Steemit Open Mic Week 52

My Top 5 In Order

As one of the 5 judges, and as an original artist also, I aim to represent the best original artists in this contest from our wonderful Steemit community. I am keeping my ears open for cover artists as well, don't worry but creating an original song is indeed impressive, especially if executed and performed well. Best of skill and performance to you all next week. This week was not too bad, I found a good amount of gems but I was expecting to see more original artists and higher quality entries this anniversary week, but there were still many talented performers who entered, so forgive me if I didn't list you, I definitely heard everyone's entries. See you next week!

1. @novumorganon's "Santeria" Cover Song
I don't remember the last time I picked a cover song for the winner's slot on my top 5 list, but man oh man, I really enjoyed your passionate singing, your memorable energy and the fact that you're having a lot of fun while giving a great performance just makes this an all around winning entry. Thank you so much for the positive vibes and sharing your gifts and talents with music. When you cranked up your voice on those transition spots, you were clutch and spot on! I shall have to go back and listen to your other post "Black" Cover when I get the chance.

@novumorganon/steemit-open-mic-night-52-santeria-cover

2. @elliotjgardner's "Snake Eyes" Cover Song
As always you bring forth another quality entry and with the four screens, it was really cool to observe the clarity and synchronized timing of all your individual recordings. That takes a good ear and inner rhythm to be able to pull off a near flawless entry such as this wonderful song. It had a nice ambience to it, deep lyrics and is pretty catchy after a few listens. Thanks for keeping the bar high with your entries, they are always a joy to listen to with your talents.

@elliotjgardner/steemit-open-mic-week-52-snake-eyes-milk-carton-kids-cover

3. @kjablonski's "Swing My Way" Original Song
You are another one of the leading artists who always brings forth soulful and heart-filled performances. It should be recognized that your passion for music translates really easily through the way you present your songs, especially your originals, and how you play and sing. The verses are very welcoming, your melodies are fun and a bit carefree, and your chorus is wonderfully sung. Even without the guitar you can hold an audience acapella. You certainly know how to create and write songs. Thanks again for sharing another gem
@kjablonski/steemit-openmic-52-original-song-swing-my-way

4. @drewley's "Drew's Blues" Original Song
Instant hit. Your originals never fail to amaze. You have the gift of music and the talent to captivate with the beautiful sounds of the piano. It is amazing how someone else can play the same instrument and not quite create memorable and profound moments such as others, and your music has a high quality edge to it. It is very well rehearsed, natural and refined. Each time you play it is like pressing play to a professional recording, and I commend you for your professionalism and your outstanding originality. Old or new, it all sounds great to me. Thanks for your many many shared gems here on Steemit. Looking forward always to more and thanks for being apart of our community.

5. @kenweiner's "Au Privave" Cover Song
Your entries are so cool to listen to. You really know how to emphasize and bring life to notes through your skillful sax playing. You have such a driving rhythm in your runs, rifting and the transitions between the mapped out head parts and your improvisations, are well knitted together. You set the jazzy ambience real nice and smooth with this entry and I hope you receive more support and acknowledgement for your talents. The way you ended your entry was pretty clever on that fluttering vibrato. Please keep up the creativity and sharp performances!
@kenweiner/steemit-open-mic-week-52-au-privave-2017924t135156241z