Emotions on High

Years ago, they used to call jazz singer Dinah Washington “The Queen of the Blues.” Well, these days, that title could very easily go to the dynamic, persuasive Barbara Morrison.

If you’ve heard any of Morrison’s albums, from “I Know How to Do It” (1996) to “Visit Me” (1999), or checked her out on trumpeter Doc Severinsen’s new “Swingin’ the Blues” CD, you know she can deliver that rhythmically charged genre with consummate flair.

“I love ‘em, I love ‘em, I love ‘em and I ain’t gonna stop, either,” said Morrison, whose record company is called Blue Lady Records, tagging her pronouncement with a good-natured chuckle. “I think I’m a hot blues diva, but I always mix in jazz with the blues. I think blues is a little more popular, though.”

Morrison, who served tenures with Eddie “Cleanhead” Vinson, Johnny Otis and Frank Capp’s Juggernaut, and who has opened for Ray Charles, works steadily in the U.S., Europe and Australia. Although she’s earned her own share of popularity, she said she would like to record for a major label.

“That would push me to the next level,” she said.

The spirited, emotive singer will appear Saturday at La Ve Lee in Studio City, where she’ll be accompanied by her ace band of over a decade: pianist Ron Bishop, guitarist Charles Smalls, bassist Ricky Taylor and drummer Vince Wilburn.

“They’re like an old pair of house shoes. I just slip right into them, it’s so comfortable,” said the longtime Los Angeles resident, who will also offer a tribute to Ella Fitzgerald on Sept. 23 at the Hollywood Bowl.

“I try to keep things exciting for them,” by making such recent additions to her repertoire as the upbeat ballad “All My Tomorrows,” and the tear-jerker “Where Do You Start.”

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BE THERE

Barbara Morrison sings Saturday at 9 and 11 p.m. at La Ve Lee, 12514 Ventura Blvd., Studio City. Cover charge, $10, two drink minimum. Call (818) 980-8158.

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IN BRIEF: Two of the Valley’s most dynamic players--guitarist Anthony Wilson and saxophonist Brandon Fields--will step out with their new quartet, playing high-energy, modern-day swinging stuff Saturday at 9 and 11 p.m. at the original Baked Potato in North Hollywood. (818) 980-1615.

Tierney Sutton will sing jazz songs and pop standards Tuesday at 8:30 p.m. at Rocco in Bel-Air. (310) 475-9807.

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Zan Stewart writes about jazz for the Valley Edition. He can be reached at Zansky@AOL.com.