Walking Song

In an unusual but fruitful pairing, bluegrass notable Ron Block teamed up with teacher/poet Rebecca Reynolds to craft the tunes on Walking Song. Block (best known as the banjo player with Alison Krauss’ Union Station) met Reynolds through an online spirituality forum; their discussions led to a songwriting partnership. Walking Song reflects their shared sense of creative freedom both lyrically and musically. Tunes like the Celtic-tinged “Let There Be Beauty,” the country-slanted “Ivy," and the poignant “Colors” match Reynolds’ rich, vivid lyrics with Block’s fine-etched melodies to entrancing effect. “Nickel Tree Line” is a particular standout, updating the Appalachian ballad tradition with haunting imagery and high, keening vocal harmonies. There’s an old-fashioned sense of romance to these tunes, evident in the dreamily waltzing “Summer’s Lullaby” and the delicate, fairytale–like “Chase Me to the Ocean.” Block’s honeyed, plaintive tenor and fluent touch on banjo and guitar are backed by Krauss and the rest of Union Station, as well as mandolinist Sierra Hull, singer Kate Rusby, and other top talents.