Search - Russ Taff :: Right Here Right Now

Still a Big Voice

James P. Rigney | Picayune, MS | 04/15/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Russ Taff's voice is still a wonder after over twenty years of all-out, 110% performances. On "Right Here, Right Now," Taff uses that voice to tell some of the most personal stories that he's recorded. Taff's edgy, bluesy, emotion-packed vocals on "Make Me Whole" and "Somebody's Coming" are great matches of voice, music and lyrics. (One of the weaker matches is the title cut, "Right Here, Right Now.)On "Lazarus," telling the story of a river baptism, Taff shows that he can handle southern rock with just the right degree of funk.Those who have followed Taff's songwriting and selection over the years will find some familiar themes on this album. This is NOT Christian triumphalism. For Taff, life is about broken, hurting, sinful people reaching out desperately for healing and strength. The titles reveal the theme: "Make Me Whole," "Cry for Mercy," and "Long Hard Road." "Long Hard Road" is an affirmation of hope for a heaven-side reconciliation between Russ and his deceased father, a Pentecostal preacher -- and an alcoholic. It begins with a recording of the elder Taff fervently preaching, his voice tearing through the air -- eerily connecting him with this other Taff, foreshadowing a connection for which the younger Taff longingly hopes and sings.Given Taff's "dark" expression of Christianity, the final cut on the album is especially appropriate. Musically, on the other hand, it is unique among the songs Taff has written and performed. "Shadow of the Cross" is a three-movement orchestral piece. It begins with no music, just Taff reading the Christology from the Nicene creed. A dark, John Tesh-like orchestration evokes the passion and suffering of Christ. God's triumph, and the triumph of the "broken and beat down" whom he calls, comes through the "terrible price" of the cross. Its dark shadow reaches "from the dawn of creation to the end of it all." In an age of health and wealth preachers and sermons for success, Taff reminds us that the way home is by way of the Christ of the Cross."

Wow, why hasn't everyone heard of this guy?

A. Hayward | Cambridgeshire, UK | 02/20/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I first came across Russ Taff years ago in a Christian music sale. I'd never heard of him, since I live in UK, but I bought the record anyway. Since then, the amazing music, the honesty and passion of his lyrics, coupled with a superb singing voice, have made me a fan. I was so excited to hear about this new album.I've not been disappointed. Taff's music is impossible to pigeon-hole and this album is a typical example. Just when you think you've pinned him down to one style, he changes to another. There is rock, there is gospel, Country&Western, soul, classical, a bit of everything, but Taff carries it off triumphantly in his incredible voice that can get you dancing one minute, and in tears the next; with tunes that stick in your head so you can't get them out and lyrics that are breath-takingly real and gutsy. It's not just good Christian music, it's good music in any context. If you've never heard it, you're missing a treat.I don't know why he is so little known in Britain, but if people heard this album, I think he'd be a household name."

The greatest male voice around is back!

Krusty Fan | Miami | 11/13/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Having been a huge fan is Russ Taff's for 15 years now, I eagerly await any new album. His music always seems so personal, like the songs really mean something to him. His voice is a good as ever. The songs are typical Taff. The only misstep is one called 'Things Will Be Different' which lyrically is out of place here, but a decent song. The final song, 'Shadow of the Cross' is in three 'movements', and is like nothing on any of his other albums. Very dramatic, very passionate, and very well done. This guy is awesome. Thanks, Russ Taff, for finally coming back. May you sell enough albums to continue recording, but not enough to ruin you. God bless you."