Ron Heacock is a storyteller. In an uncommon way. For over twenty years, he has painted song pictures so stark, they can make you jump. He holds up mirrors, so close, you gasp for the familiarity. His approach to songwriting has always been through the back door. It sneaks up on you and before you know it, you're caught in his irresistible hold, gasping for air and begging for more.

A Nashville transplant, Heacock has performed as soloist, back-up singer, bandmate, guitarist and pianist. He spent a portion of the 1990's touring with folk-legend, Melanie. Currently, playing such venues as Nashville's world-renown Bluebird Cafe, Heacock is getting ready for huge crest in his career as a songwriter/entrepreneur. His brainchild, The Sweating Angel is an internet magazine in the making. True to Heacock's nature, The Sweating Angel will be dedicated to passionate art, literature, poetry and music, and is slated go online in September, 1999. Heacock defines passion as, "living in the ecstatic present." A simple concept, yet one that is intricately woven throughout his life as a musician and songwriter.

Beginning at age eight with piano lessons from a teacher who didn't realize he was learning by ear, Heacock's first tries at songwriting were conceived on a five-string banjo tuned like a guitar. By fourteen, he had procured a flattop guitar and a vision of what he wanted to do with the rest of his life. In high school, Heacock started a Latin percussion band, and became known for his stairwell serenades between classes. He also dabbled in studio recording around this time, giving birth to yet another passion. Since then, he has wracked up thousands of hours recording, producing and engineering extensively in both digital and analog formats.

Heacock's CD, Out Of My Love, was released in 1996 by Of The Heart, Ltd. Records. Viola Rubato, Focus Magazine, said, "It's refreshing that singer songwriters like Ron Heacock still want to peel away at the varnish of human emotions.

I would not hesitate to recommend this CD to Folk-rock listeners and anyone seeking spiritually minded soft music with insight and intellect.

Rumors of his now achieved talent and developed abilities are evidenced in songs like All ways Near and Distance, the unlikely first cut.

I have heard Ron Heacock several times live at the Bluebird Café. I have always been struck by the piercing quality of his live vocal presentation and the amazing intricacy of his guitar work. Out of my love is an early endeavor. Ron was on his way to developing the maturity he has now gained as a songwriter and a performing artist.

These days Ron has been influenced by the Country and Americana music trends in Nashville. He has been co-writing with other artists like J.K. Gully (if you can find a copy of "point of Light" or "You give my Blues a Name" you will see what I mean!!) a collaboration which only adds to his depth and accessibility.

I enjoy this collection as a glimpse of Ron's roots - And also for the rare gem "Haul Away" written by Bill Hall in honor of the Sloop Clearwater. Keep you eye out for new work by Ron, he is a veteran performer and a songwriters songwriter.