LISA BELL
Dare To Be... (Hapi Skratch)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale

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Although the material that Lisa Bell selected for her debut recording consists of some of the most familiar pieces in the jazz songbook, her approach to the songs not only showcases her considerable vocal talent, but frames some of the material in settings that are more interesting than you might imagine from a simple scan of the track list. A good example is the opening track, an Afro-Cuban arrangement of Gershwin's "Summertime." Until hearing it, I would have been hard pressed to find a good reason for yet another version of the tune, but Bell provides the reason both in her performance and approach.

A total of nine musicians are mixed and matched on the 12 tracks, with notable contributions from keyboardist Jon Glazer (especially for some scorching organ work on "That Old Black Magic"), guitarist Ronald Cottingham (who provides the sole accompaniment on the album closer, "In A Sentimental Mood") and the soprano sax of Nelson Rangell. The particular ensemble for each track is carefully chosen, and while room is made for some fine solos from the principal players, pride of place is always given to Bell's voice. Though she has a tendency to linger at the limits of her range at times, she's invariably appealing and expressive, with evidence of a particularly refined blues sensibility informing most of her performances.

This is an exceptional debut by an artist who should be heard well beyond her Colorado base. Hopefully her emergence as a recording artist will provide opportunities for more extensive touring, because there are intimations here of a powerful live performer.

Track List:

Summertime * God Bless The Child * Skylark * Black Coffee * I'll Remember April * For All We Know * That Old Black Magic * What Can I Do * They Can't Take That Away From Me * Do Nothin' Till You Hear From Me * My Romance/ That's The Way Of The World * In A Sentimental Mood

© 2002 - Shaun Dale