Reviewed by Alex Figgis

After almost three years of silence, Russ Taff marks his return with a powerful musical statement. 'Right Here Right Now' features some exquisite instrumenta­tion at the hands of James Hollihan Jr, who, incidentally, co-produced the album with Taff. Despite some smoking country rock (opener "Somebody's Comin'" and "Lazarus"), there is a definite move away from Taff s affair with new country, where 'Right Here Right Now' sees him pursuing a more soft pop, almost easy listening path of self expression, as evident on the gospel-tinged "Cry For Mercy", and the haunting Hollihan-penned ballad "Things Will Be Different", featuring the celebrated Nashville String Quartet. Although not imme­diate in it's appeal, 'Right Here Right Now' grows on the listener, as each con­secutive spin exposes the dynamics of both Taffs impassioned crooning and the depths of Hollihan's playing, until one can not help but be taken in by the sheer excellence of the album. Beyond any shadow of a doubt, 'Right Here Right Now' is a formidable musical statement.

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