(Laser Records)

Vocalist Dee Bell teams with pianist Marcos Silva for a wonderful new showcase of music. Silva.Bell.Elation, Bell’s fourth recording is something of a return for the the Bay Area vocalist, having been off the music scene while raising a son and teaching. Joining forces with  Silva, who is from Brazil, was a natural pairing as, samba and bossa nova rhythms had been a part of Bell’s repertoire for years. The two work incredibly well together on this effort and have produced, along with James Becker, a warm and inviting recording. Joining them in the creation of this wonderful endeavor are the great talents of steel pan master Andy Narell, guitarist Barry Finnerty, bassist Scott Thompson, drummer Phil Thompson and saxophonist Chris Sullivan. The menu of tunes includes compositions by Antonio Carlos Jobim, Lennon and McCartney, Joni Mitchell and Abbey Lincoln , among others. This is a really smooth re-entry into the jazz atmosphere for Bell.