A Night So Dark4 Out Of 5 Stars
Folk artist John Gorka has been offering great music since the late 80's, but has not broken out of the folk circuit. "So Dark You See" is an example of singer-songwriters at their peak, yet few will hear this. That's a darn shame, because this CD measures up to his best works.
The songs on "So Dark You See" are emotionally packed. "Where No Monuments Stand" is an anti-war song in a world where few exist because artists fear it will quash their commercial viability. "The Dutchman" paints a touching story of a wife who must care for her ailing, Alzheimer's riddled husband. Gorka also explores social strata on "Ignorance And Poverty." But ha can also be a happy camper as he exalts in "Trouble In Mind," where it's just John and his guitar.
The playing is a strong part of "So Dark You See." Both "Fret One" and "Fret Not" are little instrumental bridges that serve theit purposes as bridges into other songs, while his warm baritone glides atop the songs. Sometimes with full band treatments or just Gorka alone with his guitar telling stories, "So Dark You See" is a strong record. For readers of my reviews of Slaid Cleaves, John Gorka is in the same league.
