John Gorka - The Dutchman (2020)

Home Video # 15 (July 12, 2020) - The Dutchman, by the great Michael Smith, is a song that changed my idea of what a song could be. Michael is a masterful songwriter and I wish him well. By the way we were both born in the same hospital in Newark, NJ. I wanted to follow in his foot steps!
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[@suzannedelrio1521]

Another great performance... 👏👏👏 Makes me think of the late great Steve Goodman. Always loved this song...

[@larryfarr]

Yes, Steve's rendition is amazing as well. Lot's of sweet guitar phrasing.

[@jamesdelaney4685]

This version is perfect! The other versions are less laid back and also great...but your chilled vibes are just this text needs...the delivery fits the quiet whispering passion of the dear Margaret.

[@PoetlaureateNFDL]

I agree!

[@freebomusic9289]

Thank you John, for a truly beautiful version of Michael Smith's classic song, and in my humble opinion, yours is the best version I've heard so far. Your phrasing and delivery of the lyrics really brings the sadness and the heart of the song to light, especially with Michael's current condition in hospice...so ironic and sad. Michael is/was the best...and if so, John Gorka, you're not very far behind!

[@JohnGorka1958]

Thank you so much Freebo! John

[@roonstaal8145]

@@JohnGorka1958 I agree with Freebo. This is the best version so far as far as I am concerned.

[@MelodyMaker]

Okay....time to comment on this since I've now watched it many many times as a template for covering it myself. I'll say this. Finger style play in and of itself is difficult to master. Throw in subtle dynamics and note accentuation which appeal to the lyrics while singing the lyrics simultaneously is simply superb.

[@nllleonard]

A tender and deep-hearted version of this most wonderful song. Thank you John and thank you Michael Smith.

[@johnjohnson7970]

Hello from Poland , i never heard about you , a was looking someting on KZbin and foud John Górka ,,,nice nice very nice ,👍👏💪

[@johnchastify]

Thanks for this and your many songs throughout the years. I first saw you at the Ark in Ann Arbor Michigan when we both were younger and have listened to and loved your music ever since. But the years have passed and the children I raised are adults now. So I saw you at the Ark again recently (since I moved to A2 in 2017) with my daughter and granddaughter and the joy of listening has only deepened with time. Please stay well and perhaps you (& the Ark) will be here again.

[@jonjames5561]

I always loved this song having first heard it from Steve. When I came upon your beautiful and moving recording I was moved to tears. Every month or so I come back and the reaction is always the same. Thank you so very much.

[@anniewenz2]

Absolutely STUNNING! Thank You Michael & John for Your Many Gifts!

[@GlenAnne99]

I'm so happy you are singing this lovely story song. It's beautiful and haunting...such a sweet vision of life. I'm sorry to hear of the reason you are singing it...sending love and blessings and a thank you to both of you for this wonderful song❤️🌹🌹😊

[@scottburpee7536]

I love you John! A national treasure!

[@jaychatterji317]

This song usually makes me sob.😢

[@pattybachman8846]

🍷What a beautiful video, your voice was perfect on this .. I really liked the eye contact with the camera ..✨✨✨. Great lyrics...

[@bobsharp7216]

Hi John I'm loving your studio setup with the lighting which just give your songs the something extra special ingredient. Love your version of this and also your version of the new Janis Ian song. Stay safe out there in USA.

[@Killroy76]

Kind greeting from the Netherlands. 🇳🇱🌞

[@ellenkircher9158]

So sorry to hear about Michael's illness. He also wrote the wonderful Spoon River.

[@PoetlaureateNFDL]

Just love this song! 😊 Thsnk you John.

[@johnfrinzimusic4204]

Wonderful. Thank You John.

[@ChristeneLedoux]

Everything you sing & okay is magic. Thank you.

[@oldfolkiedulcimer]

You do the most beautiful version of this tune! Thank you ;-)

[@Ken-xm1rf]

Perfect. Thank you.

[@jeffreyc.mcandrew8911]

Beautiful song.

[@jimmasson8330]

John, it just gets better! I love this version. Brilliant!

[@cgreek1]

Love this song since back in the 1970s. Sounds best when sung by an older voice such as this incredible version by John

[@miroslawsola]

Radio WNET czyni cuda. Pan Wojciech Cejrowski wspomniał o Panu John Gorka. Subskrubuję i czekam na ................

[@scottburpee7536]

Your voice only gets better!

[@kenac64]

love this song

[@TheDigitalDocs]

Awesome.

[@larryschmid3834]

That's pretty.

[@rontalley2]

Oh wow, you did this just beautifully and elegantly, my friend. Think I heard Steve "Goody" Goodman do this back in '84. Believed he wrote it. :-) Ron

[@disgusto1]

No Steve didn't write it. Michael Peter Smith did. Steve did a cover of it.

[@martinevans1427]

@@disgusto1 and what a cover! John makes charming version but Steve's has feeling "Sometimes she saw her unborn children in his eyes" Is heartbreaking and Steve from the shake of his head immortalised the line for me. As does "Long ago I used to be a young man and Dear Margaret remembers that for me" Than so much for, steve and Micheal where ever you are,

[@Northyorkspaul]

Fantastic...Liam Clancy did a good version.

[@sakka9432]

Wow John - this song is maturing well, thanks for your Work of the Moment. For some reason this song brought up the memory of Nancy Griffith’s song Mary Margaret, kzbin.info/www/bejne/boq9ZKysjdWAhdk Enjoying some good coffee from Wondrous Earth this morning. You and your family remain in my thoughts and prayers during these coronas virus sessions. Finishing up a new CD and I’m done with seven out of 10 of original songs. However, being an elementary folk musician with below average attitudes I may throw in the towel and become a greeter at a grocery store. Luke

[@majorgeneralghassemsoleima3304]

God rest her soul. She was perfect.