WRITING IN THE MARGINS - JOHN GORKA
The best singer/songwriters are often the ones who deserve wider recognition, and that includes John Gorka. His latest effort, “Writing in the Margins,” is a pleasure, a deftly mixed bag of a dozen tunes, including a pair of finely wrought covers: Townes Van Zandt’s “Snow Don’t Fall” and Stan Rogers’ “The Lockkeeper.” The remaining 10 tracks offer choice moments like “When You Sing,” Gorka’s very cool tribute to the wondrous Mavis Staples, complete with horns. It’s modern folk with a touch of soul. The title track is a poignant soldier’s tale that’s more personal than political, while “I Miss Everyone” has a pronounced country lilt worthy of Asleep at the Wheel and a nice backing vocal from Lucy Kaplansky. This is one of Gorka’s most impressive outings. Billboard
