Brenda Russell: Universal Amphitheater, Los Angeles CA

OPENING FOR Billy Ocean for the past 2½ months on her first national tour, A&M artist Brenda Russell has provided near-capacity audiences with a show that marks her as a likely headliner in the not-too-distant future. With one more hit album under her belt, Russell could definitely ascend to the next level in her career. Her set of self-composed, upbeat, energetic tunes and emotive ballads was both effective and enjoyable.