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Music Review: Abracadabra  

 Review
ABRACADABRA

Overall Impression:   "Abracadabra" is a magical new release from prolific New Jersey singer/songwriter Jeff Hartman. This mid tempo track  features a sleek, modern production style. Crisp programmed drums provide a tight shuffle groove that's reinforced by soulful acoustic guitar and state-of-the-art synths, while a far-off saxophone adds additional color. Hartman's lyrical wizardry is on full display here, as he pines for the wonder of days gone by in his mellifluous tenor vocal. Contemporary and alternative pop/rock audiences absolutely need to check out Jeff Hartman's "Abracadabra", set to debut on his upcoming album titled Brayden Lee.


Strongest Point(s):   Brilliant production, outstanding mix. Excellent clarity, staging and tonal balance. Fantastic song structure, love the Middle-Eastern inspired hook as well as the bridge that provides wonderful contrast. Innovative production technique, creative use of filters. Nice beat design, has a great "three against two" feel to it. Guitar sounds incredible, super groovy. Terrific synth choices. The sax in the rear of the mix was another great choice. Vocals sound amazing, nice performance and production there. Lyrics are wistful and playful, should resonate strongly with adult audiences. All in all, this is another fine bit of song craft in a fully contemporary style that should have no problem attracting listeners!


Target Audience Appeal:   Fans of Pop/Rock, Contemporary Pop/Rock, Alternative Pop/Rock, Indie/Alternative Rock, Adult Alternative, Neo-Soul

 

Music Review: Space Cowboy  

Review
CRYING ME BACK HOME

Overall Impression: Opening with a gorgeous guitar melody, Crying Me Back Home nestles in the tenderest area of the heart. This is a slow moving song destined to well up some strong emotions from all who listen. It lives in the fear, regret, and sadness a father feels for being absent to his son. It despises the selfishness and ultimately decides to make things better and go back home. While the lyrical content is intense, Crying Me Back Home is an easy listen. Featuring beautiful harmonies in the chorus, the vocals seem to come from a place of authentic love and care. They are gentle and completely moving. The final verse is one of the most emotional sections of Hartman's recent output. It is the final push that will bring tears to the eyes of many. With Crying Me Back Home, Jeff Hartman reveals a touching and completely vulnerable side to his fine musicianship.


Strongest Point(s): There are so many strong points with Crying Me Back Home. All of the pieces seem to work toward the same goal. The vocal approach, orchestration, and music all lift up the message and mood of the lyrics. The brief introduction immediately sets a tender tone, and the rest of the piece just takes off in the same direction. After listening to this song, one may feel a flurry of emotions - sadness, awe, love, etcetera. It is a sign that Jeff Hartman has created something very special with Crying Me Back Home.


Target Audience Appeal: Fans of Ballads and Pop will enjoy Crying Me Back Home by Jeff Hartman.

Music Review: Space Cowboy  

Review
SPACE COWBOY


Overall Impression:
Taken from his upcoming album "Brayden Lee", Jeff Hartman's "Space Cowboy" aims to whisk listeners off on a fantastical journey way past the stratosphere and deep into the heart of the cosmos. Storytelling has always been a strong element of Jeff's writing and whilst he's in no way afraid to delve into a wide array of thought-provoking and contemplative subject matters, he's equally enthusiastic about exploring some particularly fantastical topics, and in the case of his atmosphere-inducing, energy-fueling rocker "Space Cowboy", that would be the heroic, adventure-filled escapades of a lone space captain and the various impending dangers that loom closer. This wouldn't be a Jeff Hartman tune without a compelling, highly melodic vocal performance at its front and center and Jeff injects a certain introspective, tonal nuance into the lyrics of "Space Cowboy" that help elevate them past their more exuberant qualities - combine this with the excellent splicing together of electro-styled percussive elements, funk-laced guitar work, and alternative rock leanings and the end result is another highly memorable, body-swaying listening experience that blasts its audience way past the stars and into the deep recesses of space.


Strongest Point(s):
I may be starting to sound somewhat like a broken record by now, but facts are facts and Jeff delivers yet another thoroughly absorbing piece of songwriting that bears both his signature vocal process and unequivocally versatile songwriting skills. Between the diverse sounds created by his deft genre-weaving and effective instrumental layering, "Space Cowboy" boasts a richly detailed, sonically fitting arrangement and mix that fits the tone of the lyrics extremely well. Between the ambiance-creating sound design, enveloping synth textures, momentum-creating beats, and free-flowing nature of the arrangement, each and every element is working in perfect tandem with one another in order to create a vivid and well-realized world that is an absolute joy to get swept up in. Is this another home run for Jeff? I most certainly think so!


Target Audience Appeal:
"Space Cowboy" is a solid alternative rock tune and it will undoubtedly appeal to lovers of the genre.
 

Music Review: Imposter  

 Review
Imposter

Overall Impression: With a slight tongue in cheek, Imposter by Jeff Hartman makes the listener wonder "Who is this guy?". It has a massive sound that pulls influence from Latin Pop, Afrobeat, and Soft Rock, making it perfect for fans of Adult Contemporary and Pop. Cleverly written, the lyrics tell of a singer who needs to change his look and identity to become more marketable and successful. He must become more sexy and youthful, an imposter of himself. Fans of Hartman's other work will immediately notice the parallels between these lyrics and the overall sound of this tune. It seems Hartman has taken on a new persona to make Imposter work. While it is a bit of a musical departure from his other output, Imposter is incredibly exciting, catchy and a great listen all around.


Strongest Point(s): There is so much going on with this cool new tune. The vocals are activated with a stylish rhythmic approach in the verses, yet retain a memorable melody in the chorus. There is an absolutely fantastic build up that explodes after the bridge. It makes the song an exciting listen from beginning to end. The high intensity beat immediately ignites a physical reaction from the listener. This tune could be played in a club, arena, or outdoor concert and still be wildly effective.


Target Audience Appeal: Fans of Adult Contemporary and Pop will enjoy Imposter by Jeff Hartman.


Artist target suggestions: Barry Manilow, Pink Martini, Matchbox Twenty, Rob Thomas, Maroon 5, Ricky Martin, Ed Sheeran, Michael McDonald, Bryan Adams, Rod Stewart, Neil Diamond, Burt Bacharach

Music Review: "Even Though"  

RadioAirplay.com Review
Even Though

Overall Impression: A rumbling and tumbling ball of life, Even Though by Jeff Hartman nearly bursts with energy. From the first few moments it feels like the listener needs to jog to keep up with the infectious guitar groove. The drums and percussion color the musical foundation with a wild spirit that makes everything more fun. Lyrically, this tune clings to hope and longs for the attention and affection of a particular someone. It captures a feeling many of us have felt, despite the warnings from our friends. Particular to Even Though are the repeated lyrics in the chorus. Listeners will have no choice but to honor the impulse to sing along. All in all, Even Though by Jeff Hartman has more than enough groove, relatability, and life to stick with all who tune in.


Strongest Point(s): It is hard to get over how cool the groove in this tune is. It has such a fun personality and really makes the song stand out. The production level is also quite high, and is very easy on the ears. Hartman has done a fine job of blending a few different styles/eras of Rock without any seams or rough edges.


Target Audience Appeal: Fans of Pop Rock, and Adult Contemporary will dig Even Though by Jeff Hartman.


Artist target suggestions: Max Martin, Ed Sheeran, Dave Matthews Band, Paul Simon, U2, The Police, Phil Collins, Bryan Adams, Barry Manilow, Rod Stewart, Sting, Toto, Counting Crows, Mr. Big, The Goo Goo Dolls, Dashboard Confessional
 

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