Russ Taff covers the National, Prince, and U2 on new album

⁣ Updated Jun 14, 2024

Russ Taff, a mainstay in contemporary Christian music, has surprised fans with his latest album, “Cover Story.” The album features Taff ⁤covering secular​ songs from artists like the National,Paul Simon,and Duran duran,in ⁣a raw,bluesy style.

“Cover ⁤Story” was the brainchild of Steve Taylor, another prominent figure in the Christian⁣ rock scene of the 1980s. Taylor,known for his choice-rock sensibilities,envisioned a late-career reinvention for Taff,akin ​to Rick Rubin’s work‍ with ​Johnny Cash.‍ The album includes covers of songs by Prince, Bill Withers, U2, and Depeche Mode, all delivered with ​grit and minimal gloss.

Taff’s newfound ‍earthiness⁢ resonates with fans who have followed his journey of self-finding.⁣ In ⁣recent⁤ years, taff has openly ⁤discussed his struggles with alcoholism and ‌the trauma of his childhood, a ‌stark contrast to the ⁤Michael Tait scandal currently ⁣impacting the Christian⁣ music ‍world.

Taff and Taylor are scheduled to perform⁢ Saturday⁤ night in Columbia, Tennessee, at the Mulehouse, a⁢ venue known for its House of blues-style atmosphere. Taylor’s former band, Chagall Guevara,⁣ will open the show, marking a reunion sparked by Taff’s appearance at their last gig.

In a recent interview⁤ with Variety, Taff and Taylor discussed their collaboration.

Taylor: Three years ago, my​ old band, Chagall guevara, did a reunion ‌show at⁣ the⁣ Ryman… We invited ‌Russ. And… Russ,⁣ you might want to plug your ears for this part. I hadn’t heard⁣ Russ for a long time, and he was always‍ one of my favorite singers, but I just assumed people get to a certain age and they don’t necessarily keep their chops… Russ‍ did it (impromptu), and it was a mind-blowing⁤ performance.He⁤ brought the house down and took ​us ‌all ‌to church… So afterward we all thought: He needs to do ⁢an album ⁤that⁣ shows ‍that…⁤ So that’s when the ⁣whole idea came⁣ up for the album.

Taff: I’m so touched by all this, I’m ‍starting to tear ‍up.

Taylor: Russ and⁤ I always got on great,‌ and I​ loved what he⁤ did, and we were labelmates for a while on myrrh Records… We did‌ one ‍show together,I⁣ think‍ in Oklahoma City,where I was the opening act. And ⁢the local Christian radio station, for some reason, set ‍up ​an interview section in the lobby afterwards and asked people about the concert. And this is not an exaggeration:​ At least 10 people talked about how much they loved⁢ Russ Taff,and how⁣ they did not ⁢like anything about what I was doing. Then the radio station sent me the video. [Laughs.] So I think that was‌ our one and only concert together.

Taff: I’ve always ‌been just a huge ⁢fan ⁤of Steve’s, and I’ve saeid this for years: He’s probably one⁤ of the most creative people I’ve ⁣ever met, not only in music, but‍ everything he touches… just an amazing artist in the way he views things… it ‍wasn’t until this record that we were able to start laughing‍ together and telling stories. So, it’s just been for me a joy to hang‍ with him.

taff: I had been talking about doing a record that could talk through different ⁢situations in my life and my journey. So ⁤when Steve‌ and John came to me and said, “We’re thinking about doing this,” it was intriguing. Until we got into the studio… Steve said, “We just want something honest and real, of you singing without really⁣ thinking about it.”

Taff: With my stuff,from the ⁤Imperials on,everybody liked⁤ me to sing as high and as hard as I could. That’s what everybody kind of gravitated to, until this record. And John‌ and Steve said, “Let’s do something that’s never been ⁤done before. ⁢Let’s focus on the lower register ‌that you’ve⁣ never really used on an album.” And I⁤ didn’t⁢ know those ⁤colors were there. I hadn’t ​heard me sing like​ that.

What’s next

Fans can anticipate ‌more raw and honest music from Russ Taff as he continues to explore new ⁣sonic ‌territories and share his personal journey through song.