Description
Walls of Glass is the solo debut album by the American singer and songewriter Russ Taff, formerly of The Imperials, released on Myrrh Records in 1983, a division of Word. The album was recorded by Bill Schnee and Jack Joseph Puig at Bill Schnee Studio in Los Angeles, California; with Schnee producing. Horns arranged by Jerry Hey of Seawind fame. Featuring a cover of “Jeremiah”, a song written by Michael Omartian and originally recorded on his debut album White Horse released in 1974. (Keyboardist Omartian is featured on Taff’s cover as well.)
Walls of Glass won a Grammy in the Best Gospel Performance, Male category at the 26th Annual Grammy Awards.
After contending for the longest-awaited-studio-album award, Russ Taff has stepped forth with ‘Walls of Glass’, clutching his third-place prize behind Daniel Amos and Larry Norman. Expected for over a year, this album is the solo debut of the former Imperial, whose voice helped popularize classics such as «Oh Buddha», «I’m Forgiven», «Praise the Lord», and «The Trumpet of Jesus».
Taff’s unmistakeable vocal timbre and ability is his calling card. Because of their easy adaptability and their high visibility through constant touring and heavy radio airplay, the Imperials were the ideal group to showcase his talent. During the pause in recording (his last recording project was ‘Priority‘) the Russ Taff Band has busied itself with live concerts nationwide, furthering the anticipation for this release.
An ostensible interest in pop-jazz and soulish black gospel displays itself powerfully in this work, aimed lyrically to the body of Christ. Russ and his partner, friend and spouse Tori, co-wrote eight of the ten tracks on ‘Walls’, along with other songwriters. Although originally planned as a Michael Omartian production, Bill Schnee’s hand as producer is firmly felt patting the backs of the 38 contributing musicians. Recorded at Schnee’s studio in Los Angeles, Bill lends to this project a crispness of sound and sensitive diversity that is admirable. (Schnee also produced the Imperials’ latest, ‘Stand by the Power‘) The players vary from cut to cut, with sprinkled guest appearances by such notables as Bill Champlin (Sons of Champlin), Franke (and the Knockouts) Previte, Lenny Castro, Bonnie Bramlett, Cynthia Clawson, Reba and Dony McGuire, and the list goes on.
The album opens with «Tell Them» (not to be confused with the Crouch standard of the same name), a lively, prophetic pop-rock social commentary. The title song follows with an expose of the selfishness involved in materialism. “Why judge your worth by what you own?/ Those things will pass/ They will shatter like walls of glass.” In tandem is «I Want to Change», a personal response in repentance with the prayer, “Please come and break the wall down/ And show this captive heart how to be free.”
«We Will Stand» is currently being played on Christian radio, and features a beautiful backdrop of horns and a small but potent choir of “all-stars”, urging the tearing down of dividing walls in deference to fellowship, “You’re my brother, you’re my sister/ So take me by the hand/ Together we will work until He comes.”
Side two opens with re-make of the Omartian composition, «Jeremiah», originally recorded on his White Horse LP. Michael himself plays all the keyboards, which incidently replace all the horns of the former version. A busy and enjoyable pop arrangement complimented by Lenny Castro’s knack for beating on things percussive, funky and full of punch. Repentance- and worship-oriented songs fill the remainder of the album with great feeling and, at times, lamenting vocals.
Those expecting an Imperials sound-alike album may be disappointed a bit by the frequent use of female background vocals, adding a “church music” effect that harms the overall pop sound. The album is strong, however, and will no doubt become a hit with Taff fans.
‘Walls of Glass’ is a solid collection of songs, which serves well the purpose of encouraging and exhorting the believer. [Joe Polizzi, CCM, August 1983]
> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/walls-of-glass/1165968816)
LP tracklist:
Side One
A1. “Tell Them” – 4:23
A2. “Walls Of Glass” – 3:57
A3. “I Want To Change” – 5:05
A4. “Pure In Heart” – 3:59
A5. “We Will Stand (You’re My Brother, You’re My Sister)” – 4:37
Side Two
B1. “Jeremiah” – 4:02
B2. “Inside Look” – 4:01
B3. “Just Believe” – 4:26
B4. “Kathryn’s Song” – 4:24
B5. “Unto The Lamb” – 2:42
Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and 12-inch vinyl LP by Myrrh Records. Later re-issued on CD.
CREDITS. Produced by Bill Schnee. Recorded at Bill Schnee Studio, Los Angeles, CA. Engineered by Bill Schnee with additional engineering by Jack Joseph Puig. Assistant Engineers: David Schober and Daniel Garcia. Mastered by Doug Sax at The Mastering Lab, Los Angeles, CA. Horns arranged by Jerry Hey. Production Assistant: Susan Heard. Vocal on track A3 produced by Jack Joseph Puig and Russ Taff. Front Cover Photography and Back Cover Insert by Sam Emerson. Back Cover Photography and Cover Concept by Gary Whitlock. Layout and Design by Paul Gross, Paradise Graphics, Ltd. Custom Photo Printing by Isgo Lepejian. Hand Tinting by Design Oasis. Track A1, A3, A5 and B3 feature music by James Hollihan and lyrics by Russ and Tori Tuff. Track A2 features music by Keith Thomas and lyrics by Raymond Brown, Russ Taff, and Tori Tuff. Track A4 features music by Robbie Buchanan and lyrics by Raymond Brown, Russ Taff, and Tori Tuff. Track B1 features music by Michael Omartian and lyrics by Stormie Omartian. Track B2 features music by James Newton Howard and lyrics by James Hollihan, Russ Taff, and Tori Tuff. Track B5 feature music by Bill George and lyrics by Russ and Tori Tuff. Track B4 written by Patti Roberts.
Musicians: Russ Taff (Lead Vocals), Franke Previte (Harmony Vocals on track B2), Robbie Buchanan (Synthesizer – tracks: A1, A3, A4, B5, Rhodes – tracks: A1, A4, A5, Piano – tracks: A3, A4, A5, B5, Synthesizer Bass on track A1), James Newton Howard (Piano – tracks: A2, B2, B4, Synthesizer – tracks: A2, A5, B2), Michael Omartian (Piano, Rhodes, and Synthesizer on track B1 and B3), Bill George (Rhodes on track A3), Ernie Watts (Sax Solo on track A3), Michael Landau (Guitar – tracks: A1, A2, A4, A5, B1, B2, B3), Marty Walsh (Guitar on track A1 and A4), James Hollihan (Guitar on track A3), Nathan East (Bass – tracks: A2, B1, B2, B3), Abraham Laboriel (Bass on track A4 and A5), Richard Hopkins (Bass on track A3), Jeff Porcaro (Drums – tracks: A2, B1, B2, B3), Mike Baird (Drums – tracks: A1, A4, A5), John Hammond (Drums on track A3), Lenny Castro (Percussion – tracks: A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, B1, B2, B3). Horns on track A2 and B3: Charlie Loper, Ernie Watts, Gary Grant, Jerry Hey. Backing Vocals: Arnold McCuller, David Lasley, Russell Taff (track A1), Bill Champlin, Carmen Twillie, Tamara Champlin (track A2), Charlotte Crossley, David Lasley, Joann Harris (tracks – A3, A4, B2), Arnold McCuller, Bobby Messano, Cynthia Clawson, David Lasley, Don Cason, Franke Previte, Gary Whitlock, Harry Browning, Laury Boone, Ragan Courtney, Russ Taff, Susan Pyron Heard, Tori Taff (track A5), Bill Champlin, Bonnie Bramlett, Tamara Champlin (track B1), Bill Champlin, Bonnie Bramlett, Russ Taff (track B3), Dony McGuire, Laury Boone, Reba Rambo, Russ Taff (track B5).
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