New Music Review: Jeremy Hoekstra
West Michigan singer-songwriter and worship leader Jeremy Hoekstra has released a new song that provides commentary on his recent life experience."Learning the Hard Way," is actually a cover version of a song by the band Gin Blossoms. But the lyrics resonated with Hoekstra in light of his family's struggle with his wife Lindsay's persistent health issues.
The couple has walked a protracted trail of doctor visits, tests and insurance squabbles.
The keyboard and acoustic guitar-based anthem has fairly bouyant pop rhythms. Yet the words tell of an uncertain journey in which "we're just too close to quit."
Lindsay sings some background vocals on the track.
There is another meaningful statement in the ink spots splattered across the song's cover art.
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At one particularly frustrating point earlier this year Jeremy threw an ink pen hard against a wall, scattering ink all over. "That moment represented for me what it means to learn about life the hard way – both suffering and hope," recalled the Holland, Mich. native.
You can hear the song at https://www.jeremyhoekstra.com/music
A long time worship leader at First Evangelical Covenant Church on Grand Rapids' west side, Hoekstra has released several albums of original music. His most recent collection came last year with "Give It Up."
He's currently working on some new songs produced by Jars of Clay keyboardist Charlie Lowell.
Hoekstra will be performing some of his new music Sat. Oct. 6 at Rocky's Bar & Grill, 633 Ottawa Ave NW downtown ($5 at the door).
Artist: Jeremy Hoekstra
Song: "Learning the Hard Way"
Connect: www.jeremyhoekstra.com
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