ABERDEEN PRESS AND JOURNAL - May 23, 2002

Nashville Sound for Highlands by Andrew Black

One of the most prolific modern-day Nashville musicians ever to wield a guitar and harmonica is playing a string of North concerts as part of his UK tour, after he fell in love with the area's scenery and culture.

Multi-Grammy nominated singer/songwriter/guitarist Doug Hoekstra, has captivated audiences since the early 90s, with his musical blend of country-rock and modern electronica.

The US star said the rugged wide-open beauty of the local scenery had a great influence on him.

"Similarly, listening to the radio, I was impressed by the rugged wide-open sensibilities of many programmers, which was in line with the sort of responses I received from my audiences", he said.

"I am often correctly perceived as a wide-open, if not rugged singer-songwriter, and hence, it figured that my most recent release, The Past is Never Past, began receiving airplay in several markets in Scotland."

Growing up in Naperville, Illinois, Hoekstra decided on a musical career after becoming hooked on his older brother's Beatles, Bob Dylan and Stevie Wonder records.

He released his first solo album, When the Tubes Begin to Glow, in 1994, after moving to Tennessee.

His subsequent effort, 1996's Rickety Stairs, was nominated for best folk album of the year and 1999's Make Me Believe, earned him three Grammy nominations.

His concert dates are: May 24 - The Old Inn, Gairloch, 8.30pm; May 25 - Catalyst Festival, Portmahomack; May 26 - The Balconie Inn, Evanton, 2pm, Invernairne Hotel, Nairn, 8pm; May 3 - The Lemon Tree, Aberdeen, 1pm; June 1 and 2 - Catalyst Festival, Portmahomack.

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