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Jeff
Hanson
Son CD
KRS 388
All press
is being handled by Josh Bloom at Fanatic.
phone 888-385-1231
email josh@fanaticpromotion.com
Jeff Hanson
is a gifted songwriter with one of the most beautiful voices you will
ever hear. Most singers with a voice this good would be content just to
sing somebody else's songs, but Jeff not only writes and sings these tunes,
he also plays the majority of the other sounds you will hear on his exceptional
debut album, "Son".
Jeff's unique voice is one of subtle charm and personal style. Although
he sings in a high register (which upon first listen can be mind boggling)
it is not a gimmick. It is the sound of comfort and understanding, quieting
the soul and soothing the senses.
| Track listing: |
1.
Hiding Behind the Moon (mp3) Download Lyrics (PDF) |
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| Outdoor color photos by Ryan Huber Scheife. Black and white photos (in studio) by Meghan Anzelc. |
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Jeff was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and raised in a suburb, Waukesha. His parents began his musical training at the age of four with guitar lessons and influenced his tastes by playing music in the house that was alive with harmony and melody. Jeff was involved in musical theater at 10, singing falsetto, and was asked to join a boy's choir shortly afterward. He passed on the choir, but three years later found another musical calling, forming the indie rock band M.I.J. at only 13-years-old.
The group
stayed together for more than seven years, releasing a 7", an EP
and a full-length on Caulfield Records (Christie Front Drive, Mineral)
and celebrating some notoriety in the Lincoln, Nebraska scene and throughout
the Midwest. Even in a rock band, Jeff's unique voice continued to rise
to the top.
He says, "Through the years, my voice became more of an instrument.
After our first 7", so many reviews referred to the band as having
a female singer! With my acoustic, I just sing prettier I guess."
After the breakup of M.I.J, Jeff worked on his own music, much of which
is here on "Son". Jeff is the first artist in many years to
be signed by Kill Rock Stars merely by sending in a demo. His music was
so immediately gripping that it got the label's attention in a way that
thousands upon thousands of other bands and performers were not able to
do. The music he writes and performs is a nod to the classic sound of
harmony and perfect orchestration. He is able to compose modern and original
music that blends classical, folk and popular sounds to create an entirely
original mix.
Jeff says, "I'm stuck in the past· the way I was raised. I
was raised on Beach Boys, Beatles, Simon & Garfunkel - my parents
took me to see the Everly Brothers when I was in fourth grade. I've kind
of grown up with bands that are big into melody and harmony and that's
what I've liked the most."
Jeff plays every instrument on "Son" besides piano (though he
is pictured sitting at one in the CD booklet - "That was kind of
the irony of the thing - I don't play piano - I'm gonna learn though!")
and his keen ear has allowed him to compose all of these songs in his
head. Like a stream of consciousness author, he writes his songs at once,
spilling them onto tape with an outpouring of beauty and grace.
Until entering Presto Recordings in Lincoln, Nebraska, Jeff had never
rehearsed or even heard his drum and bass parts except in his head. Jeff
was assisted in recording "Son" by in-house Saddle Creek Records
producers AJ and Mike Mogis, the men behind the boards for recent albums
by Bright Eyes and The Faint.
Jeff will be touring in 2003 as a solo artist and also plans on expanding
and playing with friends and found musicians along the way.
"I like playing live now more than ever because this is the beginning
of my solo career. I'm going to do a lot of acoustic material which I
won't able to do with my band and in time, I'm going to bring other musicians
out."
Jeff's debut on Kill Rock Stars is a true musical dream story: classical
guitar lessons at age four from open-minded parents, a middle school band
that lasted for a lucky seven, a passion to continue playing solo, and
then sending a demo to his favorite record label. It worked - Jeff is
now the newest bright and talented addition to the Kill Rock Stars family.
"Son" will surprise and delight you with its emotion and sense
of hope.