Bill Bell's performance career as a pianist is equally distinguished. He has toured as musical director and piano accompanist for legendary jazz singer Carmen McRae. He has also worked with Joe Williams, Nancy Wilson, Anita Oday, Dianne Reeves, Lou Rawls and the Supremes. His credits also include work with instrumentalists Milt Jackson, Kenny Burrell, Louie Bellson, Benny Carter, and Clark Terry. Bill Bell is also the featured pianist on the Art Farmer CD "Live at Stanford".

His current CD entitled "Just Swing Baby" has hit the San Francisco bay area jazz scene with a blast of long awaited freshness. Bill is accompanied by swing masters Eddie Marshall on drums and Jeff Chambers on bass. Guitarist Brad Buethe, bassist John Shifflet, and drummer Jason Lewis perform on the featured composition "Charisma". Stellar tenor Saxophonist David Ellis is special guests on three tracks. "Just Swing Baby " is currently number 15 on jazz radio playing list.