RIP Jeff Hanson

I found out today via pitchfork.com that Jeff Hanson was found dead in his home this past Friday. He was a well known and critically acclaimed Twin Cities singer-songwriter. He was 31 years old.



http://pitchfork.com/news/35540-rip-jeff-hanson/

I had heard the name Jeff Hanson around town and I had seen his band M.I.J. play at the old downtown Minneapolis teen music hut/coffee shop The Foxfire but I had never stopped to give his solo work a chance. I am glad I did today. Here's his imeem page for anyone who wants to listen.

http://www.imeem.com/artists/jeff_hanson

I was impressed by the songs on imeem. My first thoughts are of Elliot Smith in both vocal style and musical composition, but with feathery, effervescent, almost feminine vocals (his work is sometimes confused for that of a woman). There is a wintry, pastoral feel to many of the songs. Very Midwestern. The vocals take a bit of getting used to, but the music is ultimately rewarding if you give it a chance. The composition is especially rich for just the classic acoustic guitar/drum/bass, and there are ribbons of keyboard tones in standout track "If You Ever Say".

It is sad to see a local boy go.