Month: October 2020

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

Reviewer: Bob Birthisel

Positive Comments: WOW WOW WOW – I haven’t given this high a score on Broadjam in quite a while, but this is a sensational little song. Great voice, excellent playing, it almost reminds me of acoustic Gregg Allman at certain points (which is a REALLY good thing).

Constructive Comments: If this song had a memorable hook, it would be picked up by any Music Supervisor who heard it. Brilliant work — I just have no idea what the name of it is, and there’s not a “sing-along” moment that would push it to radio. But I loved it regardless!

Broadjam Artist: Jeff Ashbaker
Song: Riding My Way

Reviewer: Bob Birthisel

Positive Comments: Very traditional sound. I’d love to hear this with pedal steel or fiddle added as well. The band sounds very tight which is a major plus, and the chord progression fits with the lyrics well.

Constructive Comments: For me, the harmonies could have been smoothed out and blended a bit more, but nice song. The only real downside from a commercial standpoint is a 30-second intro. Most music supervisors won’t wait that long to find out what the song is about.

Broadjam Artist: Ante Novaselic
Song: POW

Reviewer: Bob Birthisel

Positive Comments: This has a nice retro 80s vibe. I think it would benefit from re-categorizing as R&B or Pop, as it’s much closer to a late-disco era sound than Rock. Well-played instruments and a fun listen.

Constructive Comments: For my taste it sounds almost more dated than retro, so I’m guessing this is an older recording. But a toe-tapping vibe all around.

Broadjam Artist: Jonathan Le Vay
Song: New Spirit

Reviewer: Bob Birthisel

Positive Comments: Very interesting – great bass work and plenty of cool dynamics throughout. It brings the funk for sure, and is an intriguing chord progression. Fun listen!

Constructive Comments: At times I almost felt like there were too many dynamics, instead of finding a groove and driving it. I think a re-mix would do a world of good on this tune as well. The instruments all sound separated instead of a blend – maybe that’s intentional, but I’d prefer more continuity. Still a great little song.

Broadjam Artist: John Francis Cooper
Song: Until We Meet Again

Reviewer: Bob Birthisel

Positive Comments: I like the tone on the guitar, and what was played was done well. This seems to be clearly a home demo, which reminds me a bit of “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” by The Stones at times. With some work it has potential.

Constructive Comments: Cardinal Sin of any instrumental — make sure your instrument is IN TUNE! This was difficult to listen to being almost there, but not quite, so I didn’t even grade it on marketability. Without re-recording with full spot-on tuning, it won’t matter how it’s played.

Broadjam Artist: Mark S. Ludes (MSL)
Song: You Want Love

Reviewer: Bob Birthisel

Positive Comments: This song has some interesting features. I felt like I was listening to a Queen song that refused to go up-tempo, but the harmonies were very nice and the overall keyboard sound was lush and rich. Definitely a fun listen throughout.

Constructive Comments: I marked it as semi-non-commercial because Music Supervisors won’t listen to 56-secons of intro with no idea what the song is about. Maybe do an edited version as well?

Broadjam Artist: Felice Kaye-Cooper / Songwriter
Song: You Looked Into My Eyes/Vocal by Phoebe Blume

Reviewer: Bob Birthisel

Positive Comments: This has a dramatic element which is clearly based off Queen’s sound and crafting, without ever going “big” with guitars and drums. The vocal is very good and I enjoyed the listen for sure.

Constructive Comments: I felt (comparing it to a Queen song) it needed to go somewhere new – like explode into a new dynamic or something. But for a quieter piece it was very melodic and I liked the vibe overall.

Broadjam Artist: Barry Osbourn
Song: Midnight Break

Reviewer: Bob Birthisel

Positive Comments: This has a retro feel and a very nice bass line. I liked the B3 style organ deep in the background. Fun listen!

Constructive Comments: It’s a lot of keyboards for my taste, and a bit more varied instrumentation would hold the listener better. Also a few more drum kicks and fills instead of just passive timekeeping (but I’m a 20+ year drummer, so I’m a bit prejudiced). Still enjoyed it a lot and the world needs more funk.

Broadjam Artist: Nigel Barrett
Song: Zimbabwe

Reviewer: B.Still

Positive Comments: An excellent take on the human condition. the lyric is really quite nicely constructed. The recording is produced very well, and I believe with the right marketing, this song has excellent potential. The feel and flavor remind me of Level 42…great bass players align. I really do like the instrumentation…the synth pads play well together. Well done Nigel!

Constructive Comments: There’s nothing wrong with this one. I did hear some pitchy moments in the vocals, but most people won’t notice…they don’t have the ears for it. I did listen quite a few times because I liked it very much. I’d also suggest that the intro might be shorter, and lastly I’d suggest that the percussion be fleshed out a bit with fills…it does tend to sound looped and it’s easily done…just opinions here…the song is great!

Broadjam Artist: Adam Avery
Song: The Gift (Featuring Julia Schmidt)

Reviewer: Bob Birthisel

Positive Comments: Very nice Gospel touch. Reminds me of something Mark Cohn might write, and it’s quite melodic and a great listen. Well done across the board. Nice use of dynamics, too.

Constructive Comments: The backing vocal harmony and echo didn’t work for me as much – I think a full harmony chorus behind would be richer….even just “ooohs” would fill out the sound. Being a drummer, I felt the snare was a bit too far back based on the thin tone but overall EXCELLENT song!