Powerful Album from Russ Taff
Posted February 01, 2025
By BPence,
I have long been a fan of Russ Taff. The six-time Grammy-winner’s latest album is Cover Story. The album chronicles Taff’s life journey of recovery and redemption via strong performances of songs by Bob Dylan, U2, Simon and Garfunkel, Prince, and many more.
The album was produced by John Mark Painter, with Steve Taylor serving as executive producer. Matt Wallace mixed the album. Taff is supported by an all-star band of session superstars including Painter, guitarist Kenny Vaughan, keyboardists Blair Masters and Phil Madeira. I especially liked the use of horns and a gospel choir on the album.
Taff has been inducted into the Gospel Music Association’s Hall of Fame, three times – for his work as a solo artist, and as a member of both The Imperials and The Gaither Vocal Band.
Taylor and Painter challenged Taff to be vulnerable on the album. The result is that Taff’s voice sounds incredible on these songs. The production by Painter is excellent.
Here are a few comments about each song:
Tear This Building Down – This song was written by Blind Willie Johnson. Taff gives a strong vocal performance on this song, backed by guitar, backing vocals, and drums.
Key lyric:
If I had my way
If I had my way
I would tear this building down
People Are People – This song was written by Martin Gore and performed by Depeche Mode. The song features some excellent horns, backing vocals, bass, drums, and guitar.
Key lyric:
I can't understand
What makes a man
Hate another man
Help me understand
When Love Comes To Town – This song was written by Paul David Hewson, Adam Clayton, Larry Mullen, and Dave Evans, and performed by U2 and B.B. King. The song features drums, horns, backing vocals, guitar, and piano.
Key lyric:
I was there when they crucified my Lord
I held the scabbard when the soldier drew his sword
I threw the dice when they pierced his side
But I've seen love conquer the great divide
Demons – This song was written by Matt Berninger and Aaron Dessner, and performed by the National. The song features guitar, organ, backing vocals, and drums.
Key lyric:
I stay down with my demons
Ordinary World – This song was written by Simon Le Bon, and performed by Duran Duran. The song features guitar, drums, and an excellent gospel choir.
Key lyric:
But I won’t cry for yesterday, there’s an ordinary world
Somehow, I have to find
And as I try to make my way to the ordinary world
I will learn to survive
The Cross – This song was written by and performed by Prince. The song features upright bass, guitar, horns, a gospel choir, and drums.
Key lyric:
Black day, stormy night
No love, no hope in sight
Don't cry for He's coming
Don't die without knowing the cross
Grandma’s Hands – This song was written and performed by Bill Withers. The song features guitar, drums, organ, backing vocals, and horns.
Key lyric:
But I don't have Grandma anymore
When I get to heaven I'll look for
Grandma's hands
I Believe In You – This song was written and performed by Bob Dylan. The song features horns, guitar, a gospel choir, organ, and drums.
Key lyric:
I believe in you even through the tears and the laughter
I believe in you even though we be apart
I believe in you even on the morning after
Oh, when the dawn is nearing
Oh, when the night is disappearing
Oh, this feeling is still here in my heart
The Sound of Silence – This song was written by Paul Simon and performed by Simon and Garfunkel. The song features bass, guitar, horns, organ, and drums.
Key lyric:
And in the naked light I saw
Ten thousand people, maybe more
People talking without speaking
People hearing without listening
I Will – This song was written by written and performed by Andy Gullahorn. The song features guitar, percussion, and drums.
Key lyric:
The truth is
We're all gonna take a last breath
That's not the only sad death we are meant to fear
If you need a friend to do some dying with you
I will
All The Poor and Powerless – This song was written by David Leonard and Leslie Jordan, and performed by All Sons & Daughters. The song features, guitar, horns, an excellent gospel choir, drums, and organ.
Key lyric:
Shout it
Go on and scream it from the mountains
Go on and tell it to the masses
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