Search - John Gorka :: Company You Keep

The Company You Keep-John Gorka gets better and better

Cynthia S. Finn | Lodi, WI USA | 02/20/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"John Gorka's new CD, entitled "The Company You Keep" is a masterpiece. For a long-time Gorka fan or someone new to his music, this CD is a musical delight from start to finish. Mr. Gorka's exquisite luminous voice shines through in every song. This "singer songwriter folk guy" as he refers to himself is a songwriter few can compete with. I never cease to be amazed at his use of the English language and combinations of clever wording. The songs on this CD range from new ballads his fans will enjoy to some really upbeat songs that surprisingly got me dancing. And I don't dance! From the hauntingly beautiful "Let Them In" to the honky tonk sound of "Joint of No Return", this CD is a tour de force for Mr. Gorka. He reveals to his audience a clear insight into his views of himself and the world around him in the true folk tradition. His growth as an artist and as a person come through in every song. As he says in the song "When I Lost My Faith", the boy became a man. He is joined on this CD by the voices of Mary Chapin Carpenter, Ani DiFranco, Lucy Kaplansky, Kathleen Johnson and Jennifer Kimball. Musicians that participated include Patty Larkin, Andy Stochansky, Michael Manring, Rich Dworksy and John Jennings among many others. The company he keeps says a lot about the man. One of my favorite songs on the CD is "Over There", a song about his family, the company he keeps. If you buy no other CD this year, make sure you buy this one!"

One of his finest

B. M. Payst | USA | 04/17/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"In a just world, manufactured fluff bands like nsynch would toil away in backrooms and obsucrity while true artists and musicians like John Gorka would dominate the airwaves of local radio. OK, it's not a just world, but you can do your part by buying this CD. After a couple of good, but not outstanding, releases John has once again put together a fantastic piece of work. The lyrics, vocals and instrumentation on this CD rank up there among his best. He's touching, funny, and becoming quite the good guitar player as well. The guest musicians don't dominate (as they do one som many other musicians albums), but are good solid choices that fit in well with the pieces they are featured on. Maybe one day he will actually get the airplay he deserves, until then we'll just keep buying his music and seeing his shows, happy that he keeps making such wonderful things like "The Company You Keep" for us to enjoy."

A Return To Form

Stuart Weaver | Saint Augustine, Florida USA | 03/15/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

""The Company You Keep" signals a return to the style which brought John Gorka to the forefront of the current singer/songwriter movement. His music touches the listener in ways that most of the current crop of musicians can't dream of. With a leaner sound than some of the slick Nashville productions which tended to overshadow his striking voice,heartfelt delivery and subtle guitar touches, "The Company You Keep" hearkens back to the feel of "I Know" and "Jack's Crows". An especially moving track from this new collection of songs is "Over There". Whether you are a long-time fan of Gorka's, or someone who's learning of his quirky genius for the first time, "The Company You Keep' is a stirring and welcome addition to your music collection."