With his smooth, magnetic, and deep vocal intonations, John Gorka has produced a recording that is uplifting and magical. Released in October, After Yesterday, is a collection of profound and spiritual folk songs. Gorka lays out his thoughts, feelings and joy on this 12 track CD, including songs that delve into depths of people and places and songs about the day-to-day happenings in life. Employing the help of seasoned folk musicians from the bands of Mary Chapin Carpenter and Ani DiFranco, the CD has an overall crisp and professional style. Gorka has been songwriting for over 20 years now and released his first record over 10 years ago. He has been well received critically and became nationally recognized in the early 1990’s with his record, Jack’s Crows. On After Yesterday, one can hear why Gorka is so well respected in folk circles.
Opening with the tune, When the Ice Goes Out, at first one is somewhat taken aback by a feedback-like sound. It certainly gets your attention. All of a sudden, a calming percussive beat starts, leading into Gorka’s strong and gripping vocal. The song speaks of finding oneself through the discomfort of the winter’s freezing cold. It talks of looking inside oneself and rising above the obstacles of the physical cold; pursuing a quest for knowledge and peace that is beyond the physical obstacles, yet still felt here in reality. The title track, After Yesterday, is a bright tune about the birth of his son. It speaks of a parents role. The fact that a parent is a necessity to the child and no longer an expendable being. The parent needs to be there for the child to flourish. This tune praises the beauty brought into one’s life by a child and our need to "make room" in our life to experience all this joy.
Gorka adds a little humor to the mix with the tune, St. Caffeine. Singing the praises of caffeine, the song talks of all the help it has given him through the ages. In his forward, he says "St. Caffeine is the patron saint of consciousness." I second that nomination. Throughout, Gorka sings of places, people, and ideas. Places he’s been to, people he’s met, and his ideas of them. His spin is unique and real. Combined with a vocal gift that matches the depth of the lyrics, the songs reach the soul with ease.
As one reads the CD liner, a most unique feature is provided. One I’ve never seen before in a CD. The written lyrics provided for each song begin with a little forward from Gorka. These set the scenes. Though these words are unspoken in the songs, they need to be read because they provide one with the sense of where Gorka is coming from and going to in each song. I found this to add positively to the already personal tone of this CD. All this adds up to make After Yesterday a great adventure into life’s mysteries.
- Dave Geller
****