By Tim Wood

Ron Moore most often has been described as an acoustic guitar playing singer-songwriter. He has operated a coffee house and has sustained a long career in the music field.

But a listen to his most recent album, "Mystery," reveals a musician extending his boundaries far beyond the stereotypes associated with acoustic musicians.

There are sizzling electric guitar riffs, harmony vocals in the style of Crosby, Stills and Nash, not to mention catchy uptempo tunes.

Moore is a Christian, but doesn't care for the limitations of the label. He keeps himself ignorant about the working of the "industry."

"Good art reflects truth, and where the artist is in his life. All truth is God's truth, and I'm a Christian, so naturally that's reflected in my songs. But I don't want to limit the audience," he said in a published interview.

"Mystery" was released on Moore's independent Airborn label, and it's his first album in eight years. That's not to say he's not been busy. He's a published poet, a record producer and operated an acoustic music club and cafe until early this year.

He produced the debut album of Detroit folk standout Jan Krist. Working with a $5,000 budget - which probably wouldn't pay the light bill for some major artists - he put together an album that was named best folk album of the 1992 by Billboard magazine.

"Mystery" features "Jamie's Blues," eight minutes of wild blues featuring guitarist Colin Sapp blasting out blues riffs.

"Let's Go Shopping" at first appears to talk about going to the mall, but instead contrasts the dark problems of the world with the escapism of a shopping trip.

Great harmonies lift "Full Moon over Romania," a tale of missionaries going overseas. "The Wrangler" is about a grocery store employee who finds ways to serve God in his seemingly humble job of "wrangling" shopping carts.

"Kooties" is a catchy tune about - well - kooties. Enough said.

Moore performed a concert in Columbia in 1998 and tours the South frequently.