John Gorka's "Before Beginning" is a special music CD that takes listeners back to the roots of one of modern folk music's beloved songwriters. Released years after his debut album "I Know," this collection features previously unreleased studio recordings from 1985, captured at Cowboy Jack Clement's studio in Nashville. Produced by Jim Rooney, known for his work with greats like John Prine and Nanci Griffith, these tracks showcase Gorka's early songwriting talent and artistic spirit. Although the sessions were never made public at the time, they reveal a fascinating glimpse into the musical journey he did not pursue.

In this collection, Gorka collaborates with a full band of top Nashville musicians, including harmony vocals from Shawn Colvin and Lucy Kaplansky. The CD offers nine of the twelve songs from his iconic debut, along with a full band version of "Geza's Wailing Ways," which originally appeared in a 1983 Fast Folk compilation. With heartfelt liner notes, Gorka reflects on his experiences in the studio as a young artist at the age of 25, providing insight into his growth as a songwriter. "Before Beginning" invites fans to experience a fresh interpretation of songs that many consider among Gorka's finest, bridging early creativity with the renowned career that followed.