Description
The self-titled, third solo album by the American singer and songwriter Russ Taff, formerly of The Imperials, was released on Myrrh Records in December 1987, a division of Word. Also manufactured and distributed by A&M Records. The album was produced, recorded, and mixed by Jack Joseph Puig. Mostly recorded at Ocean Way Recording in Los Angeles, California; with additional engineering at various studios in the LA area. Featuring covers of “Down In The Lowlands” (a song written by Charlie Peacock and originally recorded on his self-titled 1986-album) and “I Still Believe” (written and recorded by The Call on the band’s 1986-release, Reconciled).
The album won Gospel Music Association’s Dove Award in the category Rock Album of the Year at the 20th Annual Dove Awards, April 13, 1989. The album also won Recorded Music Packaging of the Year.
“It’s a long, hard road,” suggests Christian music veteran Russ Taff, before diving voice first into a smokin’ rendition of «I Still Believe», the anthemic affirmation of faith against the odds written and recorded by The Call last year. While little on ‘Russ Taff’ explains the particulars of Taff’s “hard changes,” it is clear from the outset that his third solo outing does not follow routinely in the tradition of his work with the Imperials, or of ’85’s monumental success, ‘Medals‘. Here, without all the Hall & Oates-isms and the simplistic triumphalism, we hear the heart and soul of Russ Taff with his voice – tremendous instrument that it is – on his sleeve. ‘Russ Taff’, a superbly-produced and well-crafted album, offers a more human perspective on the life of faith, and the honesty and integrity of Taff’s singing alone gives depth to the movement from despair to thoughtfulness and hope.
«Shake» tears it up on the way in, before Side One settles into a slow groove, with Dave Perkins‘ hair-splitting guitar solo and Taff’s howlin’ blues delivery. «Walk Between the Lines» and «Believe in Love» seem to be placed to connect with that tenuous Christian radio audience. The first, hindered by excessive length and an indecisive arrangement, slows things down, but Chris Eaton‘s «Believe» is an undeniable pop nugget with real warmth. The bluesy lament of Charlie Peacock’s «Down in the Lowlands» picks up the musical pace while establishing the bottom of Taff’s emotional barrel when he howls to be heard by God, “Save me, save me, save me.”
Swept along by the sweet soprano sax strains of Mark Douthit, Taff sings with impassioned hope, which extends into the affirmation of «This Love Is Strong», giving conviction to Taff’s assurance that “I know we can make it.”
It’s Side Two where Russ Taff comes together as an artistic whole. Taff’s reading of «I Still Believe», while adding nothing really new, gives no quarter to Michael Been’s intense vocal delivery. «(Living on the) Edge of Time», written by Taff’s longtime guitarist James Hollihan, captures the human predicament of a culture gone awry and the urgency of reaching out – in some industrial strength rock ‘n’ roll. «Higher», written by Taff, wife Tori, Hollihan, and singer John Hiatt (with Peacock singing backup), defines the contemporary gospel song in the technopop format, while «Breathe Into Me» and «Healing Touch» point to God’s comforting presence even in the difficult times of the journey.
Russ Taff is a lush, big-sounding record, perhaps again setting the standard for Christian record production. Interestingly, Taff’s 40-second detour into acoustic slide blues on the traditional «Steal Away» leaves me hungry to hear his amazing voice unleashed from all that technology. But, given the strength and skill throughout this project, Dann Huff’s blazing guitars, Greg Husted on Hammond organ and Robbie Buchanan on synths, Russ Taff is undeniably the top of the line in the state of Christian pop. Some will consider this a risky effort, but if so, the results ring loud and clear – it was worth it! [Brian Quincy Newcomb, CCM, January 1988]
> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/russ-taff/1165973835)
LP tracklist:
Side One
A1. “Shake” – 4:55
A2. “Walk Between The Lines” – 5:30
A3. “Believe In Love” – 4:54
A4. “Down In The Lowlands” – 5:06
A5. “This Love Is Strong” – 4:52
Side Two
B1. “I Still Believe” – 4:30
B2. “Steal Away” – 0:40
B3. “Living On The Edge Of Time” – 3:44
B4. “Higher” – 4:51
B5. “Breathe Life Into Me” – 5:10
B6. “Healing Touch” – 4:37
Note: Simultaneously released on cassette, 12-inch vinyl LP, and CD by Myrrh Records.
The December 1987 issue of CCM Magazine featured a cover story on Russ Taff.
A double-page advertisement for the self-titled album by Russ Taff was featured in the December 1987 issue of CCM Magazine.
CREDITS. Produced by Jack Joseph Puig. Executive-Producer: Lynn Nichols. Recorded and mixed by Jack Joseph Puig. Assisted by Bert Stevens, Wade Jaynes, Julie Last, Bill Whittington, Steve Ford, and Koji. Recorded at Shnaze Studio and Ocean Way Recording. Additional studios: The Hop, Studio 55 Los Angeles, Wayne Cook Studios, and Mama Jo’s Recording Studio. Technician Assistants: Mike Wambsgans and Steve Hazelton. Mastered by Doug Sax at The Mastering Lab in Hollywood, CA. Technician Assistants: Mike Wambsgans and Steve Hazelton. Photography by Phillip Dixon. Art Direction by Joan Tankersley for Phonographies. Cover Concept by Lynn Nichols and Joan Tankersley. Cover and Logo Design by Patrick Pollei and Joan Tankersley.
Musicians: Russ Taff (Lead Vocals), Robbie Buchanan (Synthesizer – tracks: A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, B1, B3, B4, B5, B6; Piano – tracks: A2, A3, A5, B6; Hammond B-3 Organ on tracks A3 and B6; Bass Programming on track A5), Greg Husted (Hammond B-3 Organ on tracks A1 and B1), Eric Persing (Synth Programming on track A2), Alan Pasqua (Synthesizer – tracks: A3, A4, B1), Mark Douthit (Saxophone Solo on track A3, Soprano Saxophone on track A4, Saxophone – tracks: B3, B4, B5), Dave Perkins (Acoustic Guitar on track A1, Guitar Solo on track A1, Electric Guitar – tracks: A1, A2, B1; Additional Synthesizer on track A2), Lynn Nichols (Acoustic Guitar on track A1), James Hollihan (Acoustic Guitar on track B6, Electric Guitar – tracks: A1, A3, A4, A5, B1, B3, B4, B5, B6; Guitar Solo on tracks B4 and B5, Slide Guitar Solo on track A5, Acoustic Slide Guitar on track B2, Piano on track B3), Dann Huff (Electric Guitar – tracks: A2, A3, A4, A5, B4, B5), Neil Stubenhaus (Bass – tracks: A1, A2, B1, B4), Mike Brignardello (Bass on tracks A3 and B6), Jackie Street (Bass on track B3), Nathan East (Bass on tracks A4 and B5), Mel Watts (Drums – tracks: A1, B1, B3), Scott Musick (Drums on tracks A2 and B4), Paul Leim (Drums – tracks: A3, A4, A5, B5, B6), Lenny Castro (Percussion – tracks: A1, A4, A5, B3, B6), Koji (Percussion [Door] on track A4), Joe Porcaro (Timpani on track A5), Jeff Porcaro (Hihat on track B1). Background Vocals – Track A2: Dave Perkins; Track A3: Russ Taff; Track A4: Charlie Peacock, Clarice Devisschu, Rebecca Sparks, Vince Ebo. Jack Joseph Puig (Ethnic Vocals); Track A5: Rebecca Sparks. The Boys Choir – Greg Sparks, James Hollihan, Lynn Nichols, Mark Williamson, Russ Taff, Steve Taylor; Track B1: Mark Williamson; Track B3: Mark Williamson, Russ Taff. Chant – Dave Perkins, Jack Joseph Puig, James Hollihan, Lynn Nichols, Russ Taff; Track B4: Annie Stocking, Charlie Peacock, Vince Ebo; Track B5: Mark Williamson; Track B6: Dave Perkins, Russ Taff.
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