A few of the many: J.D. Crowe, Eric Clapton, Flatt & Scruggs, Pat Metheny, Tony Rice, Jimmy Martin, James Taylor, Ricky Skaggs, B.B. King, Bonnie Raitt, The Stanley Brothers, Bryan Adams, Fernando Ortega, Joni Mitchell, Sonny Landreth, Larry Carlton, Kate Rusby, Andrew Peterson, Paul Rodgers.
Sounds Like
SONGWRITING: He's a mixture of everything from Ralph Stanley to James Taylor. Alison Krauss and Union Station have recorded many of Ron's songs: A Living Prayer, There Is A Reason, I Give You To His Heart, Could You Lie, and others. Randy Travis cut Ron's Which Way Will You Choose, and Michael W. Smith recorded Loving You Eternally. Most recent cuts include It All Comes Down To You and The One You Lean On from Dan Tyminski's Wheels cd.
BANJO: a traditional base of Crowe and Scruggs with electric guitar influences like Larry Carlton and Pat Metheny. Also influenced greatly by his AKUS bandmates.
GUITAR: a traditional base of George Shuffler, Larry Sparks, Clarence White, and Tony Rice mixed with electric guitar influences. Lots of bends and slides. Ron has done the lead guitar work, with the exception of the songs with banjo, on Alison Krauss and Union Station's recordings for over 15 years.
VOCALS: Ron is a fan of singers as diverse as Ralph Stanley, Larry Sparks, James Taylor, Fernando Ortega, Eric Clapton, and Paul Rodgers.
NEW INSTRUMENTAL CD IN THE WORKS: Ron is currently working on a banjo/guitar instrumental cd, a varied collection of bluegrass, hymns, and originals. The first tracks will be released on a Huber Banjos cd with other tracks from Sammy Shelor and Steve Huber.
RON'S FIRST BANJO INSTRUCTIONAL DVD WILL BE RELEASED BY ACUTAB:
Songs include Man of Constant Sorrow, Cluck Old Hen, Everytime You Say Goodbye, Bright Sunny South, My Poor Old Heart, Tiny Broken Heart, I'll Remember You Love In My Prayers. The DVD will show the improvisational nature of Ron's playing, the thought behind his soloing and backup, and his use of scale knowledge in his solos.
DOORWAY REVIEWS:
Billboard Magazine, All Music Guide:
“Ron Block is...an excellent singer, songwriter, and guitarist, and on his second solo album he expands his stylistic parameters to very winning effect...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.”
"A Living Prayer" (words and music by Ron Block)
"Cluck Old Hen"
"Road to NashVegas" - Dan Tyminski and Ron at the Clapton Crossroads Festival
Hey Ron=) Hope you are doing good=)Hang in there=) Still praying for you guys and the fam=) Did you watch those Jeremy CAmp and Chris Tomlin videos?=D Building 429 has a really good one called "Always"=D We saw them(talked to)but missed their set cuz we had to work=( and saw Todd Agnew lastnight=) It was amaaaaazing!!!!!=) Hope you have a great weekend=) Love you!!!!!=) God bless!!!!!=) Love always,Amy and Tracy(Your Sisters In Christ)=)=)
After you've finished here, you may like to hear this poem sung on myspace...
Poem 162 of 230, WalkaboutsVerse (please see my blog): TEES TO TYNE: FIRST IMPRESSIONS - SUMMER 2001
Where traditions are not so rare; Sea, country and works scent the air; A multitude of monuments, Planted tubs and patterned pavements.
The longish pedestrian malls; The remnants of defensive walls; Historic buildings are a gauge Of the respect for heritage.
Wheat, rape and pines in the fields; Estuaries guarded by shields; Long sandy beaches and wide scenes; Romantic-ruin go-betweens.
Rivers in parts licked by trees, Or fringed by boat clubs, wharfs, gantries, And crossed by practical delights - Varied spans, forming pleasing sights.
Fine churches headed at Durham; Football kits ad infinitum; Kept castles - one for study; Masonry behind masonry.
And, with moulding-works out that way, It’s somewhere for a longer stay..?
New From Jared Anderson, one of today's top CCLI songwriters, comes his first LIVE worship album, Live From My Church. Recorded at New Life Church in Colorado Springs. Jared leads an amazing night of worship introducing ten new songs as well as a LIVE version of his radio single "Glorified" and a new recording of John Mark McMillan's "O How He Loves." The song "Carrier" has become the theme song of a major mission organization and tour promotion will be built around the theme of Jared leading worship "live from your church."
The world serves us what it considers important, urgent, vital It prefers speed Effectiveness Results Ostentation Noise The illusion of certainty I wish for you to celebrate what serves no purpose I wish you beauty I wish for you to string pearls I wish for you to dream with your feet dangling in a pretty brook I wish for you to listen to birdsong I wish for you to lie down in a broad, poppy-strewn meadow I wish for you to have a small bike in your head I wish for you to experience love at first sight I wish for you " to carry coals to Newcastle" I wish for you to seek beauty Within yourself For yourself I wish for you only what is free Gracious Grace
Hey Ron, I sang a couple of your songs this week at a large camp meeting in east Texas. He's holding on to me and Be Assured. Great songs with a great message.
Take care
Adam
Check out the new FACEBOOK SONG and if your a Facebook member be sure and join the group "Fans of AJ Downing". Stay tuned on a new album due out by the end of the year!
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