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Very nice job on "No Ordinary Blue." Played flawlessly. You're just a regular Paul Simon on that guitar, aren't you? Your vocals compliment and express the style of that song very well.
Wow! Thank you for the terrific review of "Nature of the Game." That was just the boost I needed today. I'm still playing "Circles." It is such a great song!
Hey John "Nature of the Game" is incredible my friend. A chart topper if I ever heard one. Great work by all involved. I'm still working on "Circles" I spent the morning arranging the vocals for a better fit also shortened the intro which I think works better.
Very well done on "Nothing Left to Chance," buddy! Also, your instrumental version shows off your composition skills that makes the vocal version memorable.
Hi, Jeana! You're back in great form with "I'll Never Forget You." That's a beautifully composed and memorable tune! Also, thank you for the stars on "If the World Ends." I made a video of that, too. Robert, Bob, and I finally got a good country vocalist to do "Nature of the Game" and I replaced the track on my page. So far things are going along peacefully here. Sometimes I sleep an extra hour in the morning, so Meka jumps on the bed, meows in my ear and demands I get up. So I pet him for several minutes and he falls asleep! I see Scott made a video for "Circles" so I'll see what he did. Happy to connect with you again! Your friend, John
Hi John--thanks for the stars and listening to "I'll Never Forget You". You've been doing some great collabs with Robert and Bob. I'm glad Meka is sounding more at home in CA every day. It sounds like it's a peaceful place. Good to hear from you. Your friend, Jeana P
"Une Vie Merveilleuse" is intriguing. How did you come up with that classic styled arrangement and lyrics? When I reviewed it I would have never guessed it came from you. Quite the versatile set of songs you have. Ever hear of the Electronica French group, Air? They are very melodic with their pop skills mixed with techno. French and English lyrics scattered. They were influenced by Burt Bacharach. If you happen to look them up, listen to the album "Moon Safari."
Hi, John, Thank you. I just wanted to write a romantic song. I think French songs are very romantic. My own French is pretty rusty so I wrote it in English, then used a translator. I contacted a colleague in France to review it and ensure it was a credible translation. I will definitely listen to Moon Safari. Thank you again. Doreen
Hi, Daniel! It's always a good thing to come across a songwriter and musician who listens and gives a thoughtful review. I've often told people that by far most important to songwriting is the base melody and words. Without a terrific base there, no amount of production can help it. I can see you know the importance of that. It makes your take on production more interesting. On "Nature of the Game," you have the perception to see that the live feel could be lost in slick production and that's what we struggled with. One person gave it a raw but muddy production, but the punch really came out. The more polished one is perhaps more palatable to music producers, but some of the punch gets lost. So we don't need to be concerned with the music and words since those are very strong, but it's the refining of the production to keep it feeling live but to bring it out more. Thank you for the listen! I listened to "Getting Good" and it's a very engaging and interesting arrangement of really good sounds with much variety. Of course, a very well written song with a chorus that sticks! Post some more! John
Hi John, Thank you so much for your thoughtful and detailed feedback. I really appreciate you taking the time to share your perspective, it means a lot coming from someone with your experience. I completely understand what you're saying about "Nature of the Game" and the balance between keeping the live feel and refining the production. It's a delicate line to walk, and your insights about punch versus polish really resonate with me. It's encouraging to know that the strength of the music and words stands on its own, while the production can enhance without overshadowing that live energy. I'm thrilled to hear your thoughts on Getting Good! Your comment about the arrangement and the chorus really motivates me to keep posting and sharing more work. I'll definitely continue to put out new material, and I'd love to hear your thoughts on future songs as well. Lets keep in touch! Thanks again for your generosity and thoughts it's inspiring to hear feedback like this. Best regards, Daniel
Sure will, Daniel! I'll send a friend request. Thanks much for your thoughtful friendly reply! John
Hey John thanks so much for the great review of "Circles" my friend. Reviews like yours are hard to come by and always refreshing to read. I'm considering a vocalist for this one but the cost is a problem however we shall see. haha
The cost is always the problem. But now scamming is a big problem. Robert Quigley and I look for good reputable vocalists who are cheap. If I come across one who really does the job, I'll let you know right away. You're much welcome for the review. I do everything to call it out like it is. The one thing really missing from reviewers I've read is that they can't get past production to really hear the base words and music. I'd rather write great songs than to be any good at being a producer!
Thanks so much for your excellent review of It Feels So Wrong. Doreen & William
"Circles" is a great song, Scott! The lilting melody and guitar riffs have more hooks than a tackle shop! Lyrically FUN! Really fits the Jamaican influenced mood of the tune. It's one of those catchy fun tunes that I just have to play again and again!
Thanks so much John for the listen and the kind words greatly appreciated my friend. Really digging the final version of Nature of the Game what a great song.
"Atmospheric" has a lovely minimalist sound much like Aphex Twin, calm, moody, reflective. You have a lot of very good electronica instrumentals. I was interested, too, in "Arizona" since I lived there for 25 years. I see you had a major dusting there a couple of weeks ago. "It's a Secret" has terrific female vocals and your rock instrumentals like "Fun and Cool" shine. I saw that I had "If the World Ends" on your Best of list which I thank you very much for. Coming from you, that's a high compliment! I hope all is going well for you. You certainly have excellent sounds for the markets you're into. John
Thank you for the king words and support John! LC Team
Hi, Doreen and William. It's refreshing to see a couple of songwriters with the same political views as my own! Thank you for listening to and reviewing "If the World Ends." I'm finding it's a song that people either love or hate, the other one being "Equal!" I'm late on my responses because we get distracted (even ill) from the stressful daily onslaught of news. We never thought our country could be taken over and ravaged like this, and to see the pensions and health we worked for on the chopping block! She was a teacher and I was a graphic designer for the State of Arizona. We moved last year to California which we like much better. You have some songs that really cut to the chase and I like that...some of which I think you could put on a compilation album called, "Music is Not for Sissies!" You have several gentle and lovely songs that balance out and that is much of what songwriting is about...expressing all the aspects of life. "Bathroom Blues," "Shame on You," "Old as Dirt" certainly resonate. I see you have some more very interesting titles. Thanks for enjoying what I wrote! I'll have to come back here. John
What a nice message, John. We have been trying to find a way to have our voices heard in this chaotic Bedlam happening in the US. Sometimes I wish we would write more "symbolically" but the fact is we've always been pretty direct in saying what we mean so we do, I guess, cut to the chase. I'm glad you're happy in CA. I'm embarrassed that we're in Florida. Best to you both and thanks again, Doreen & William
You may be among the few in Florida who are sensible. We can understand having lived in Arizona. Texas has overtaken Florida in a heated race to be the most stupid state in the nation. Arizona ("Can't have crazy without AZ") trailed. We moved because Phoenix became too dangerous and aggressive...and the conservatism is far beyond sane. Well, as lyrics go, I take a very unpopular stand but lyrics AREN'T everything. My songs are largely autobiographical and lyrically simple and conversational. I often tell people I don't write lyrics, I just write words. There's something to be said for being direct! Most people hear the melody first and try to figure out the rest of the lyrics afterwards, perhaps by looking up an online lyric sheet. If the melody matches the mood of the story, that's what carries it emotionally. John
There is nothing sane about what's happening. Let's hope for improvement! Thanks
"Chasing Shadows" is lovely and has just enough of a hint of suspense so that it doesn't lose the beauty of the composition. It's very masterful!
Thanks so much John! I really appreciate you listening to my song and providing a comment to me about it. I hope that your new home in California is working out well for you!
Hi, Barry. Excellent and precise review of "If the World Ends." Like you, I'll admit to personal picky preferences and yours are definitely valid...and you give examples which is a plus. I really like such ideas as "shoreline shrinks." I would have liked to have met you before completing the song, though songs do grow with time. A story I remember: Gerry Beckley's original lyric in "Sister Golden Hair" was, "Will you meet me in Virginia, Will you meet me when I'm there." When Jackson Browne sang it with him, Brown changed it to, "Will you meet me in the middle, Will you meet me in the air." Gerry liked it. Anyway, kudos to your excellent songwriting and mindful reviews! John
I like that example... "meet me in the middle" could be anyone's "Virginia" and thus a more universal song... Keep creating!!
Hey, Barry. "Last of Me" has a brilliant chorus that is a unique contrast to the verses. Very well done! "Susie Make a Choice" is a clever and catchy romp. Your songwriting takes clever imaginative twists and turns that stand out. I like it a lot! Terrific stuff! John
Thank you very much for the listens and the feedback---- glad to have you as an associate here!!
Hi There-- thanks for the review and positive words regarding my song "Lights in Brooklyn",,, I listened to some of your stuff, really like "Raindrop Soul"... keep creating!
Your much welcome, Barry! I gave it five stars across the board but somehow it didn't take on BJ's server software. That happens once in awhile. Thank you for the compliment on my songs and "Raindrop Soul," which I consider to be my most beautiful. I'll drop by some more.
Hey John. Thanks for your review of thank you Jesus. 2nd song i ever wrote after my decision to follow Jesus. Thanks for your appreciation of my work. I was sitting by a campfire as I wrote it. Mrs Kate
Your second song??? Took me at least a dozen tries before I wrote something up on that level. It does have that sitting by the campfire feel to it, which is pretty darned good. It's the kind of song that everyone joins in on.
Thanks my friend
Hi, Frank. Again, your terrific gift of coming up with a strong melody comes through. I've listened to "Movin' On" a few years ago. It has a great modern blues feel. Lyrically universal, or generic as some pro reviewers have said to be critical of my songs because they think descriptive imaginative lyrics are everything. They're not. Universal means more people can relate to it. That's a good thing. Lyrics have to fit the mood of the melody which yours does perfectly. Lately, I've put up "Greyhound Bus" which is okay for now but I'm going to look for a pro vocalist to do it, but that's not one of my priorities now. The words and music fit what riding on a Greyhound is like...monochromatic, like a blah journey. It goes back to my teenage days of riding between Boise and Los Angeles...and I was in a Greyhound station in Sacramento when some drunk sat next to me and got into a conversation and left to "wash my mouth out with a beer." It was 2 a.m. and bats flew inside the building and some squatty fat security guard with the most determined expression on his face scurried around with a broom trying to whack them down. In a way, it was surreal. Anyway, lots of irons in the fire now. Thanks much for the wonderful comments on "Rainflakes." I forwarded them to my wife, Lora, who penned the lyrics. As always, your songs are a delight to listen to! John
Hi John thanks for the "review" of 'Movin On'. That's a relatively new one that I did a few months ago... I appreciate your views and insight on that one! I just listened to 'Greyhound Bus' and I think that's got the makings of a great song. I really like the lyrics and I really like the musical interlude after the bridge... that was very cool! I'm going to e-mail you with an idea that you might wanna play around with for this song. Absolutely no expectations at all. I'll be in touch. As always, be and stay well. Frank
Hi, Frank. I must have listened to "Movin' On" a few months ago and thought the months had turned to years. That's what the current regime does. I read your email and that's an interesting idea. Robert Quigley played around with it a few months/years (can't remember) ago. For those of us who have gone through school and college without electronic programs, studied and did our own critical thinking, we can analyze what the programs can do and make decisions based on our education and experiences. Softwares become a tool for us. The dark side is that these days a lot of young people get through school by letting the softwares do their thinking. How many letters, papers, songs...words and music, artwork, are generated by softwares and not critically analyzed by people just wanting to get by without putting in the effort?...especially for those who have what we call "covid brain." Anyway, for those of us who have learned how to study, think, and analyze, these softwares are useful and intriguing. More on that later as I go to your email again. John
Absolutely no worries on the timeframe, days, months, years... they all are moving too fast for me these days! I totally agree with you on the value of being/knowing "schooled musicians"!! I love to learn and find solace in looking at some of these innovations as partners versus replacements. There's still no substitute for experience and putting in the work! Frank
We share a strong curiosity for experimenting and learning new things. I've used Audumee which produces AI vocals to find out how duets would work in a song. I overdubbed an AI on my own vocal on "Greyhound Bus" to find out if it would add any richness. I'll still go for the pro vocal. Waves new EQ learning plug-in comes up with a few choices that supposed wow the likes of Chris Lord-Alge and a few others who were paid to endorse it. The software gives some ideas on some but really misses on others. I still rely on my own ears. The AI generated images for music videos is a fun thing to use ("Just Another Weekend") and has instant gratification going for it more than anything. Since I'm a natural geek along with being creative, it's really interesting stuff.
Hi John, I just got done listening to Rainflakes... great song! Really great concept from beginning to end! It really was a cool kind of 70s vibe, kinda reminded me of some of the really great Crosby, Stills and Nash, and/or Seals and Crofts songs. I really like the entire approach to the vocals, and the backing vocals and harmonies very pretty. The production was spot on and helped to create the entire Rainflakes vibe. Great lyrics, great vocals, very well done! Five-stars and a Playlist Ad from me! Frank
I really have a soft spot for lush soft pop. "Walk it Back" has those beautiful haunting and contemplative arrangements. I love the transition at 1:54 to the bridge. Lyrically it is universal. Like that song from Ace, "How Long (Has this been Going on)" which is about unfaithfulness, it was about a drummer who was secretly working with another band. "Walk it Back" can be taken as a lying partner, but there's definitely something else behind it. It's a very well done song that does what it was meant to do.
Thanks so much John... very insightful as usual! Walk It Back definitely can be applied to numerous situations where a person needs to "take back" something they've said or done. It's a "softball" way to say, "Yeah, you caught me... I was wrong... I was lying...". Thanks for your analysis of the song AND the 5-star rating!! Frank
"Just Time for Me to Go"...Wow, this one is full of richness and is masterful, and connects emotionally. Your songwriting has really matured; your arrangements are sophisticated and are very listenable. Way ahead of me. I very much admire what you've been doing. Also, unlike a lot of tech savvy super arrangers, your skills aren't lost on mediocre songs. Your songs are crafted expertly with melodies and lyrics that easily reach the emotions and senses.
Thank you so much John, but you give me far too much credit! And you really need to take more credit for your skills and talent, as well as you're excellent writing and composing. I always enjoy and learn a lot from listening to your songs. Just a little bit of insight on this particular song the title Just Time For Me To Go, I crafted in my mind that "Just" Time actually means "Justified" and/or in the context of "Justice". Hence, the graphic that I created using the "scales of justice" shadowed over the "victim of manipulation" and or abuse. In all actuality, the main inspiration for me to write these lyrics was the deception, manipulation, and "abuse" that lately is so prevalent from people (politicians) in power. But I tried to craft it so it could also relate to individuals in abusive relationships. OK that's probably more than you really wanted to know! LOL Anyway, thanks again for such a meaningful review of my song! I truly appreciate the time and thoughtfulness you put into it. Be well, Frank
Frank, your description of the song tells a precise and concise story of what is happening now. We have entered the second phase of an unbelievable coup that has infiltrated all of American government, whose planning began decades ago with precision, and has been immensely successful and absolutely tragic on a scale never seen before.
John, Thank you for connecting the dots! While my messages and/or perspectives may not be as "clear" as some lyricists... especially in country music... I do try to get my point across in my own way. Thanks again for seeing my messages that reside between the lines. ;)
Hi, Frank. I'm getting to some of your songs. "Take the High Road" has a strong melody and inventive instrumentation that is beyond what I do! Great build-up: the low fuzz guitar which suggests the low road for awhile, the terrific harmonies, more instruments culminating withe the high guitar notes suggesting the uphill climb came to its glorious heights. It's really a sophisticated arrangement you put together. Very good story line with the repetitive "take the high road" making it memorable.
Thank you so much John, for your in-depth and creative "review" of my song Take the High Road! I've always appreciated the consideration and comprehensiveness of your reviews. They're creative, insightful, and meaningful. I wish everyone on Broadjam had the talent and skill that you do when providing feedback on songs. Thank you so very much for taking the time to have a listen, and to do what you do so well... make the writer/composer feel fulfilled and grateful. I'll be sure to stop by your page and have a listen to more of your music. And as always, be safe and be well. Frank
"Nature of the Game" Wow! All three of you need to take a bow on that one my friends. That's epic and I really mean that, very impressive indeed. The vocals on this one are totally on point, great tenor in the voice. Masterful.
Thank you many times over, my friend! I really like Bob's raspy everyman vocals...right on target. I woke up one morning last month with the beginning measures of that tune. I knew it was quite the earworm so I rushed to my computer to take down the notes. I had a small part of it recorded in a couple of hours and sent it right off to Bob and Robert.
Hey, Jim! "Joyride Jamboree" and "Jubilant Juke Joint" (try to say that quickly!) really move! I'd say you captured the feeling you were going for in both. You're an excellent tunesmith and arranger. Listening to your compositions are always a pleasure. I'm settled into the quiet town of Yucaipa now. John
Thanks so much John! Congratulations on your recent move to Yucaipa, hope that you enjoy your new home. -Jim
Thank you, Jim! It was definitely the right move. Yucaipa is peaceful, lovely, and enjoyable.
Scott, "Devil's on the Loose" is great! Beginning with a Metallica influenced melody line and angry riffs, it goes into a chorus that is an earworm that won't quit! Great melodic hook! As I've said, you have an ear for catchy tunes. It's like Metallica and Deep Purple got together with a classic gloomy hard metal sound. Lyrics really compliment the tune and are expertly written. In fact, I'm thinking "wow, if I could write lyrics like that!" We know exactly what you're talking about! It's poetry with grit and bite. Hats off to you, my friend!
Hey John wow I'm so happy you like it. It was a real bear to write haha I almost scraped it a few times but I'm glad I didn't. I had written a couple of pages of lyrics but they really just weren't cutting so I cleared my mind and just wrote what I felt and have been feeling for a long time now. Thanks again my friend it felt good to write something again. Crazy world Scott
Love the videos! Especially Ride the Wave. So much beautiful music I remember from so many decades ago. So glad to see you continuing to write, play, and produce videos for your music. Keep them coming! ?"?️
Thank you, Brenda! I see you've picked up the guitar. I still play like a novice and sing even worse. I just use the guitar to compose songs then I use Band in a Box (courtesy of Art Corey who is also on BJ) to arrange the songs. Then I go to FiveRR for vocalists. Finally, I mix and master the tracks. Lora and I live in Yucaipa now, southeast of San Bernardino on Interstate 10. Now that you've picked up guitar, are you discovering some interesting chords and thinking up tunes? Yep, more videos coming. Three in the works: "Stay Here Now," "Equal!," and "Raindrop Soul." Broadjam has been a fun place, especially during the pandemic years when there was nowhere else to go.
You're definitely not a novice guitarist- you have played for so long and so well, and written such beautiful songs. I'm really enjoying learning to play, but I'm not the most coordinated person so it's slow progress, but I really enjoy it. I'm looking forward to seeing the next videos (is that your artwork in the animation of them? It looks like your style.). Anyway, great hearing from you and seeing/hearing some of your latest creations. The portrait you did for me in the '80's still hangs proudly in my home.
"Elf Dust 2024" is a charming little tune. It's a versatile tune where the simplicity of it works very well yet you could have fun adding instruments as the song progresses. That's not all. It could have entirely different instruments. Some tunes are like that...they're versatile for several different treatments. But it all comes back to that you have a charming tune of itself.
Thanks John!!
Thanks John!
Great song and great mood, my friend! When you write blues rock it could easily fit in a Neil Young catalogue. Your tunes are strong and memorable. Terrific production on this one. The guitars and keyboards really come through clean. John
Thanks so much John. It's not as sad as I thought it would be but I sure felt sad writing it.
Lots of times it's the melody that contains the sadness. The melody sets the mood and fills the spaces between the words to make the song whole. You understand melody and know how to write it. It makes your songs stand out. Last week was very dark. We went back more than a hundred years.
Thanks again John for kind words. I tried some lead guitar but it just spoiled the melody.
WOW! Ride The Wave is an EXCEPTIONAL video John, well done!! Kudos, Warren
Thank you very much, buddy! We got our shopping and return package done. Now I can get back to this. I'm really happy with the video. I've got it up on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter. If only people would pay attention and view it! I'm not a marketer and 90 percent of marketers are Bozos anyway.
Hi John, glad to hear you have moved from an insecure area! Tell me about it!