Russ Taff – ‘Cover Story’ [Album Review]

Singer-songwriter and six-time Grammy-winner Russ Taff unveils his latest album, Cover Story, chronicling his voyage through life with performances of iconic songs by Bob Dylan, U2, Prince, The National, Depeche Mode, Blind Willie Johnson, and Simon & Garfunkel.

Executive produced by Steve Taylor, produced by John Mark Painter, and mixed by Matt Wallace, while recording Cover Story, Taff felt starkly vulnerable and rediscovered the liberating feeling of yielding to the music.

Taff explains, “I wasn’t comfortable at all at first with the approach Steve and John were taking, because as a singer, for all of these years, there’s microphones that I like, preamps that I like. That becomes your security blanket, you feel safe, and you feel secure because that’s how you’ve done it for your whole career. But Steve and John said. ‘Let’s do it different this time.’ I got scared and said, ‘I don’t know if I can do what you guys are asking me to do.’”

Steve Taylor asked Taff to take a look at the song “Demons” from The National. Taff says the song described what he was going through. According to Taff, “You’re completely vulnerable. But then something is born out of that, you sing from a different place. It’s not guarded, and it’s not controlled, it’s not the same licks that you’ve always gone back to. It was a challenge, and in that breaking, I surrendered.”

Supported by an all-star band of session superstars including Painter, guitarist Kenny Vaughan, keyboardists Blair Masters and Phil Madeira, Cover Story makes clear why Taff has so many Grammy Awards, Dove Awards, and was 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.

Encompassing 11 tracks, entry points on Cover Story include Taff’s bluesy, gospel-flavored version of Depeche Mode’s “People Are People.” There’s a delicious raspy quality to Taff’s voice, imbuing the lyrics with urgent passion.

“Demons” opens on soft, shimmering tones topped by Taff’s low-slung, almost whispery vocals on the verses. On the chorus, his voice elevates to a beautiful wail, nearly a snarl, that gives imploring significance to the lyrics, akin to a prayer for release from bondage.

Russ Taff, photo by Mark Laita of Soft White Underbelly

A personal favorite because of its simmering, smoldering melody, “Grandma’s Hands” sways and oozes with muddy textures of blues as Taff’s vocals take pleasure in memories of the kindness and comfort of his remarkable grandma.

Slow and shadowy, Taff’s rendition of Simon & Garfunkel’s “The Sound of Silence” begins like a rumor, and then takes on a dark, drifting flow. Taff’s voice, full of portentous undertones, reveals a palpable, disquieting energy.

“All the Poor and Powerless” closes the album with heartfelt savors of gospel music – radiant, choir-like harmonies, a syrupy organ, and the evocative surfaces of Taff’s intense vocals, vocals dripping with profound feelings.

Utilizing his tattered perfection of a voice, with Cover Story, Russ Taff delivers an immediately unforgettable album of gospel music.

Cover Story Track Listing:

1. Tear This Building Down
2. People Are People
3. When Love Comes To Town
4. Demons
5. Ordinary World
6. The Cross
7. Grandma’s Hands
8. I Believe In You
9. The Sound of Silence
10. I Will
11. All The Poor and Powerless

Run Time:
Release Date: January 31, 2025
Record Label: Imagine House/Vere Music