Reviewed by Dave Brassington

Ron Block has been the featured banjo/guitar player with Alison Krauss and Union Station for 15 years and has been responsible for much of the spiritual input to the band. A deeply committed Christian and an avid devotee of C S Lewis and George MacDonald, for his second all gospel album he has chosen imagery from these two famous Christian writers. All the songs are new compositions and of a thoughtful nature which want you to play them over and over again. The backing musicians consist of many members of Union Station, plus other high quality contemporary bluegrass musicians. The album starts with "The Kind Of Love" which sets the scene for many similar thought provoking songs. I particularly enjoyed "Love's Living Through Me When I Do", "Things Aren't Always As They Seem" and my pick of the album, "Be Assured". To sum up, a finely crafted album of fine new songs impeccably sung with deft musicianship that echoes a timeless tradition but nimbly avoids cliché. Even if your tastes don't often veer towards country Ron is a songsmith you should hear.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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