Now More Than Ever by Russ Taff

Reviewed by Tim Holden

With over 25 years of singing experience with the Gaither Vocal Band, the Imperials and solo, Russ Taff certainly has the credentials to pull off something special with this collection of 14 classic gospel tracks, predominantly from the Gaither music tradition. They are presented here in a wide variety of styles, all beautifully produced and excellently arranged and delivered. By the time you have got through the first three songs, the opening new country sounds of "Somebody's Coming", the jazzy blues of "The Sweetest Song I Know" and the straight soul/blues gospel of "I'm Glad", you really do not know what style is coming next but you just know it's going to be good whatever it is. There's a bit more country, a load of gospel and blues and some straight mission meeting classics. As expected, the vocals are above reproach whatever style is being tackled but the real standout is the four line, four part harmony on the chorus of "The Sweetest Song I Know". I had not really expected to like this, but the classy presentation of gospel truth has got me hooked and is going to spend a fair while on the CD player.