Customer Reviews

Right Here Right Now

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

I was deeply offended that one reviewer would find this album disappointing. One listen to "Shadow of the Cross" and I was hooked!I was blessed so much by this cd.I'm 17 and Iwas too young to remember Russ in his heyday,but my brother-in-law let me borrow a few of his cd's,and since then he has beome my favorite singer.KEEP ROCKING RUSS!

I have really enjoyed this album. You can really tell the Russ put his heart into the entire album. My favorite songs are "Back into Grace", "Right Here, Right Now" and "Lazarus" If you have liked any of Russ Taff's work in the past you would really like this one.

Can't say too much except "He's done it again!" Russ is my favorite and in this recording his voice is a smooth and powerful as ever. I loved all the songs, especially "Shadow of the Cross" and was filled with the Spirit as he sang. Up there with "Walls of Glass", my favorite of Russ', which is now out of print. (Just a little plug for bringing that one back!) Russ' music is classy and real.

We all should know who this guy is by now; but just for the benefit--he once was a regular member of the group "The Imperials!" He had a few solo recordings out before this, and knownfor writting some popular country music as well. Anyway, this recording was very hard to rate because Russ hasn't made a christian recording for awhile. (its like trying to get too know him all over again)! Sure he appears on TV with the Gather Gosple Hour and sometimes does a song or two,but to me Russ Taff will always be doing somekind of a recording that Blesses God! I have all of his work, and this one just adds to the libary of his talent. If anyone who likes to watch the Gather Homecoming Hour and has seen Russ perform a song on the program-----well, I suggest that you might want to get your hands on any of his work--because What you see is What you get!!! (nice to hear a christian recording done by him again)!!!

This CD gets better each listening. At first I was put off that all the instruments were played by Russ's partner James Hollihan but he does an excellent job(even on drums).This led me to believe that this project was so intensely personal that Russ only wanted his close friend to be in on the sessions. Russ's father passed away shortly before this project and on one song you can hear Russ crying as he sings.("He was a good man")Beautiful classical like trilogy at the end, "The Shadow of the Cross". Did anybody hear the coughing at the end of "Somebody's coming"?

Now I know why this man has won FIVE Grammy Awards. Amazing soul and feeling in his delivery. Good Job!

Yet another solid album by Russ Taff. Every song is catchy. Very good job, Russ.