On her second album, SENTIMENTAL STREAK, Catherine Russell turns back the clock to the era of blues, ragtime, and swing, summoning the ghosts of Ma Rainey, Bessie Smith, and a young Billie Holiday. Russell may draw comparisons to contemporary old-time revivalists like Madeleine Peyroux, yet there'san exuberance and vitality to the singer's performances that give SENTIMENTAL STREAK the ring of authenticity. Suitablefor playing softly in the background or turning up to jitterbug levels, Russell's trip down music's memory lane charms and seduces.