Two Eyes

Two Eyes, released in 1983, serves as a bridge between Brenda Russell's soulful 70s roots and the more polished, adult contemporary sound she would perfect later in the decade. Produced by the legendary Tommy LiPuma and engineered by Al Schmitt, the album features an elite roster of session musicians who define the 'West Coast Sound.' Sonically, it is characterized by its reliance on the Fender Rhodes, intricate bass lines, and Russell's own sophisticated vocal arrangements. The track 'Jarreau' serves as a direct homage to her contemporary Al Jarreau, highlighting the jazz-fusion influences prevalent throughout the record. While it didn't achieve massive commercial crossover in the US, it became a cult classic in the UK soul scene and solidified Russell's reputation as a 'songwriter's songwriter.' The album is notable for its lack of filler, with each of the nine tracks contributing to a cohesive, late-night atmosphere that remains a benchmark for high-fidelity R&B production.