By: Carla Archuletta
oel Hoekstra is a forward-thinking jazz guitarist constantly looking for ways out of the fusion box. Talk about a match made in heaven, drummer, Virgil Donati (PlanetX, Steve Vai), and bassist, Ric Fierabracci (Frank Gamble, Andy Summers), are the dynamic duo faced with the endless challenge of keeping up with Hoekstra. Howard Levy (Bela Fleck and the Flecktones) and Cathy Richardson, (vocals on "Spank Me"), join in the chase. Together this caliber of musicians scratch each other's itches: Donati and Fierabracci are able to ease their pedal off the metal and lay back a bit. Meanwhile, Hoekstra emerges to define and refine his articulate guitar style. Everything from "Corney," reminiscent of a Barnaby Jones 70's theme, the spacey, eclectic, "Electric Fields," to the bluesy hidden track, "Amazing Grace." Hoekstra remains diverse, fearless, and all the while keeping a sense of humor. Exacting a precise, occasionally jazzy tone from his instrument and encompassing a tremendous range both in tempo and expression, Hoekstra is an ideal guitar hero for 2001. Melodic, psychotic, and with loads of flash, he has all the burning technique of a Satriani or a Vai. Undefined showcases the creativity of a truly unique artist with impeccable talent.
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