Winds of Change

Description

Winds of Change is the sixth studio album by the American singer and songwriter Russ Taff, released on Reprise Records in 1995. The album was produced by Randy Scruggs with Russ Taff and James Hollihan, Jr. producing tracks 7 to 10.

This son of the South learned at an early age that there’s a thin line between the passion and fervor of gospel music and the honesty and emotion of country. Russ was raised on the traditional quartet sounds of The Statesmen, The Blackwood Brothers and his mother’s group, The Johnson Sisters. But when he could listen to the radio, Russ would also absorb the music of Hank Williams and Elvis. Later, Taff would bring this hybrid to The Imperials and score a number of solo pop hits himself. But the bridge to ‘Winds of Change’ can be heard on Russ’ ‘Under Their Influence‘ album, where Taff revisited a number of gospel classics, making the country connection through new arrangements. So on this long-awaited new album, Taff doesn’t “go country” so much as allow a different part of his musical heritage to dominate his approach.

Although many Christians still belive the cliché about country strictly being “cheatin’ and drinkin’ songs,” Taff side-steps that dilemma by penning a number of credible original story/songs, as well as drawing on the material of several top country writers. There’s nothing like a shuffle to set the mood for an album, and Taff’s «Bein’ Happy» does just that. The galloping drums, sawing fiddle and moaning dobro stand up and shout “yesssir, this is a country record.” Taff’s gritty pipes sound right at home, and when he wails “I feel like dancin’, I feel like singin’-hah!,” the enthusiasm is contagious. New Taff compositions include the ballad «Heart Like Yours», a lovely track that’s the closest to pop on the album; «Once in a Lifetime», distinguished by its weeping steel guitar and bluegrass-flavored harmonies and the closing «Home to You», a “too many days on the road” tune which finds Russ yearning to be home with his loved ones. Taff also reprises two hits from his past, the title track and «I Cry». Russ sounds very relaxed on the latter, allowing his voice to float gently above the bed of steel, dobro and fiddle. «Winds of Change» doesn’t vary much from its ancestor; a Byrds/Eagles 12-string leads the parade, with stronger acoustic rhythm than was heard on the original. But that song’s message seems to have stuck with Russ through thick and thin – “I held on to my life/ I kept my dream alive/ that dream ain’t over, no, no…” [Bruce A. Brown, CCM, May 1995]

Stunning secular debut this, firmly set in new country territory, but incorporating assorted musical strands. Some tracks, like «Bein’ Happy» are in a hot southern boogie style, with «Love Is Not A Thing» taking off in virtual Charlie Daniels fashion, fiddle-led charge ‘n’ all. There are some sweet ballads blended in, Cliff Eberhardt’s «Your Face» being a specially pretty gem, as is «One And Only Love». Another highlight is the reprise of «I Cry», one of Taff’s more commercial and memorable than ever. The album is packed with fine players and singers, Al Perkins, James Hollihan Jr, Randy Scruggs, Jerry Douglas and Mac McAnally to name a few. Above all though, the raw, powerhouse, soulful voice dominates, displaying an almost ferocious high energy and attack. Even the weepie «Once In A Lifetime» has the last drop of emotion wrung from it. Totally successful and satisfying. [Tony May, Cross Rhythms, June 1995]

> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/winds-of-change/305119431)

CD tracklist:

01. Bein’ Happy – 4:12
02. One And Only Love – 4:20
03. Love Is Not A Thing – 3:14
04. I Cry – 4:10
05. I’d Fall In Love Tonight – 3:34
06. Winds Of Change – 4:15
07. Your Face – 4:44
08. Heart Like Yours – 3:13
09. Once In A Lifetime – 3:41
10. Home To You – 3:20

Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and CD by Reprise Records.

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