Artist: JOEL HOEKSTRAs 13 [WHITESNAKE]
Album: DYING TO LIVE (CD)

Year: 2015
EAN/UPS: 8024391070826
Media type: CD

Joel Hoekstra, best known to millions of rock fans as the currrent guitarist for Whitesnake, and  also known for his work with Night Ranger and Trans Siberian Orchestra and the show Rock of Ages, debuts with the new melodic hard rock studio album “Dying To Live” from his electrifying new side project, Joel Hoekstra’s 13”.  

The record, which features an all-star cast of rock musicians at the top of their game including Jeff Scott Soto (vocals), Russell Allen (vocals), Tony Franklin (bass), Vinny Appice (drums), and Derek Sherinian (keyboards) among others, sees Joel handling the bulk of the creative process, taking care of the production, song writing and arranging (music and lyrics).  The end result could best be described as hard, melodic, classic rock that is Dio'ish at its heaviest and Foreigner'ish at its lightest.  

On “Dying To Live” Joel focuses on struggles, potential pitfalls and the art of overcoming obstacles in life to finally arrive where we are meant to be.

Says Joel, “Years ago, I released three solo albums that were mainly instrumental guitar music.  I wanted to put something out that showcased my production, writing and playing in the genre that I'm known for, which is melodic, hard rock.  That’s when I decided to start what I consider to be my rock side project, Joel Hoekstra's 13.”

The pedigree of musicians on the album is second to none.  The album showcases the best rock ensemble that contemporary rock music has to offer. Joel’s astounding, note-perfect guitar playing raises the bar to an new level.
 
“Dying To Live” was conceived before Hoekstra joined Whitesnake. David Coverdale has however given the album his full blessing.

Joel is excited about how the new album turned out and is looking forward to the overall reaction.  Whitesnake fans are in for a real treat.  “I hope everyone will give it a listen.  I feel like it showcases my production, writing and playing in essentially the same genre and the line-up of musicians is stellar!  I want to thank everyone for any support in advance.  Life is good!”

TRACKLIST:

01. Say Goodbye To The Sun
02. Anymore
03. Until I Left You
04. Long For The Days
05. Scream
06. Never Say Never
07. Changes
08. The Only Way To Go
09. Dying To Live
10. Start Again
11. What We Believe

LINE-UP:

Joel Hoekstra (Whitesnake) - guitars, backing vocals
Jeff Scott Soto (Journey/Yngwie Malmsteen) - lead vocals, backing vocals
Russell Allen (Adrenaline Mob/Symphony X) - lead vocals, backing vocals
Vinny Appice (Black Sabbath/Dio) - drums
Tony Franklin (The Firm/Blue Murder) - bass

special guest musicians:
Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater/Black Country Communion) - keyboards
Chloe Lowery (Trans Siberian Orchestra) - vocals
Toby Hitchcock (Pride of Lions) - additional backing vocals
Charlie Zeleny (Joe Lynn Turner) - percussion
Dave Eggar (Amy Lee/Coldplay) - cello