top by Big Hoke

Press Review

Jeff Niesel- Cleveland Free Times Magazine

Named after singer-keyboardist Justin Gorski's solo album, "Big Hoke," this act also includes bassist/producer Dustin J. Elliott and drummer T. Lane. But it sounds like there's a much larger crew bringing these vibrant song to life. That's because Elliott and Gorski play a variety of instruments, from guitars to penny jars and toy xylophones, giving Gorski a variety of arrangements to sing over. He's up to the challenge, singing in a raspier voice for ethereal "Everyday" and sounding like a cross between Wilco's Jeff Tweedy and Tom Waits in the whimsical "People Fly By." If there were a movie that were equal parts Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Garden State and Down by Law, this eclectic offering would be the perfect soundtrack. - Jeff Niesel

To this day Justin Gorski can recall the piano movers coming into the house. "I was five years old," he says, "and those piano legs were bigger than I was!" It's been twenty-three years since, and Gorski has played hundreds of shows, toured around the country and released four albums of original material.

From the age of five until he was twelve he took private lessons and then moved on to the Cleveland Institute of Music where he learned classical techniques. On his own he honed his blues, pop, originals, and even traditional Irish music. In 1994 he qualified for the Fleadh Cheoil in Ireland (a traditional Irish music competition). Gorski then went to the University of Dayton where he received a Music Performance Degree. While there he took private jazz lessons for three years and won a battle of the bands competition.

Gorski returned to Cleveland in 2002 and wrote his fist solo album entitled "My Last Date." While recording he met up with Michael Jantz whom he then played with on the Brian Wilson/Paul Simon tour. "One of the best experiences I have ever had. Not only was I able to see how top acts perform and rehearse, but I got a taste of working on the road." Other venues include Blossom Amphitheater, Tower City Amphitheater and North by Northwest music convention.

While working with Michael, Gorski recorded his second solo album- "Big Hoke." It was during these sessions that he formed the band Big Hoke with bassist/engineer/producer Dustin J. Elliott (Porksword, Twistoffs), and drummer T. Lane (Sultans of Bing, SAFMOD).

The name "Big Hoke" stuck, and in 2005 they are now ready to release their new album "Top." With mixtures of Wilco, Tom Waits, Willie Nelson, David Bowie, Flaming Lips and the Who, Big Hoke is ready to make its mark. Big Hoke is an original rock n' roll band calling upon it's influences when needed. "Top" will be released on May 7.

Besides Big Hoke, Gorski is working with The Madison Crawl (swing/boogie outfit) which has played at the House of Blues, area venues, and the Scene Pavilion. He also finds time to play with the Whiskey Island Ramblers (Celtic Rock). "I enjoy playing with all of these other groups, but I feel that being a side man is not enough. Playing my own songs and being up front has been the natural progression, and with the "Top" album, now is the time to take that step."