Month: May 2021

Broadjam Artist: Jeff Ashbaker
Song: Maybe

Reviewer: SKY HIGH MUSIC LABS

Positive Comments: Every time I hear you sing, reminds of my younger days in Elko Nevada

Constructive Comments: Love it, what more can I say…..

Broadjam Artist: Greg Lambert
Song: Shut Yer Yap

Reviewer: SKY HIGH MUSIC LABS

Positive Comments: A little ZZ Top……….. cool…..

Constructive Comments: I wouldn’t change a thing

Broadjam Artist: John Hazlett
Song: No Longer Home

Reviewer: SKY HIGH MUSIC LABS

Positive Comments: I’n not sure what country I’m in but I like it

Constructive Comments: I would like to be able to know where I’m at…. Japan? somewhere in Indonesia? If that’s the case, then some added local instruments. then we got a complete vibe……..

Broadjam Artist: Kate Carpenter
Song: I Know that the Lord is Great

Reviewer: SKY HIGH MUSIC LABS

Positive Comments: You always do it….. you are dependable…. always great

Constructive Comments: I with you….. nothing more to add

Broadjam Artist: John Hazlett
Song: At Last I Know

Reviewer: jim Finan

Positive Comments: You’ve got it down! Nice to hear this style not neccesarily played by a carousel. I always wondered.”what the heck kind of music is that? It does not synchronize exactly with the rise and fall of the horses.” How surreal it is, but we accept it as normal when youre very young. And why not? Sounds like maybe something from the turn of the last century played on the “boardwalk”. Original phrasing somewhat still acceptable to the listener as being normal, but yet is sometimes irregular in length or is interupted at a somewhat unconventional time. A wonderful type ragtime songs with a slite twist here or there.Its perfectly good however as the feel is universal and the composer dictates their own rules. The chords are very much in keeping with a standard ragtime progression broken up with some rhythmical statements to accent the style more. I like the feel a lot and hope there is more of this type comming because its style is uniquely fun to hear and “bounce” to ! In spite of what the stiff horses may do. VERY GOOD, chord progressions seem very smooth and orthodox to sloghtly out of tune upright piano too! Pianos were the standard universal instrument and every home almost had one. The Rhytmn was pronounced with heavy chord striking to get the feel of pulsating with the sound!The “Gay Nineties” (happy) are back again! 1890’s. Up to the 1930’s even.

Constructive Comments: Sounds like maybe something from the turn of the last century played on the “boardwalk”. Sounds like maybe something from the turn of the last century played on the “boardwalk”. Original rag phrasing somewhat biut still acceptable to the listener is neing normal, but yet is sometimes irregular in length or is interupted at a somewhat unconventional time. Comparing to similar type ragtime songs with a strict structure. Its perfectly good however as the feel is universally normal. The chords are very much in keeping with a standard ragtime progression broken up with some rhythmical statements to accent the style more. I like the feel a lot and hope there is more of this type comming because its style is uniquely fun to hear and “bounce” to ! VERY GOOD. Comparing to similar type ragtime songs it fits in and adds its own unique flare!The chords are very much in keeping with a standard ragtime progression broken up with some rhythmical statements to accent the style more. I like the feel a lot and hope there is more of this type comming because its style is uniquely fun to hear and “bounce” to ! Next I think you could try a “cakewalk” style that has its rgthmn turned around and upside down! Difficult to dance to at first because of its backwards turning feel. After some sloppy movements, the”cakewalk” gets born! Find me some spats and cane! Got some struttin to do!

Broadjam Artist: Fred Kimmel
Song: Exotica

Reviewer: Tony Tersmette

Positive Comments: Underlying rhythmic pulse is good. Percussive elements, bass interesting. The Rhodes-ish keys sound good.I would like to be grabbed by melody at :16, but it doesn’t quite happen. Variety of sounds is good overall, but synth patch at :31 and later, for instance, could have been more interesting, imho. Changes at 1:04 and 2:31 show most promise…

Constructive Comments: I think melody is the main area where improvement is needed. Does the listener leave this piece and find him/herself humming any of it later? Is the melody the main thing that stays with the listener after hearing this, or not? — Again, the underlying pulse is strong, but I think perhaps more of the piece’s overall forward momentum might be better reflected in the overarching melodies (I say ‘overarching’, but the melodic components here are rather subdued). — I hope this helps. Keep at it, yer almost there! 🙂

Broadjam Artist: Delta Burnett Reed
Song: Do You Hear What I Hear

Reviewer: jim Finan

Positive Comments: A landscape is unfolding with pleasant unique sounds with piano answering the soft guitar statement. Until…a beautiful female voice with excellent vibraro presents a well known song……. and showcased with wonderful instruments.The background voices support the melody tastefully. Truly an excellent arrangement intertwining with the voice! Good buildup of sounds gradually to a highest peak!! Appropriate material!

Constructive Comments: Would have enjoyed hearing the background voices appear with a little melody or statement on its own too. ……and a little interlude to color the whole journey. How abou even an answering melody in different languages stateing the same words for a wifer audience even.( if one is wanted!?). This is entirely great on its own and you have a unique rendition fit for a King!!

Broadjam Artist: Benjamin Stone
Song: PRAIRIE MEDITATION 7: THE GENTLE RAINS COME

Reviewer: jim Finan

Positive Comments: Beginning with motif.thats good…. exploding instrumental answering. A light orchestral accopaniement and then Piizzicato accompaniment with string bass support blending very nicely. And then….. Heavy bass drum! (Who woke them up?!) seems like a heavy counterpart is beginning…..but instead a light continuation of the previous type keeps going lightly, and then a change of key,which is excellent timing here! Interesting development. Love the ending. It leaves you with a calm overall demeanor! Great taste!The melody only seems to be missing development, but the variety of instrument going in and out IS THE DEVELOPMENT! Ok, thats good. Like the harmonic sections entering the fray, and get their statements heard. Excellent arrangement!!

Constructive Comments: Bass drum not muffled sounds a bit amateurishly ringing. ( just my opinion thats all) Seems like many attemps at complete development begin but interruption made with rhythmicMelody gets scattered a bit but recovers with some solo bits and layering accompaniment which is interesting but maybe doesnt seem to mature very much. The orchestration is excellent and diversity is present throughout. Harnonic basses together are a rich addition. Maybe a more extended flow of ideas making them part of the “family” display and make them all together! A presentation super as is to the composers likeing.

Broadjam Artist: VOYA
Song: Ali Baba

Reviewer: jim Finan

Positive Comments: Interesting intro setting the eastern stage for a haunting melody bordering too with latin feel taking over with a flute setting back in easten mode. What a great combination of styles that can even proceed more to mix both styles together if wanted. Did latin players interpret the theme? So interesting. I like this fusion myself!

Constructive Comments: Great job and creative talent to mix styles subtly and non dramatically. I think each style could be expanded even so that a dancer would not know whether to keep the long garments with beads, or slip into a pleated shirt and pants to latinize their dance! Longer phrases would help them develop a performance that would stun the other dancers around. Soon it will catch on!

Broadjam Artist: John Hazlett
Song: 1st Piano Concerto 1st Movement

Reviewer: jim Finan

Positive Comments: Good theme at beginning and some layering of strings and other instruments.syncopation used to change the rhthmic patterns nicely.counterpoint beginning at introduction that adds interest and supports the quality of the melody. A difgerent melody introduced after a nice pause to grow attention on new segment.. a higher texture is added to the general theme especially at the end. Double ending to clarify that this is the end! Nice surprise completed!

Constructive Comments: . A very healthy rhythmic pattern set at the beginning setting off more instruments with a like pattern. To sustain the direction it could support a melodic change and counter instrumental patterns more to generate a picure that is ever enlarging. Perhaps a new instrument introduced will support the strong piano part. The strings, while fitting well with a line sustained,could perhaps add a little harmonic development and contribute some counter melody even more. It is up to you if any of this fits,and your decision and style will be your own. It stands ready with this! Very good job!