John Gorka learned from the masters of the folk music world as a young college students in Pennsylvania. It was then that he met legends like Eric Andersen, Stan Rogers and Tom Paxton while working as the MC and soundman and eventually the opening act at a local coffeehouse. Soon thereafter he began his traveling life and met the likes of Shawn Colvin, Christine Lavin, and Nanci Griffith. This was the new folk scene where he made his mark and his name is synonymous with this lively music scene.

Gorka’s latest album, “Writing in the Margins,” is perhaps one of his most contemplative ones to date. It contains songs that reflect on the lives that have been changed by soldiers at work and those they left behind. Gorka’s heartfelt ode to the enlisted, “The Road of Good Intentions,” is a standout tune that reflects on the loneliness of soldiers and his “I Miss Everyone” is hallmark Gorka. It’s a sly and witty tune that is about missing everyone he has ever met, including those he hasn’t. Gorka’s warm baritone is as refreshing as it is wonderfully rich.

John himself says: “I consider myself to be an aspiring folk singer, not an accomplished one. I think of modern folk music to be more of an attitude or an approach than a musical style. Folk music is music that makes a difference in people’s lives and one that finds a useful place. And there is more than one way to get there. To make music that makes a difference is the ideal. I guess.” That is soooo John Gorka!

Gorka recorded history goes back to 1987 with the release of his first album for Red House Records, “I Know.” This recording brought John national acclaim and he hit the ground running after that. His albums and constant touring brought him to the forefront of the new contemporary folk movement. Hi beautiful and well-crafted emotional songs gained him attention from critics and audiences across the country as well as in Europe. In addition, other performers discovered his terrific songs and before too long, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Mary Black and Maura O’Connell covered his tunes.

Every John Gorka concert is a memorable experience. He casts a musical spell on his audience and entertains them with his abilities and his unique sense of humor. John is happy not to reinvent himself with every record he makes and sees his songs as an opportunity to “talk to somebody.” One fan’s website eloquently states that “John Gorka is a folk singer who in his humbleness to aspire, inspires our lives. His writing speaks to our experiences. His stories illuminate the people we know. His spirit speaks to the hopes and fears we share. His songs are timeless. Not everyone who hears a Gorka lyric will find that common thread, but for those of us who do get it, his music is a direct link to emotion. What we might not be able to express he does. When we hear a Gorka song, the manifesto of this folk singer is realized.” Come listen.

 

 

The preeminent male singer-songwriter of the New Folk Movement. Rolling Stone

John Gorka is an inspiration on so many levels. . . as an artist of course, but even more importantly, as a person of insight, compassion, graciousness, humor and intellect. . . we are all more than a little in love with him. . . Anyway, he was charming and funny and the show was just a delight. Lily from St. Augustine