Beholding the mature artistry of Sheila Jordan, I felt like a dealer on the Antiques Roadshow, examining some glorious artefact of a more gracious age. The vocal timbre may be faded in places but just look at the quality and workmanship.

Sheila, who sang with Charlie Parker 60 years ago, admits to 80 but looks 25 years younger. “Somebody just asked me if I’m wearing a wig but no, it’s all me,” she said, tugging up two hanks of thick auburn hair.

Warming up with I Remember You, she was soon scatting skilfully, rephrasing melodies stylishly and introducing her group in song, commending bassist Jeff Clyne, drummer Trevor Tompkins and pianist Nick Weldon for accompanying her with such care. “These guys bring out the insanity in me,” she said.

Every number had a story. Fair Weather was “a pre-Obama song of hope by Kenny Dorham”. It’s You or No One was “for pianist Lennie Tristano, who was always playing it” and Bird Alone was “by my favourite singer, Abbey Lincoln”. Backed only by Clyne, she also tackled Dat Dere, a childhood novelty. Its tricky melody line posed no problems for Sheila.

Damon Runyon would have described her as a sweet old doll but she filled the club to capacity. Given the chance, she could probably do so for two or three nights more.