Ron Block
Album: Walking Song
Label: Rounder
Tracks: 14
Website: http://www.ronblock.com

Emerging once more from the shadow of Alison Krauss's Union Station, bluegrass maestro Ron Block triumphs with his third solo record. Although Ron's long-time (close on two decades!) sideman contributions to Union Station should not be underestimated, Walking Song furnishes further proof that his prowess as singer and songwriter can be seen as every inch a match for his considerable musicianly chops. The latter (banjo and guitar) are heard in full swing on instrumental cuts such as Devil In The Strawstack (happily, not taken too fast for steppin' comfort!) and an effortlessly-lightnin' Shortnin' Bread, while a thoughtful arrangement of the hymn What Wondrous Love Is This? provides a reflective contrast.

The 11 vocal cuts, all co-write collaborations with poet Rebecca Reynolds, range from the archetypal gospel-flavoured opus Jordan, Carry Me and the soothing lullaby Rest, My Soul and the gently celtic-inflected dance-of-life Let There Be Beauty to the delicate Chase Me To The Ocean and lithe, affectionately folksy vox-and-guitar number Ivy, via the ballad-like Fields Of Aidlewinn and the goodtime funky newgrass of Sunshine Billy.

Ron's backing crew includes most of the "usual suspects", in the shape of old-faithfuls Rob Ickes, Sam Bush, Stuart Duncan and Jerry Douglas, with extra turns from Sierra Hull, Dan Tyminski, Mike Compton, Jeff Taylor, John Joe Kelly, Buddy Greene and Barry Bales, as well as some dream-team harmony vocals from Kate Rusby, Suzanne and Evelyn Cox and Alison Krauss herself. Of course, Ron had already contributed to Kate's own recent anniversary set 20, and I now feel certain we'll be hearing a Rusby cover of the gorgeous Summer's Lullaby (and possibly also Chase Me To The Ocean) before too long!…

This is a well-rounded and lovingly crafted album: classy to the nth degree, and both deeply considered on the part of its maker and deeply spiritually and musically satisfying for the listener.

David Kidman