Gospel Music Legend RUSS TAFF Releases All-New Recording

Nashville, TENN.—August 23, 2011–Gospel music legend Russ Taff took a few steps off the beaten path—actually, more than a few steps–all the way to a remote corner of the Norwegian Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean–to record his all-new release, Faroe Islands (Spring Hill Music Group). The project, which hits the streets today, was produced, recorded and partially penned during a series of visits to this mystically beautiful group of ancient islands.
“I have performed in the Faroe Islands several times over the years,” Taff recalls, “and just fell in love with the country and the people. Some incredible musicians there formed a band to accompany me during my performances, and three of them also happened to be very celebrated producers. When I began to discuss recording a new album, they wanted to be a part of it. We decided to create most of it on site in the Faroe Islands, which was an entirely new recording experience for me. The whole project just developed and fell into place so naturally.”The result is a collection of songs, written by the album’s producers/engineers Jakup Zachariassen, Oli Poulsen and Kristoffer Morkore, as well as Russ and Tori Taff, Jesse Butterworth, Joy Williams, Regie Hamm, Gloria Gaither and Suzanne Jennings, among others.  The album includes a cover of the Bob Dylan tune “I Believe in You” as well as a cover of Larry Gatlin’s “Help Me,” in addition to the classic Swedish hymn “Day by Day.”“This album is very close to my heart,” Taff describes. “It reflects so many things that make up the sum total of who I am today. You know, I’ve been doing this for over thirty years now—performing, traveling, learning how to be a father and husband, experiencing in a greater way how endless and relentless the love of God is. There’s a richness in my life now that I didn’t have at 25, and it goes way beyond religion or music. It’s all about Jesus and mercy and grace…it’s about looking to Him continuously and knowing that His love will walk me through whatever ups and downs life can bring.”
Taff has certainly had many “ups” to celebrate.  In addition to his numerous honors, which include five Grammys® and nine GMA DOVE Awards, Taff has traveled the world alongside everyone from Andraé Crouch to The Gaither Vocal Band.  As a former lead vocalist for The Imperials, Taff’s unique, commercial sound hit the airwaves; and he quickly became a national fan favorite and critics’ pick.  Soon after, he began recording solo albums that would not only defy genre categories with an unprecedented Christian music mixture of soul, blues, pop, country and rock—but would, according to industry pundits, completely revolutionize the face of contemporary Christian music, giving it such gems as “Praise the Lord,” “I Still Believe,” “Not Gonna Bow,” “I Cry,” “I’m Not Alone” and the classic “We Will Stand.” Taff’s voice has been a mainstay and benchmark in the world of Christian music for years, and that voice is now back with an all-new recording reflecting a unique place in the life and heart of this lauded singer.  Taff travels nationally and internationally, singing and speaking in venues ranging from churches to conferences to festivals. He is also seen regularly alongside Bill Gaither on the HOMECOMING tours and videos.Faroe Islands is distributed exclusively through EMI CMG Distribution. For further information, please visit www.russtaff.com or contact Celeste Winstead at CWinstead@springhillmusic.com.