Worship Musician January 2020 | Page 28

NEW MUSIC SELECTIVE HEARING | Robert Berman BLUES COUNSEL RON BLOCK Love Infusion A Light So Fair Why aren’t They singing? We have solu+ons! You might expect an album by a band named Need some chill music? Ron Block is your guy. “Blues Counsel” to be filled with songs of Setting down his banjo for a moment away no-good men and leaky roofs. In fact, this from his work with the famed Union Station fifth outing collects classic rock loaded with ‘new-grass’ collective, Block has picked up his memorable turns from a host of veteran vintage Martin dreadnought—two, actually—for tunesmiths. Electric guitar is the main course, a collection of semi-spontaneous instrumental with a side of Hammond B3 and live horns in tracks inspired by Stephen Foster, C.S. Lewis, styles from blues-rock to soul to pop country. John Donne, and the death of Block’s mother. There is not room here to list the impressive Block also renders Frances Havergal’s 1874 credentials of guys like Rick Cua, Will hymn “Take My Life and Let It Be” among the McFarlane, Tony Hooper, Tom Lane, Anthony originals. It’s all guitars, all the time, plus a Morra and Emedin Rivera; suffice to say that little bit of the Asian harmonium known as a there’s plenty of singing, playing, and writing shruti box. Oohs and aahs come from long- talent to go around, as the various members time associates Sierra Hull and Suzanne Cox, collaborate on each other’s songs. Best of as well as British folk singers Kate Rusby and all, the music serves clearly Christian themes. Damien O’Kane, two well regarded voices from “What We Need” builds on the book of Joshua. the Yorkshire scene. (Mental note: Must hear Andrae Crouch’s gospel classic “The Blood Will more Kate Rusby.) Never Lose Its Power” rounds out the dozen. musicality INCREASE participation INSTILL INSPIRE unity worship MORETHANMUSICMENTOR Equipping for artistic excellence. & authentic worship. O UTSTANDING ONSITE INSTRUCTION & FREE O NLINE R ESOURCES More Than Music Mentor Standout tracks: Lane’s Toto-esque “Storm” and McFarlane’s “Love Just Hung Around”. Robert Berman Robert is a Sunday School teacher, music nerd, and acoustic guitar enthusiast. He lives in rural Tennessee with his wife and three boys. 28 IMPROVE January 2020 is the vision of its founder & principal instructor - Grammy® nominee & Dove Award winner, Grant Norsworthy - formerly of Sonicflood & Paul Colman Trio (PC3). Subscribe for Free...