Jazz Beat: Ida McBeth, at the Blue Room

Just as Julia Lee was the vocal symbol of Kansas City jazz in the 1950s, the iconic Ida McBeth, many would agree, is today’s equivalent. For more than 30 years, audiences have flocked to hear McBeth pour her soul into every shiver-inducing moment of a live performance. In her capable hands, a song transforms into a feeling. Her talent knows no boundaries. McBeth hopscotches across blues, gospel, funk and R&B. She can mold a jazz classic to her style and, in the next breath, drive you to the edge of tears in a ballad. She holds nothing back. Saturday at the Blue Room, prepare to take it all in.