Jeff Hanson

AMG Review of Jeff Hanson

Kenyon Hopkin
All Music Guide

Jeff Hanson's debut showed a singer/songwriter with signs of more talent to come, and his self-titled follow-up proves that he's simply no one-off curiosity. Jeff Hanson is a second outing of soft, endearing ock, continuously wrapped around lyrics that imply lost relationships and soul-searching. While that in itself doesn't sound like something new, it's made more distinctive by an angelic voice that simply can't be frowned upon. His creative techniques with guitar are also prominent ("Now We Know"), as are the pieces with violin or piano ("Long Overdue"). Hanson's songwriting skills are just as enjoyable, whether he chooses only guitar or the sound of a full band (he plays most of the instruments himself). Perhaps his most ambitious moment comes with the lovely "I Know Your Name," where it's evident he can match the wits of Ken Stringfellow or Bright Eyes.