So many of them have not! Nice relaxed arraignment supported by an excellent choice of instruments used in the song especially the chill flute and I also really liked the percussion/rhythm. Was that sequenced? I enjoyed the short little transitions between parts with the acoustic guitar strums. Very cool!!

Constructive Comments: Good tune. To my ears the mix could be improved but that is a matter of personal taste.

Broadjam Artist: Kathyjo Varco
Song: Main Attraction

Reviewer: Jenny McGregor

Positive Comments: Great track- I really liked this. Female vocal was excellent- lovely voice. Lyrics were catchy and well put together. Instrumentation all fit really well together, with some cool synth sounds. I liked the variation in musicality- moments where there were pauses and instruments came out and in- meant it kept it exciting throughout. It’s a hit!

Constructive Comments: Not much to say really- maybe you could flesh out the chorus ever so slightly with some more instruments and possibly add in something (instrument-wise) on the final chorus that the listener hasn’t heard before.