There is a fine line between adult contemporary and all-out schmaltz, but in the capable hands of Brenda Russell, one need have no fear. Even though her debut on Hidden Beach Records (and her first collection in several years) boasts such lite jazz stalwarts as Kirk Whalum and Dave Koz, Russell is no easy-listening chanteuse, despite the fact that her clear, true voice is seductive enough to lull you to sleep. This seriously underrated singer-songwriter--whose best-known compositions are "Piano in the Dark" and "Get Here" (which was a hit for Oleta Adams)--possesses a lush, decidedly mature (but not stodgy) approach to the art of making music. The arrangements might be delicate and thoughtful, but Russell's sturdy piano playing and her dedication to the lost art of soul singing gives even the most laid-back tracks a little attitude. On songs like the samba-flavored "Please Felipe" or the conversational stroll of "Walkin' In New York," Russell conjures up memories of singers like Dionne Warwick or Anita Baker. Not so much in actual vocal tone, but in the sense of knowing how to deliver a song with heart and integrity. In a Destiny's Child world, the adult musings of Brenda Russell might not make the grade, but it's nice to hear a singer whose confidence and style resonates with honesty. --Amy Linden