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Without an underlying musical theme, this project is somewhat of a mishmash of styles. Folks who enjoyed Taff's rootsy Under Their Influence should appreciate tunes like the opener "Somebody's Comin'" as well as "Lazarus" although they are a notch more refined musically. "Cry For Mercy" and "Make Me Whole" are more like the material found in The Way Home, with the same sort of gutteral plea heard in "Farther On" and "I Cry."
There is one distinct musical departure, though, and it's into an area one might not expect. The last segment of music on Right Here, Right Now is actually a three movement suite that delves into classical orchestral and choral tradition for the whole of the first two movements and the concluding chords of the third. Although it is totally different from the flavor of the rest of the recording, it provides a pleasing contrast. Titled "The Shadow Of The Cross," quotes are taken from the Nicene Creed and the traditional high mass. The third movement is a song of resolution.
In fact, the lyrical message for Right Here, Right Now is resolution and the process of reaching that point. That and the trademarked gut wrenching emotion of Taff's voice are the glue that hold this project together. While most of the tunes speak of resolution, the "Long Road Home" is the most direct and personal. It speaks of Taff's troubled relationship with his earthly father and his desire to speak with him in the "new Jerusalem." The song was written by Taff and his wife.
It's certainly good to see an undenyable talent like Russ Taff back in the saddle. This project should achieve considerable critical acclaim and hopefully will be embraced by both old and new fans. While some may feel that Right Here, Right Now bogs down with ballads a bit in the middle, there are quite a few highlights to enjoy, and the variety in musical settings eases any potential sonic complacency.