DoorWay Reviews

Cross Rhythms

Review by Tony Cummings

Country music and bluegrass have plenty of superlative musicians but few can match the banjo and guitar playing skills of Ron Block who with Alison Krauss And Union Station has shown himself to be a maestro of his instruments. But not only does Ron possess exemplary instrumental skills, he is also a highly gifted singer/songwriter and on this, a belated follow up to his critically acclaimed ‘Faraway Land’, shows himself to be one of the most thought provoking lyricists of his generation. Songs such as “Love’s Living Through Me When I Do”, “Things Aren’t Always As They Seem” and “Be Assured” are all skilfully crafted views of a life imbued with faith. An avid devotee of C S Lewis and George MacDonald, Ron isn’t your standard purveyor of down home faith clichés, but a literate songsmith with the skill to transcend musical boundaries.

All Music Guide – Review by Rick Anderson -

Ron Block is best known to bluegrass lovers as the banjo player with Union Station, Alison Krauss’ backing band. But he’s also an excellent singer, songwriter, and guitarist, and on his second solo album he expands his stylistic parameters to very winning effect. DoorWay is a gospel album, but with a difference: instead of the relatively uncomplicated songs of praise and spiritual victory that typify both the bluegrass and Southern gospel genres, Block chronicles actual struggles of faith and faithfulness on this album. The varied moods of that struggle are reflected in his arrangements, which veer from swinging midtempo bluegrass on “Along the Way” and “Be Assured” to the darker, moodier sound of “Flame” and “Love’s Living Through Me When I Do” — an almost rockish song that features drums, electric piano, and effects-laden electric guitar. Clearly, this is not an album for rock-ribbed bluegrass purists (though few would expect it to be, given the stylistic departures of his recent recordings with Krauss). And because Block deals here with issues of doubt and temptation rather than simply celebrating spiritual certainty, it also may be one that gives pause to some members of the gospel music audience. But it’s hard to imagine that anyone with a relatively open mind in musical terms and an appreciation for the real challenges and conflicts inherent in the process of choosing a life of faith will be able to listen to DoorWay and remain unmoved. Very highly recommended.

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Faraway Land

Country Standard Time
Reviewed by George Hauenstein

Ron Block is one of the anchors of Alison Krauss’ Union Station. In addition to handling the band’s banjo/lead guitar work, he is one of the most soulful songwriters around, having written some of the AKUS’ most beautiful and most requested gospel songs, including “There Is A Reason,” and “In The Palm Of Your Hand.”

His debut showcases his songwriting talents. The songs provide a rich and intimate portrait of an artist to whom faith, and the journey to faith, is tremendously important. The album shines with uptempo numbers, “He’s Holding On To Me,” “In The Morning Light” and “Is It Any Wonder?” Equally compelling are the slower numbers including, “My Hearts Found A Home” and “Searching…”

Block sings lead on all the tracks, except the instrumental, “In Memory of Steve,” as well as playing banjo, acoustic and electric guitar throughout. Supporting musicians including his Union Station band mates and the Forbes Family. What makes Block’s songs so beautiful is their sincerity. The ability to touch a listener with lyrics is a real art, but Block does that on this album. It’s a real winner.

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Faraway Land
About.com: Country Music
Reviewed by Carrie Attebury

Ron Block’s “Faraway Land” is one of the best and most meaningful albums that I have ever had the privilege of listening to. It reminds me very much of the lyric style of the late Rich Mullins. You cannot just listen to this album. This is an album with meanings that need to be studied and discussed.

“Faraway Land” is my favorite song from the album. From the awesome instrumental opening and softness of Ron’s vocals to the deep meaning of the lyrics, this is a song that just can’t be beat.

“He’s Holding On To Me” is a beautiful bluegrass tune that really comforts me the more I listen to it. In these troubled times we live in, sometimes we lose sight of what is important in life. We forget that when things get really bad, we are not alone. Jesus and God are with us.

“Searching” is a song that Ron wrote after seeing the movie The Matrix. The song is about what is real and not real. What is permanent and what is not. How we really have two worlds – the one we live in that will end someday and the kingdom of heaven that will never end. “Reality is only an illusion of solidity and permanence. The hidden eternal world, which we think of as illusory and unreal is in fact the only solid ground.” – Ron Block

“Is It Any Wonder” is a song that reminds me of the old saying never turn anyone away who is in need of help because it just might be Jesus in disguise.

“Higher Than Man” is a song about not judging people. “Judge Not Lest Ye Be Judged” and “Let He Who Is Without Sin Cast The First Stone.” The Bible tells us.

“In The Morning Light” features the awesome mandolin playing of newbie Chris Thile from Nickel Creek. It is an upbeat tune that makes your feet want to start dancing.

“Donal’s Lullaby” is one of the best songs on the album. As I’m not a parent yet I thought I would let Ron tell about what inspired this song. “Being a father is one of the best and hardest things I’ve ever done. There is immense love, heavy responsibility, and a combination of joy and sorrow in watching them grow up. Written for my son, Ethan Donal.” – Ron Block

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Cosmik.com
RON BLOCK
Faraway Land (Rounder)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale

While I don’t share their religious convictions, I’ve always had a certain degree of respect and affection for many gospel performers and their ability to reach me with both the quality of their musicality and the sincerity of their conviction. The problem is, I typically have to reach back in time to find the best of those performances. The material marketed as “contemporary Christian” tends to fail on both the musical and sincerity scales for me, more often than not.

Ron Block, best known as the guitarist for Alison Krauss & Union Station, has recorded an album of original gospel tunes that is as musically strong as anything put out by his primary group (in no small part because all of them, including Krauss, make appearances on the album) but manages to give very clear testimony of his strong Christian faith without coming off as forced or sanctimonious. If you happen to share his convictions, you’ll doubtless find comfort and affirmation in his words. If you don’t, well, he’s a terrific singer and picker, and he’s surrounded by some of the very best in contemporary bluegrass. Along with his Union Station bandmates, he gets support from Chris Thile and Sara and Sean Watkins of Nickel Creek. It’s a super star assembly of players behind a leader who really cares about what he’s singing about. You can’t ask for much more than that, and the music delivers everything the lineup promises.

© 2001 – Shaun Dale

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CD Insight
RON BLOCK – DoorWay

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 Station 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! I hope that his website eventually includes his lyrics.

“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, the master’s songs exhibit radiance, truth and power. (Joe Ross, Roseburg, OR.)

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