By Dan Martino

OVER THE COURSE of two decades, Bebel Gilberto has honed her craft as a singer/songwriter, working and collaborating with some of the more creative producers and musicians around the world. That's why her discs are dropped into the "World Music" section of most retail shops. Americans may not be as familiar with her output, perhaps recognizing her voice on a few Thievery Corporation and Vikter Duplaix tracks. While her subdued vocals certainly sound pretty on top of deep house bass lines and warm keys at the club, Gilberto always returns to her Brazilian roots and folk and samba past.

Her new self-titled solo effort is a mellow affair, with floating acoustic guitar chords melting with laid-back electronic beats. (Here's where I'll admit my fondness for Sade, Sophie Barker and other downtempo crooners with aching jazz influences). Gilberto leans heavy on her Latin heritage, but also that of a life reared by famous Brazilian musicians. Her dad, Joao Gilberto, is known for reinvigorating bossa nova in Brazil with his unique guitar strumming and monotone singing style. His records with Stan Getz from the 60s are timeless pieces of inspired song craft and musicianship. Her mother, Miucha, also a famous Brazilian singer, taught young Bebel to sing. By the 80s, Bebel was already appearing in front of crowds at Carnegie Hall and established cultural hot spots around the globe. Keeping an ear to the ground, she has worked in every kind of genre, from Latin Jazz to candy-coated pop to—yikes!—recording with Kenny G. Like I said, she's versatile. And human.

DJs Ray Valesquez and Ayo Osinibi will play new cuts from the album and Latin-flavored dance music. Also, on live percussion, Samba + Samba will be jamming to the jocks' beats. Here's what you really need to know, though: a great artist, Brazilian women, a cheap cover and Latin grooves.

Cielo, 18 Little W. 12th St. (betw. Washington St. & 9th Ave.), 212-645-5700, 10, $5.

DAN MARTINO