Dave's Review

Label: Spring House Music Group
Producer: Kevin Williams
Song Titles: "When He Set Me Free," "O Say, But I'm Glad," "Hold To God's Unchanging Hand," "My Tribute," "He Came Through," "We Will Stand," "Why Me?" "Born Again," "Praise The Lord," "Trumpet Of Jesus," "Farther Along," "They Call It Gospel Music," "For Those Tears I Died," "When He Calls I'll Fly Away," and "Ain't No Grave"
Rating: 4 Stars

As with any stylist, opinions about Russ Taff's vocal quality are either strongly in favor or strongly in opposition. There's no disputing that Taff has one of the most unique voices in Christian music, though. Since 1976, when he first achieved national prominence by joining the legendary Imperials, Taff has shown himself to be diverse, respected, and consistent.

Diversity probably took it's greatest leap several years ago when he recorded a big band style Christmas project. Also, Taff did a "roots" recording (Under Their Influence) years before it became a national fad. A few years ago, he came full circle by joining the Gaither Vocal Band, the fourth Imperials alumnus to have been tapped by Gaither. Of course, the respect for Taff's achievements by the industry can be measured by his numerous Dove Awards and Grammys. Nearly 30 years of recording professionally speak to his consistency.

When a CD is called "The Best Of . . .," you tend to expect a greatest hits compilation of previous recordings. Taff has been there, done that one time already. In 1994, We Will Stand collected some of his top hits recorded on the Myrrh label both as a soloist and as a member of the Imperials. In contrast, The Best Of Russ Taff is a completely new studio recording of 15 songs. New versions of "Trumpet Of Jesus," "Praise The Lord," "Ain't No Grave," and other Taff classics are joined by songs he has not recorded previously. Most of these are well known classics ("My Tribute," "Why Me?" "For Those Tears I Died," etc.), but there's one new song called "They Call It Gospel Music."

Production-wise, this CD is above average quality. Taff certainly puts his vocal mark on each song, loud and clear, but the instrumentation itself is not overly elaborate. You can compare "He Came Through" with the version Taff recently recorded on the GVB's Everything Good and then compare it to the first version he did on The Way Home back in 1991. This one is adequate, but the previously recorded versions are outstanding. Still, it's nice to have a collection like this of Taff singing classic songs. There's a huge demand for unique vocal stylists like Taff, Jake Hess, and Michael English to put their one and only twist on songs we've heard for years. That, and the fact that we get 15 songs in all make The Best Of Russ Taff worthy of 4 stars.