Ultimate Collection

This collection includes a more cross section of material she has recorded over the years. Includes tracks from OOP LP's Word Called Love, Supersonic Lover, Love Life, Two Eyes and Soul Talkin'. Nothing from Paris Rain. It does not, however, include 3 important tracks. The singles Gravity & Stop Running Away and the B-side popular track Le Resteraunt (featuring David Sandborn).

Also check out her Greatest Hits Import!

Intimate style with shades of romance mixed with soul, an inspiring listen from Hip-O Records ~ featuring the "Ultimate Collection" from Brenda Russell...beautiful person inside and out with talent to spare (composer, keyboardist and vocalist)...stand outs to be mentioned ~ "PIANO IN THE DARK"..."GET HERE"..."KISS ME WITH THE WIND", all three tunes show-off her versatility...and the highlight is "WHEN I GIVE MY LOVE TO YOU", featuring one of my favorite singers Michael Franks...blends his voice with Brenda, is a hauntingly beautiful duet, melody and lyrics stay with you for days...outstanding performances from the lady of the '70s, '80s and '90...BRENDA RUSSELL!

Total Time: 76:54 on 18 Tracks ~ Hip-O Records 314-556-221-2 ~ (2001)

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   Written on July 27, 2001
   Summary: Absolutely essential classics
This new collection combines 18 songs from eight different Brenda Russell albums and is the most representative collection she has released. Included here are the hits Brenda Russell is most known for: "Piano In The Dark", "Get Here", "Dinner With Gershwin", and "So Good, So Right". What makes this collection special is the eight songs that have never been released on CD in the United States. Brenda's version of the song she penned for Rufus, "Please Pardon Me", is a stirring, soulful duet with her ex-husband Brian Russell. The price of the album is worth it just for Brenda's moving tribute to Al Jarreau, "Jarreau"...one of the funnest, sexiest songs she has ever recorded. There are some really classic moments here. I gave the CD 4 stars only because it lacks some of her later material, like the top 40 hit "Stop Running Away". Also missing are Brenda's collaborations with Oleta Adams on the song "We Will Find A Way" from the "Corrina Corrina" soundtrack and from the "How Stella Got Her Groove Back" soundtrack. Still, you get eight pages of insightful liner notes that track Brenda's career from her Canadian teen years to the present, and eight hard to find songs. Hopefully this will be the incentive her labels need to release more of her product on CD. There's no way you'll be disappointed with what's here.