BERWICK ADVERTISER (Berwick Upon Tweed UK) (October 30, 2001)

Doug Hoekstra/Kat Parsons - Barrels, October 25 by Michael Mee
 
THERE is a slight element of schizophrenia about this review. Which Doug Hoekstra should I start with, the
writer or the performer? Because there is a definite difference between the two. The first thing to say is
that it was nice to have to pay attention and listen, Hoekstra's music is many things, it is not however a
'showbiz event' coming at you from all angles. It requires a deal of effort from the listener, that is
indicative of his talents as a writer. He describes himself as a 'folk poet' and his inspirations and
opinions are personal and deep-felt, "Birmingham Jail" woven around Martin Luther King and "If the World
Was Blind" are rooted in his beliefs and experiences.

As much as I enjoyed his Spring release Around The Margins there was a slight worry as to how it would
translate into a live performance. The album is definitely a kick back, chill out kind of experience. On the whole I needn't have worried, the songs themselves convey a passion that still burned bright in their stripped-down form. Reinforcing his poetic
credentials Hoekstra's repertoire is in fact a skewed look at a life he refuses to take it at face value, "Black & White Memories" and "Choices" go round the back to see what is lurking in all of us.
 
As with anything out of the mainstream it will never suit all tastes but each song is about something, every word has a relevance and every moment was thought-provoking. Including the quirky "Laminate Man" and the lighter "Family Tree."
 
Hoekstra the performer is different fish. Whilst he is a serious musician of strong opinion and more importantly the talent to get his 'message' across, he hasn't lost sight of the fact that he is an entertainer. Extremely personable and charming he set
the scene for each song with intelligence and no little humour. Whether it all came together, all the time is a subjective decision, he allowed himself to be sidetracked a little but you couldn't help but warm to his laid-back style.
 
The content of the songs supplied the strength of the performance. There are no theatrics, the well of passion came from within, musically the tracks are deceptively simple and he alternated between a softer 'speaking' style and the more dramatic. As you would expect they dovetailed neatly with the song's message.
 
The musical 'find' of the evening came in the pleasant surprise of Chicago-based singer Kat Parsons. Described as a 'background' singer, for a small frame she had some set of pipes on her. She brought definition and emotion as Hoekstra spun his magic. The pair played a clever game with the audience, as Hoekstra whispered she soared and as Hoekstra became vocally animated she danced around his voice, it blurred the lines between male and female they were simply parts of the same whole. They have worked together for the last 18 months and displayed a comfort with each other borne out of experience.
 
The second half began with Parsons solo, and her two songs, "Standing Still" and "Remains" were a powerhouse, the demure smile and alost unknowing sex appeal gave way to an 'amazon' that was as delightful as it was unexpected. Unfortunately she has no plans for a solo UK tour but is busy putting together a new album.
 
The real delight of the evening was listening to something other than 'ear candy'. Sure it was challenging, sure it wasn't easy but there is everything right about extending an audience. As for Parsons she is definitely one for the future.

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