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Norway's Beady Belle has been at the forefront of Euro-styled jazz/pop since 2001, releasing four albums of superbly chilled music written and sung by cofounder Beate S. Lech. While earlier albums focused on a smooth trip-hop angle with electronica beats -- most notably the fine second album, 2003's Cewbeagappic  -- Lech and company took a different turn on 2008's Belvedere with a more organic, live-in-the-studio album that featured duets with both Jamie Cullum and India Arie. Despite any subtle shifts in style, however, the calling card for Beady Belle has remained Lech's amazing voice, an extraordinary instrument of sweet, supple and seductive qualities.

At Welding Bridge, released last month in Europe and available digitally, isn't named for a place but a musical attitude, what Lech describes as a spanning and seamless melding of a variety of styles and influences. Album opener "Diamond in the Rough" exemplifies the freewheeling mix of textures and moods, downshifting the intricate melodic lines with acoustic strokes, a pulsing beat and lovely piano notes. Reed and brass arrangements -- what Lech calls her "symphonic elements" -- are crucial to Welding Bridge's success, adding striking undertones to songs like the intricately constructed "Turn Back Time" and dark-hued "The Storm". Watch the album EPK with an extended Lech interview here.