Taylor, Judd, Abdul Top List at Universal Amphitheatre : * Pop music: Like the Greek Theatre's 1992 season announced last week, the Universal's schedule is marked by variety.

Taylor, Judd, Abdul Top List at Universal Amphitheatre : * Pop music: Like the Greek Theatre’s 1992 season announced last week, the Universal’s schedule is marked by variety.

By STEVE HOCHMAN

March 26, 1992 12 AM PT

SPECIAL TO THE TIMES

A five-night stand by James Taylor, the Los Angeles solo debut of Wynonna Judd and shows by Paula Abdul in a relatively intimate setting are among the highlights of the Universal Amphitheatre’s spring-through-fall season, which will be announced today. Tickets for 43 acts with dates at the 6,000-seat Universal City facility between May 9 and New Year’s will go on sale Sunday on a series subscription basis.

Judd, making her first tour since the illness-related retirement of her mother and partner Naomi Judd, will be at the Amphitheatre on June 25. Taylor, who remains a strong draw whether or not he has a current hit, is booked for July 7, 8, 9, 11 and 12. Abdul, who sold out three nights at the 18,000-seat Forum in December, is set for three dates to be announced, with more shows possibly to be added later.

Subscribers must select shows by eight artists. They will receive priority tickets (a maximum of six per show) and will get the first shot at purchasing tickets for shows announced later. Special parking is available at additional cost. Tickets for individual shows will be put on sale about eight weeks before each show.

Like the Greek Theatre’s 1992 season announced last week, the Universal’s schedule is marked by variety. Among the pop and rock artists are: Simply Red (May 22), Crosby, Stills & Nash (Aug. 5-6) and Melissa Etheridge (dates to be announced).

Country is well represented, with Ricky Van Shelton (June 29), Willie Nelson (Sept. 5) and Alan Jackson (Sept. 16) among those booked. Jazz and instrumental artists include George Benson (Sept. 17), David Sanborn (Oct. 30) and Kenny G (Dec. 28-30).

And there are some who cross genres, including k.d. lang (Aug. 8) and Ray Charles (Sept. 19), plus a show by the Chieftains with guest Nanci Griffith (June 23).

Larry Vallon of MCA Concerts, which operates the Universal Amphitheatre, said that such traditions of recent years as the “party in the pit” shows, with an open floor area near the stage, and the KROQ “Acoustic Christmas” shows, will continue. Most of the rock acts that will feature the “party in the pit” format have not finalized touring plans yet and will be announced later, though one already lined up is the “return” of Spinal Tap on June 5. The Christmas shows are set for Dec. 12 and 13, with acts to be announced.

The rest of the Universal Amphitheatre schedule:

* May 9: the Winans One Family World Tour

* June 6: Classic New York Doo-Wopp

* June 13: Chayanne

* June 20: Barry White

* July 16-17: the O’Jays, the Whispers

* July 18-19: Ana Gabriel

* July 31: Freddie Jackson

* Aug. 1: John Kay & Steppenwolf, Bachman-Turner Overdrive

* Aug. 9: Shirley Bassey

* Aug. 29: Phyllis Hyman

* Sept. 13: Kenny Loggins