Review: Joel Hoekstra's 13 'Running Games'

Joel Hoekstra

By Mike O’Cull

Whitesnake /Trans-Siberian Orchestra guitarist, songwriter, and all-around cool guy Joel Hoekstra brings the rock big time on the latest effort from his project Joel Hoekstra’s 13 Running Games. The record comes out February 12, 2021 via Frontiers Music and finds Hoekstra cranking out the kind of epic, melodic hard rock he does so well with a supporting cast powerful enough to launch these tracks into orbit. Heavy hitters Russell Allen (Symphony X, Adrenaline Mob) on lead and backing vocals, Vinny Appice (Black Sabbath, DIO) on drums, Tony Franklin (The Firm, Blue Murder) on bass, Derek Sherinian (Sons Of Apollo, Dream Theater, Black Country Communion) on keyboards, and Jeff Scott Soto (Sons Of Appollo, Trans-Siberian Orchestra) on backing vocals make up the studio band Joel employs to articulate and perform his original music and provide a showcase for his virtuoso guitar work. The resulting record is a mighty blast of pure rock and roll guaranteed to get fans all over the world up and moving. As if they weren’t enough for you, listen for guest spots from the likes of Lenny Castro (TOTO) on percussion, Chloe Lowery (Trans-Siberian Orchestra) on backing vocals, Dave Eggar (Evanescence, Coldplay) on cello, and Katie Kresek (Adele, Five For Fighting) on violin and viola.

Hoekstra’s career has been on a steady upward trajectory for more than 20 years. He’s a high-level, masterful guitarist with chops and musicality to burn who absolutely conquers every situation he plays in. He first emerged in the Chicago club scene in the late 90s playing lead for popular vocalist and songwriter Cathy Richardson, who is currently a member of Jefferson Airplane. Richardson blew up with a theatrical Janis Joplin show called Love, Janis in the Windy City and took Hoekstra with her when the show moved to New York. Since then, he’s been part of the Broadway cast of the show Rock of Ages, spent several years in 80s rock band Nightranger, joined Whitesnake and Trans-Siberian Orchestra, and toured with vocalist/actress/entertainment legend Cher. He’s one of the finest guitarists working today and his music and track record both speak for themselves.

Running Games kicks off with “Finish Line,” an intense rocker in the classic sense that’s performed with 21st Century muscle and aggression. Hoekstra’s intricate riffing and blazing leads are the perfect complement to Russell Allen’s huge, technical voice and the combination yields the kind of rock music that can motivate the biggest crowds on Earth. The entire group rages here and it’s thunderous to behold. “I’m Gonna Lose It” immediately follows and keeps the magic going with a hard-edged beat, an indelible guitar hook up front, and another expressive vocal performance from Allen. Joel puts down quality riffs, a strong solo, and some harmony guitar parts that are ultra-tasty.

“Hard to Say Goodbye” ups the melodic content into hit-single territory, using a gorgeous lift before its soaring chorus. Joel’s songwriting skills really come to the fore on this one and he intuitively knows how to make each part of the song and arrangement carry the day. “Lonely Days” is a heavy, chugging verse tied to another brilliant chorus that’s wide open and unforgettable. Hoekstra’s guitar work completely slays, of course, but never obscures the tune itself. “Cried Enough For You” balances the delicate and the dramatic quite well and all involved hit hard at just the right moments. Be sure to listen all the way through to get to the introspective title track “Running Games” that closes the record.

Joel Hoekstra is a major talent by any measurement and Running Games is another incredible addition to his body of work. Crank it up so your neighbors can hear.