Search - John Gorka :: So Dark You See

So Dark You See
John Gorka
So Dark You See
Genres: Folk, Pop
 
  •  Track Listings (16) - Disc #1

John Gorka has always been one of the premier songwriters in folk music and with So Dark You See, he offers up yet another masterpiece. The record is powerful, vibrant, intelligent and tender. The 16 tracks dazzle with a...  more »

     
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CD Details

All Artists: John Gorka
Title: So Dark You See
Members Wishing: 4
Total Copies: 0
Label: Red House
Original Release Date: 1/1/2009
Re-Release Date: 10/13/2009
Genres: Folk, Pop
Style: Traditional Folk
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPC: 033651022329

Synopsis

Album Description
John Gorka has always been one of the premier songwriters in folk music and with So Dark You See, he offers up yet another masterpiece. The record is powerful, vibrant, intelligent and tender. The 16 tracks dazzle with a freshness that appeals to a broad spectrum of fans yet holds to that classic Gorka sound making this one of his strongest recordings of his career. With a provocative, soul-stirring, sophistication, John turns keen observations of the troubles and rough roads we travel during tough times into musical gems that shine with a hopefulness in a dark time. Songs like "Whole Wide World" and " Mr. Chambers" are pop-infused folk at their best with choruses that hook you in while "Where No Monument Stands," "Ignorance and Privilege," and " Diminishing Winds" are as contemplative as they are clever. Among John's prolific originals are his compelling reinterpretations of Utah Phillips' "I Think of You," "Trouble in Mind" by Richard Jones and Michael Smith's "The Dutchman." As all great songwriters do, John pushes his own musical boundaries with his first recorded instrumentals "Fret One" and "Fret Not." These two songs have as much of an emotional impact as the others, but allow John to showcase his raw talent as a musician. On So Dark You See, John Gorka delivers an ambitious and striking collection of songs with a thematic complexity that digs into the darkness of the human condition and drags it back out into the light. Like the lone skeleton of a tree on the cover that has weathered the storm, Gorka's words part the clouds to reassure the listener that once you can see through the darkness there is hope on the horizon.

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CD Reviews

His best by far
B. Wilson | Shinglehouse Pa | 10/21/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)

"I've been waiting for John to just relax and not try to overdo it. This new CD is the best music of his career. The production is spot on. The suffocating base of Michael Manring is gone. The lyrics are typical John-thoughtful, reflective, hopeful,and well delivered. Most of the arrangements have a more relaxed feel than previous releases, a better flow and more enjoyable feel.

In a world of musical wasteland, this guy's a gem. If you're looking for a new artist to explore, give this a try.

If you're a fan already, you'll enjoy this."
John just gets better and better
Adam J. Mcintyre | St. Charles, MO | 10/13/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have all previous material that Mr. Gorka has put out and he is my favorite singer/songwriter. Lyrically, musically, and emotionally he is absolutely at the top of his game here. "Can't Get Over It" continues his always clever wordplay. "Mr. Chambers" brings a similar feel to the song "The Sentinel" from many albums ago. "Diminishing Winds" is simply beautiful. Top notch."
I've followed John Gorka's music my whole adult life.
Flash | Cleveland, OH USA | 10/26/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)

"I am probably one of the lucky few who have every single John Gorka CD. I've even seen him perform live on a couple of occasions way back in the early 90's. To me, his music is like a good friend who's been there with me my whole adult life. And so I very much looked forward to his latest, So Dark You See. This album is yet another solid effort and shows a songwriter who is comfortable with what he does, but yet shows a songwriter who 20+ years into it, is still growing in his craft. I say the latter because this album has such a good sound to it and because of the two instrumentals included (Fret One is my favorite of these) and the song Trouble In Mind (which is John Gorka doing the blues better than ever). There are a bunch of other good songs here too: Whole Wide World, Can't Get Over It, Night Into Day, I Think Of You. There is also the song, Where No Monuments Stand, which continues a run of songs over John's career that make you reflect and think about the foolishness and cost of war regardless of whether it is just or not. I honestly think that in 10 years or so, people are going look at John Gorka's career and count him as one of our all-time folk music legends."