GIG pick – Doug Hoekstra – by Paul Whitelaw

Having completed degrees in English and creative writing, as well as being an accomplished author, it comes as no surprise that Doug Hoekstra has songs that thrum with a love of language. Veteran of four fine art-folk albums, this Chicago-based singer/songwriter infuses his melodic, vaguely off-kilter songs with evocative, near-filmic narratives along with a strong sense of character, place and humour. "I think detail in lyrics is key," he muses. ‘Because it’s often those minute details that connect most personally with the listener. You have to keep the lyrics tight, like the narrative. But, on the other hand, you have the benefit of a musical bed that also contributes to the story – something you obviously don’t have in straight prose." Drawing comparisons with writers such as Lou Reed, Leonard Cohen, and Bob Dylan (whose ‘Isis’ Hoekstra covers on his latest Around the Margins album), the songsmith admits to exploring concurrent themes in both his prose and songs: "If I stand back from my work, I see certain themes and issues recurring in different ways – people trying to make connections in an increasingly disconnected world; underdogs, people on the margins, so to speak." Citing the Beatles and Dylan as his "textbooks of song," Hoekstra’ music is considerede spontaneous, literate, but never ostentatious – the kind of artist who steamcleans the sullied crown of the singer/songwriter.  (Tonight at 13^th Note Café, King Street, Glasgow)

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