Ron Block - Doorway (CD)

Music cultivated with strong personal belief

By Joe Ross  May 27, 2007 | 1 out of 1 found this Doorway review helpful

Pros: Thoughtful, intimate and personal lyrics

Cons: None apparent

Playing Time – 40:28 -- It’s been over six years since all-around musician Ron Block released his debut solo album, “Faraway Land.” Besides focusing on family, the talented guy’s been so busy clocking road miles with Alison Krauss & Union S...tation that doing another solo project was down a ways on his priority list. Like on “Faraway Land,” his compelling self-penned songs on “DoorWay” are arranged with all-star casting, dynamics, and varied tempos. His big musical vision taps inspiration and gains strength from various genres. Dan Tyminski, Stuart Duncan, Jerry Douglas, Alison Krauss are back again to lend their able support. Others in the lineup include Barry Bales, Adam Steffey, Viktor Krauss, Suzanne Cox, Sidney Cox, Andy Hubbard, and the Forbes Family. The cornerstone of Block’s music is his thoughtful, intimate and personal lyrics. He’s said that his songs come quickly and easily or else they sound contrived. Most make reference to his faith-based beliefs, and others offer new perspectives on his updated take on the world and where to find direction and guidance. Ron proclaims that Jesus Christ is the center of his being and answer to his needs. As a gospel songwriter, Ron says, “my first order of business is making sure I am abiding in Christ - meaning that I am resting in him, knowing he lives in me, and is living through me to others.” He understands that he can comfort others with the comfort he’s received from God. Alison Krauss once said, “Ron has had the ability to change lives with his words.” What more could a songwriter hope for! A new website with lyrics and commentary for DoorWay is in the works and should be up and running soon. “DoorWay” is also a musical treat for the senses because Block explores images, textures, and colors that are both bright and sedate. With calmness and composure, intimate singer/songwriter settings typify “The Kind of Love,” “The Blackness of the Need,” “Secret of the Woods,” and “Someone.” There’s the intense soulful loveliness and devout tone of “Things Aren’t Always As They Seem.” Uplifting bluegrass gospel rousers include “Along the Way” and “Be Assured.” Smooth and evocative, “Love’s Living Through Me When I Do” is folk-pop with a dreamy delivery. The title cut, “DoorWay,” provides a beautifully reflective moment at the middle of the set. Like the rest of the conceptual album, Ron wants us to think about whether we’ll keep on stumbling through the desert or whether we’ll make the leap of faith and see with God’s vision. “I See Thee Nevermore” is a sweetly wistful instrumental. Block shakes things up with his gritty alt-country groove on “Above the Line.” “Flame” takes us on a journey into his Effortland. “I know the flame of the burning tree / is the flame that burns in the deep of me / The love of the Father.” Sturdy and self-confident, Ron Block carefully cultivates his music with a strong personal belief in its depth and meaning. “DoorWay” shows that his inner fire burns with the conviction of his soul. Block has discovered what he stands for in life and what he has to do with his music. As a result, Ron’s songs exhibit radiance, truth and power. The message of inner reliance on Christ is fundamental to what Ron Block is doing. He plans to continue expanding these ideas through music and books. (Joe Ross, staff writer, Bluegrass Now rossjoe at hotmail dot com) Read more Less