There’s a type of continental diva who sensuously blends tunes from French, Italian, American, or Spanish songbooks with elements of jazz. French-Italian singer Caterina Zapponi epitomizes this beautiful and sophisticated fusion on Romantica with help from pianist/producer Monty Alexander and other New York–based jazz musicians. Not surprisingly, we get tunes from legendary French songwriters Charles Trenet (including the playful opener, “J’Ai Ta Main”) and Henri Salvador (a swinging “Count Basie [Lil’ Darlin’],” “Maladie d’Amour," and a soft version of the classic “Bora Bora”). She stays on the continent for a stellar version of Hoagy Carmichael’s “Stardust,” here remade as French café music with help from the great Bucky Pizzarelli. She bridges the old world and the new on the João Gilberto classic “Estate” (which he also sung in Italian) and “Que res-t-il de nos amours?”; they both have bossa nova’s sensual lilt. Sweet, savory, and sensuous, the album is rounded out by a few originals that also hold up well.