If you think about it, the idea for most modern classical musicians and ensembles is to perform note-perfect recitations of compositions from the masters. Jazz players, on the other hand, are judged by the innovative interpretations of tunes from the repertoire.

(Rock music? Mostly original songs — but it always goes back to Molly Hatchett.)

Anyway. Nicki Parrott, the Aussie-born, New York-based bassist/vocalist, truly the relishes the art of jazz homage. A longtime resident member of the Les Paul Trio who actively began recording her albums and touring with her own band in 2007, Parrott is endlessly inspired and creative and has released almost 30 CDs as a leader, each featuring clever twists on the jazz/pop songbook or precise tributes to artists ranging from Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong to Blossom Dearie and the Carpenters.

Her latest release is "New York to Paris," and Parrott brings her trio — with pianist Larry Fuller and drummer Jason Tiemann — to Old Lyme's Side Door Jazz Club on Saturday.

Nicki Parrott Trio, 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Side Door Jazz Club, 85 Lyme St., Old Lymel; $40; (860) 434-0886.