Suzanne Marta is the Web Content Editor/Producer for KERA’s Economy Project and has been listening to Pink Martini since 1997.

Pink Martini — the quirky little band/orchestra from my hometown of Portland, Ore. — released “Splendor In The Grass,” its fourth CD this week.

Songs from previous releases — especially “Hang On Little Tomato” –make frequent appearances in NPR and KERA bumper music between stories and programs.

But this CD has two very special connections to the public broadcasting world.

NPR’s justice correspondent Ari Shapiro, a long-time friend of the band, recorded a jaunty tune “But Now I’m Back.” In the song, he plays the part of a cad who keeps reeling his lover back in with his charms. (You can watch a video of his performance at the Hollywood Bowl last month below.)

And Emilio Delgado — “Luis” from PBS’ Sesame Street — offers his voice to a bilingual duet with China Forbes for “Sing.”

Listen to some of the band’s new songs and an interview with NPR here.

Pink Martini has North Texas on its tour schedule and will perform with the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra at Bass Hall in April.