REVIEWS
What are people saying about Joel Hoekstra?
13 ACOUSTIC SONGS
"Joel's acoustic songs are far more introspective and contemplative than I imagined, so much so, that I have a new appreciation for his versatility as an all-around guitarist." |
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"These are solid, well-constructed songs played with skill and some fine arranging. A good acoustic outing for Mr. Hoekstra." |
THE MOON IS FALLING
"'The Moon is Falling' shows a glimpse of Donati's scary talents and Hoekstra's fantastic songwriting. Fans should pick this one up for Donati's flawless drumming and Hoekstra's stellar guitar work." |
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"Joel Hoekstra is one of those artists that provides absolute proof that the music industry has it's head up it's collective ass.....The Moon is Falling impressed me from the first riff to the last....a progressive instrumental rock showcase that shows an artist pushing boundaries, breaking rules." |
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UNDEFINED
"Hoekstra is bound to become a major name in the field of guitar-oriented instrumental music. Let him take his place among the greats; 'Undefined' proves he's earned that right." |
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"'Undefined' is a positively breathtaking album. Yes, it's that good. Hoekstra probably won't be unknown for long." |
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NIGHT RANGER
"As a longtime Night Ranger fan, I was partial to and disappointed when Jeff Watson either left the band or was shown the door, but when I saw Joel Hoekstra rip and more than keep pace with Brad Gillis, I was relieved. Hoekstra fits in with the band like the proverbial glove and looks genuinely happy to be onstage with these guys, and his fret sparring with Gillis must be seen and heard to be believed. |
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"Guitar solos ruled the night, as guitarist Brad Gillis took center stage unleashing the powerful solos that ruled the charts in the ‘80s. New guitarist Joel Hoekstra from Rock Of Ages also did a great job." |
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"Guitarists Brad Gillis and Joel Hoekstra (top) served up plenty of impressive fretwork, notably when they unleashed Thin Lizzy-style solos together." |
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"Hoekstra, Gillis, and Blades were all over the stage like madmen, and from the first moments, it was like Hoekstra had been a part of Night Ranger for years. Hoekstra pays complete respect to the band's legacy and does total justice to all of the riffs and guitar duels (with Gillis) that Night Ranger fans expect and love. No doubt, Hoekstra has had a tough and delicate slot to fill, replacing a fan favorite in Jeff Watson, but he makes it look easy without coming off as cocky." |
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"Night Ranger, like last year, was clearly the best band again this year. Brad Gillis and new guitarist Joel Hoekstra were so in sync that I, and many others, couldn't believe our eyes. No other guitarists on the bill came close to what these guys can do!" |
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Night Ranger-Somwhere in California
"Brad Gillis and Joel Hoekstra dish out massive, high-gain rhythms and
spot-on kick-ass solos. They both have so much blues and pop in their
playing that it’s tough to consider them shredders, but these guys freaking
shred!" |
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"Joel is a world-class musician whose guitar pyrotechnics make the lineup its strongest to date, and their new album, Somewhere In California, one of the strongest they have ever released." |
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| Read It! | "When Night Ranger parted ways with guitarist Jeff Watson, I was very skeptical about who could replace him. Who else could 8 finger tap like him? Joel Hoekstra was the perfect fit. He is a monster player and shredding guitar style really complements the sustain and whammy bar theatrics of guitar hero Brad Gillis perfectly. This album is a guitar tour de force!...Joel Hoekstra really shines with an 8 finger tapping solo that blows my mind." |
| Read It! | "But what may come as a pleasant surprise to followers of classy AOR is the intense and uplifting axe work of Brad Gillis and Joel Hoekstra. Soaring solo follows soaring solo and the guitar work veers from the spectacular to the self-indulgent across this wonderful record." |
ROCK OF AGES
"The onstage band features musicians who have played with members of the Alan Parsons Project, Starship, Night Ranger, Matchbox Twenty, Rod Stewart, Survivor, and others, so they get things right, especially guitar god Joel Hoekstra." "one of the best mainstream showcases for electric guitar playing Broadway has ever offered. And it's hard to imagine anyone more suited for the show's lead guitar duties than Joel Hoekstra." |
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Trans-Siberian Orchestra
"Led by the rock-roaring guitars of Chris Caffery and Joel Hoekstra, the band and its chorus and string section put on its expected show of high-powered music, lights and fireworks." |
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"Musical highlights of the early going included a splendid squealing-guitar medley of "O Come All Ye Faithful" and "O Holy Night," which showcased new guitarist Joel Hoekstra." |
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"Instrumental prowess was displayed throughout.....Caffery, new guitarist Joel Hoekstra and returning bassist Dave Z were especially fun to watch." |
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LOVE, JANIS
“the seven-piece band accompanying Richardson truly rocks! Lead guitarist, Joel Hoekstra, blasts the roof off the building...” |
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“She is supported by a first class band, especially Joel Hoekstra on lead guitar. His tone, phrasing, dynamic range, articulation and total feel for the music are completely mindblowing.” |
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It Ain't Nothin But the Blues
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"a fired up cast of singers and musicians....roaring guitar solos by Joel Hoekstra." |
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"Drop-dead singers, backed by a drop-dead band......The band was tight and featured amazing
guitar by Joel Hoekstra." |
THE TURTLES
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"The medley included “Magic Fingers” from the zany 200 Motels album and young–gun guitarist Joel Hoekstra pulled off a ripping solo that nearly tore the roof off the theatre!" |