Like Lyle Lovett, John Gorka is a singer-songwriter with a warped view of relationships and a wicked but deadpan sense of humor, both disguised by a dry baritone that doesn't seem to fit comfortably in any musical format. ... more »With Out of the Valley Gorka moves out of the folkie ghetto into the peculiar gospel-swing-chamber-music niche that only Lovett seems to inhabit. Producer John Jennings, who helped make a star of another ex-folkie, Mary Chapin Carpenter, makes this transition remarkably smooth, and the result is a major step forward for this underappreciated talent. --Geoffrey Himes« less
Like Lyle Lovett, John Gorka is a singer-songwriter with a warped view of relationships and a wicked but deadpan sense of humor, both disguised by a dry baritone that doesn't seem to fit comfortably in any musical format. With Out of the Valley Gorka moves out of the folkie ghetto into the peculiar gospel-swing-chamber-music niche that only Lovett seems to inhabit. Producer John Jennings, who helped make a star of another ex-folkie, Mary Chapin Carpenter, makes this transition remarkably smooth, and the result is a major step forward for this underappreciated talent. --Geoffrey Himes
"This is a brilliant singer/songwriter. It's amazing that the general public hasn't discovered him. Honesty and love exude from this man. He is also wonderful in concert...saw him in Oshkosh, Wisconsin at the Grand Theatre in 2001."
Simple..This man is a great artist.
J. McAndrew | 10/16/1998
(5 out of 5 stars)
"No matter what music you listen to, you should pick up ANY of this man's CD's. What a great tallent. This is not my favorite disc by John...but it is still a great disk. Check out the full of spirit 'good noise'...one of the best cuts in recorded history!"
A Disappointment from Gorka is better than the best of many.
J. McAndrew | 07/14/1998
(3 out of 5 stars)
"Gorka remains one of the finest lyric writers in the game, equalled only by Lyle Lovett. This CD was a little disappointing, however, in that the songs begin to all sound alike after a while. I much preferred Jack's Crows over Out of the Valley."
Masterful
J. McAndrew | 09/15/1998
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Without a doubt, one of the best songwriters out there and this release does not dissappoint. Gorka weaves between acoustic folk and soulful rock with ease on this disc. Among the standouts are "Good Noise", "Flying Red Horses", "Carnival Knowledge" and "Up Until Then". Backup vocals provided by such notables as Mary Chapin Carpenter and Kathy Mattea. Buy this disc....you won't be disappointed."