THIS is, apparently, the fifth solo release from Hoekstra, a charmingly low-key singer-songwriter who peddles an individual form of avant-garde Americana.
Waiting has been released by Fundamental, a new West Yorkshire label set up by Tony K, formerly behind the York label, Red Rhino. There is more than a suggestion of Lou Reed in Hoekstra's half-spoken mumble of a vocal, with hints too of Leonard Cohen and Nick Drake.
This is not, it must be said, music to have you jumping about the room with excitement. Instead, it is chilled, literate, humane modern folk, which washes over you without initially leaving an impression, then gradually takes hold.
This insidious appeal runs from the quiet opening strum of Blow Beautiful Dreams through to the livelier In The Middle Of The Night. In his gentle way, this man is mesmerising and deserves a wider hearing. You will have to listen carefully, because he won't shout.
Updated: 09:00 Thursday, February 19, 2004
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