John Gorka: The Gypsy Life

Troubadour John Gorka plays roots-oriented material in this spare and earthy set. The title, The Gypsy Life, refers to a 2007 album rather than to his style of music (in an accompanying interview, Gorka cites Emmylou Harris and Nanci Griffith as influences). His band mates include bassist Michael Manring, mandolin player Russ Rentler, and guitarist/pianist Susan Werner, who also shares backing vocals with Amilia K. Spicer. Seated on chairs in a circular formation, the percussion-less band performs a 19-song set in an empty Los Angeles theater in 2006, with the screen fading to black after each number. When he isn't playing acoustic guitar, Gorka turns to the piano, although his plainly-sung, observational songs remain much the same. In 1991's “I'm From New Jersey,” he proclaims, "I don't expect too much." Other lyrics concern love in all its forms; new love, old love, and lost love, although he also touches on his Italian heritage. Viewers tuned into his particular wavelength will probably find this very appealing, but the show can become somewhat soporific due to the minor variations in melody and lack of audience dynamics. Gorka's baritone is pleasant, and the musicianship is strong, but it would take a dedicated fan to parse out the subtleties here. Besides the aforementioned interview, other extras include a behind-the-scenes segment and a brief live 2006 solo set. Presented in Dolby TrueHD 5.1, Dolby Digital 5.1, and PCM stereo, this is a strong optional purchase. (K. Fennessy)