No one can hold a candle to "Water Grave" as Russ Taff can. I was blessed to hear him in concert, when this song debuted. What a spiritual awesomeness was felt and is still felt & told of those who witness a movement of God that night!!
I don't think there's an equivalent anywhere to Russ Taff.. he's just in his own category altogether.. much like Greg Volz, Mylon LeFevre, and Steve Green
Of course no one can’t sing like Russ... I know these guys! This video didnt do them justice!! They were amazing live!! Did an amazing job!! There is also a lot of politics that happened to them!! People told this group one thing... and then did the opposite! It’s such a shame even in Christian music can get dirty behind closed doors!!
1st thanks to all of you for your love of, THE Imperials. Whether you like the group from 1964, 1970's, 80's, 90's or up to 2010. Thank you Btw.. I will answer some 10 yr old myths and rumors to get them straight. I was with the group from 1999-2008. 2nd Chapman did write the song. 3rd we never tried to replace "Watergrave" but put a modern spin. One can't replace something so amazing, but one can spin it different. You can like or dislike either version. 4th The Imperials, all but for a few months in the 90's, NEVER stopped. For those who think we just started it up again as "new guys", are mistaken. Armond Morales, the original bass up through 2004, hired EACH ONE OF US, to be The Imperials. I sang with him and Dave Will, as the group's tenor. Shannon sang with me and Armond. Just because one doesn't know the history of something doesn't make their opinion, TRUTH.... In 2004 in Hawaii, Armond Morales sold the 4 guys the group in its entirety. This was his idea, not ours. We wanted him to stay with the group. He declined and said that "WE" are The Imperials. 5th it is a "Live" version of the song. Of course there are tracs...We had been using tracs for years upon years at that time.
I first heard The Imperials in 1969. Saw ever version but one until the mid 2000's. I booked this version of the group at my church in NC in the early 2000's. Great history.
I LOVE this Version of Water Grave. I had the opportunity a few years ago to see this line up of The Imperials at my church. Their vocals and harmonies were powerful.
And these guys are just as impressive and just as talented as those at that time. By the way, I was about that age when I first saw them live too. I have seen these current Imperials twice and --they truly continue the legacy!
i saw them also when was 14 but itwa when they became who ty are today i love tem so much thy have impacted my life all i can say is if i nevr heard them i would be in jail im now 16 ihave changed my life and it is all because they helped me see that od really does care for his people
Russ-is Russ and his bluesy voice is perfect for this song. But, I just heard these guys do this in concert and they now use guitars and Shannon has now tapped into his inner Russ!!!! All in all--these are the best Imperials to date-in my opinion!! They have grown so much since these vids!!!
I really like this particular version of WG. It's fun to play on guitar too. Grab that whammy bar, turn up the amp, and wail away! And the arpeggios on the rhythm guitar are a little more soulful and simpler than the original 70's version--though that guy could play too.
So happy to find this video! My husband was in a Christian Rock group yearrrrrrssss ago and their cover of "Water Grave" was always my favorite. They rocked a little harder and harmonized a little (maybe a lot) less, but the imagery of the song and the tears that flowed always ministered. Love The Imperials and this song is still so relevant. Thanks for posting it! :)
That is wonderful!! Have heard The Imperials 3 times over the last 3 years and they are great live--have that great Imperials sound as they carry on the tradition. Also great to hear that the new Imperial members fit in great! Love to see some new vids here!!!
DAVID WARD ..... THIS guy (who I'm sure means well...) is not in the same class of singer as Russ....period. can he scream and yell....yeah, but where is the soulful timber?
I like this newer version by the "newer" Imperials, but one part in the original that I think they should have kept is the ending where the 3 backups sing "Born a-gain".
Give it time. The first time I saw the Russ bunch they didn't have a band either. Takes time, remember The Imperials were "dead" for the most part during the 90's--they have to rebuild. These guys continue the legacy quite well!
The only other version I've heard of this is from The Boone Girls, on their album Glass Castle, made in 1976. I must say that I like their version more than this one. This song is one of my favorites.
then of course, they legally can use the name, but I think it would show more integrity, and dispel confusion, if they titled themselves something like "Imperials 2" or "Imperials Tribute" or some other name that would distinguish them from the original group- either way, God bless them and anyone who's singing for Jesus, and living for Him, which I hope/trust that they are
I agree, but right now these guys are new and I am sure money is tight. They are also in litigation over the name usage and that is not cheap I am sure. Remember the group has been pretty much non existent nationally for most of the 90's and early 2000's. These guys are now bringing the group back to life. Things take time---and money! They are great and headed in the right directon. Get to see them live in Amarillo, Tx. in a few weeks!
Love, love, love the song ... the band ... and our Lord! Yeah! Keep the Word alive and let's continue spreading the joy of the Lord! Check out my band's version of this song and let me know what ya'll think ;) RU-vid: search Lest We Boast - Watergrave
I haven't seen any recent Imperials stuff until I came across this...but they all look like new faces. I don't see Armand, Jim, Paul, etc. But they have a good sound. Just surprised not to see anyone I recognize!
My hero is Jesus, but I am a big Taff fan. I don't think Chapman is old enough to have written it unless he was a child. I think O-Martian may have written it.
I disagree! I love Russ Taff as well, but after listening to both versions back to back, the Imperials nail it, improving on Russ Taff's version; and this new vocalist sounds every bit as good as Russ Taff. This new group should have no problem singing and improving upon any of the old classic Imperials!
