Catherine Russell found her ideal collaborator in guitarist/multi-instrumentalist/vocalist Matt Munisteri, her fiercely swinging Americana-friendly musical director for this and her previous effort, Inside This Heart of Mine. On Strictly Romancin’, Munisteri also arranged all but four songs and is her singing partner on Mary Lou Williams’ easy swaying “Satchel Mouth Baby”. Russell shines throughout her forth album, whether deftly accompanied by Joe Barbato’s accordion on an inspired version of “I’m in the Mood for Love” or having a playful dialog with trombonist John Allred on a joyful interpretation of “I’m Checkin’ Out, Goom’bye.” The instrumentation of several numbers, including “E’vntide”and “Everything’s Been Done Before,” eschews drums and nicely recalls the clean style of Nat King Cole’s piano trios.