Yes, you read correctly. A classic Brenda Russell album, 24-bit digitally remastered, is available domestically in the USA. Two Eyes is one of my favourites, not just by Brenda, but by pretty much anybody. Each song is a gem so, if I had to pick a flaw, it's the disc's brevity. Warner couldn't find it in their heart to add a bonus song or two. Who am I kidding? Warner, heart?

All the songs are written or co-written by Brenda. "I Want Love To Find Me," with Bill LaBounty, is delightful, with great lyrics like:
  "Leavin' that cloak and dagger stuff behind me
  I don't want to look for love
  I want love to find me"

"It's Something!" co-written with David Foster, is a nifty love song. Love is the primary theme, but Brenda brings her unique sensibility to the subject.

"Two Eyes" is one of my all-time favourites; again by anyone, not only Brenda. Very catchy and memorable. "Stay Close" combines Brenda's great lyrics with a gorgeous Don Grusin melody.

One of her atmospheric numbers, "New York Bars" has a sax solo by Larry Williams and a great syncopated tune with such lyrics as:
  "Better get a car
  and a credit card, whoa
  Don't lose that number
  It's my identify
  So powers that be
  Can keep track of me"

"I'll See You Again" includes Stevie Wonder on harmonica, but that's not what makes this song an old friend. It's these memorable lines:
  "'Make believe' is only where you find it,
  First you have to open up your eyes;
  All I know is when there's love behind it
  Some may come and go
  But you'll always know, oh

  Somewhere between now and forever
  I'll see you again"

"Jarreau" as you know, is about listening to Al. Pretty cool. And "Look Down, Young Soldier" is as close to a political statement as Brenda gets. Nothing too heavy, just a pretty promulgation for peace. Ignore the words and you'd never guess it's about opposing war, albeit gently. The background vocals are by Brenda, except on this song, where she's joined by a roster of great musicians, including Rita Coolidge, Randy Crawford, Joe Esposito, James Ingram, Al Jarreau, Bill LaBounty, Patrice Rushen and Cinnamon Sharpe. Okay, I never heard of her, either, but I love the name and I'm sure she's great, too.

Two Eyes was not a commercial success, proving that great songs and musicians may make a great album, but it can go unnoticed with virtually no promotion by the label. The musicians include L Leon Pendarvis, Nathan East, John Robinson, Robbie Buchanan, James Newton Howard, Michael McDonald, Jeff Porcaro and the ubiquitous percussionist Paulinho Da Costa.

Previously released on CD only in Japan and Europe, copies have sold for over $200 on eBay – not as much as Love Life has fetched, still a fortune for a nine-song work that's only 34 minutes. It must thrill those lucky ducks who scored a $200 copy that you can now buy one for under $20. If it's any consolation, there are no lyrics included, not even in English, just an informative essay. I referred to the sleeve of my vinyl version for this piece.

Don't pass up your chance to own a copy of a great compact disc. It's at your local store now. Get there!