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Q and A with John Gorka
by Kathy S-B · 8 May 2010 |
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Me&thee favorite John Gorka is an honored icon of folk tradition. Energetic acoustic music that is not a trend, not a fad, but an expression of everyday life, is his trademark. John’s rich baritone voice and unique songcraft weave a magical spell that can only be described as ‘Gorka.’ Anne Heaton opens the show. Anne was named one of 2009’s Ten Breakout Bands and has been nominated for a 2009 Boston Music Award for Folk Act of the Year. John Gorka has been a staple on the coffeehouse scene for quite a while. His gentle self-deprecating humor and wise and thoughtful lyrics have endeared him to acoustic music fans far and wide. John has a website chock full of all kinds of interesting tid-bits. This trailer for John’s DVD “The Gypsy Life” gives a glimpse into John — the musician, the performer, the storyteller. Your name is almost synonymous with Godfrey Daniels — the legendary listening room and coffeehouse in downtown Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Do you remember the first time you walked in there and tell us about your history with the place.
I suspect your transition to the New York City folk scene of the 1980s was a pretty big one for you. Was getting involved with that whole Fast Folk crowd at Jack Hardy’s a real turning point in your career?
I
remember buying your first album (yes, the vinyl), “I Know” after seeing
you open for Nanci Griffith at Club Passim. I still remember being knocked
out by “Heart on Demand” and “Love is Our Cross to Bear.” One would have
to be made out of stone to not be affected by these songs. The early touring
days must have been . . . for lack of a better word . . . interesting.
I’d like to think that the positive feedback that you got about your songs
kept you going even when the financial rewards may not have been what
you’d like them to be.
Have you traveled much abroad? Does your humor translate to those who live off-shore?
I’ve
got to ask this — what was the inspiration behind “Prom Night in Pigtown”?
That’s a classic “only John Gorka could get away with this kind of song!"
And,
by the way, thanks for the pierogi recipe on your website. I’m of half-Polish
descent and I’ve got to say . . . I’ve never had a pierogi with bacon
and sauerkraut! Sounds and smells (virtually) intoxicating! Do you cook
for your family when you’re around?
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