FINE GOLD UK  

DOUG HOEKSTRA: TELLIN’ STORIES AND MAKIN’ FRIENDS

Opening with the apparent sounds of a court-jester dancing for the entertainment of his king, soon we, the listeners, are left crowding the court-yard and paying homage to the new Nashville king, Doug Hoekstra.

Doug’s new album, Around The Margins, tackles topics such as pain, withdrawal, age and so much more. The Chicago born singer/songwriter’s whispering tones tell stories of life and love with welcome touches of irony and humour.

The second-generation American formed his first band, Bucket Number Six, in 1990, recording for the infamous Butch Vig’s Madison-based Boat label. After a two CD career Doug began work on his debut solo disc When The Tubes Begin To Glow.

Seven years, and a number of successful solo releases, later we find Doug Hoekstra making some of the most haunting and challenging music of his career.

First full song on Around The Margins is the driving rhythm-heavy masterpiece Lost Among The Ruins, which would happily grace the upper reaches of any European singles chart.

From there on in standout tracks are thin on the ground. The album tends to unfold in much the same way as a good novel. It builds to peaks and has many twists and turns to insure the listener wants to stay on board until the final note has been twanged.

The only track where the plot threatens to lose its thread is on Doug’s cover of Bob Dylan’s ‘Isis. It really would have been better to have a whole album of Doug’s unique musing. Yes, he really does put Mr Dylan in the shade!

On a number of tracks Doug is joined by the incredibly beautiful and haunting vocals of Collen Burke Kave. She compliments Doug’s talk-style delivery and comes close to stealing the show when she takes over the vocal reins on The Life We Love. Two wonderful talents not to be missed!

Doug Hoekstra visited these shores back in the autumn, you may have missed him. When he returns to the UK this April, make sure you don’t make the same mistake twice .. talents that shine as bright as Doug Hoekstra’s are as rare as a passing comet.