This week, while driving around and listening to NPR’s Fresh Air by Terry Gross, I was introduced to jazz singer Catherine Russell and her latest album Strictly Romancin’.

Russell was born and raised in New York with an enviable musical pedigree. Her father, the late Luis Russell, was Louis Armstrong’s musical director from 1935 to 1943.

Her mother, Carline Ray, performed with the International Sweethearts of Rhythm, an all-female orchestra, during WWII and has performed with Wynton Marsalis and the Lincoln Jazz Center Orchestra. On her latest album Strictly Romancin’, it is with her that Catherine Russell features the endearing duet He’s all I need.

Not surprisingly considering her roots, Catherine Russell is a one of a kind vocalist. She has toured the world, performing and recording with Paul Simon, David Bowie, Steely Dan, Cyndi Lauper, among others. Needless to say, I went straight ahead and purchased her latest album, which I think is just delightful.