Starting out with the natural benefit of a distinctive voice, Jan adds a well-honed talent as a guitarist and ever-growing ability as a songwriter to produce a CD that belongs on everyone's must-have list. If your taste runs to music with both style and substance, you won't be disappointed with "Late Bloomer."
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Whoops, just noticed I made a mistake when I filled in the review template. It should have my name, not Jan's. 'Tis a confusing template, though. Seems I'm not the only one who was mistaken (see below).
Well, back to Late Bloomer.

Late Bloomer? Well, good things come to those who wait. And this album was definitely worth waiting for. Friends recommended this album to me, and it is really as magnificent as they said. Since I got the CD, I've listened to it pretty often and I can't stop pressing the repeat button. It's one of the rare CDs you really listen to from first to last instead of skipping to just the good tracks. First of all, that is because of the tunes and their arrangement. Not only can Jan pick, but also strum his guitar (hint, hint) excellently. You will listen to very fine musicianship on this album. Sometimes, though, the tune takes a backseat and lets Jan's voice lead the way. These different accentuations give the album a large versatileness and make it a pleasure to listen. Speaking of versatile: I really like his sensitive voice and what he can do with it. His intonation and modulation also contribute to each song's individual character; and so does the arrangement of Jan's and the background singers' voices. Last but not least I appreciate the lyrics. You've really got to listen or you miss out on a lot: sensitive deep thoughts, organic in their observations of human relationships as well as fooling around; always wrapped up and conveyed in well-chosen witty words and puns.
This tremendous album is a great job, and I can highly recommend it to all lovers of good music.
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Jan Hauenstein's golden voice and gentle guitars have found the perfect mix of songs and styles in his latest album - Late Bloomer.  There is very entertaining mix of eclectic songs showcasing Jan's unique style and the result is very satisfying.  The CD has been in my preferred listening mix ever since I received it.  Of course, there is the usual inclusion of a few John Stewart tunes and I particularly like his interpretation of Bolinas (even better than Stewart's own version).  This album also brings forth some very nice collaborations with other writers and artists.  Highly recommended!!
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It wouldn't be a lie to say that the new songs I've heard demonstrate how Jan Hauenstein's playing and singing gets better on each album he does.  Topsoil Blues is a particular favourite - reflective and meaningful, we contemplate the loneliness of realising our better days are behind us.
 For me, Jan's delicate picking and moody vocals has always set high musical standards, and with these new songs I hear, the bar just got higher.
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