The Jazz Channel Presents Brenda Russell (BET on Jazz)
Brooklyn-born, Toronto-raised, singer-songwriter Brenda Russell started  her career writing songs with her ex-husband Leon Russell. She emerged a  solo artist in her own right in the mid-'80s and burst on the pop/urban  contemporary scene with intimate and uplifting tunes like "If Only for One  Night" and "Way Back When." This live concert from Black Entertainment  Television, which also includes a revealing "Meet the Artist" interview,  spotlights Russell's satisfying cache of songs. Backed by a quicksilver  combo, Russell's laid-back vocals deliver the goods on her best-known  compositions, including her heart-rending "Gulf War" ballad "Get Here,"  her catchy early blockbuster "So Good, So Right," and her greatest hit,  "Piano in the Dark." What makes Brenda Russell so appealing is that her  music easily fits into quiet storm, soul, and adult contemporary formats,  while remaining true to its own artistic voice. That balance is hard to get  these days.--Eugene Holley Jr.