Admittedly, the fine jazz vocalist Melissa Morgan doesn't release CDs at exactly a hummingbird-wing pace. In fact, Morgan came out with her first recording, "Until I Met You," in 2009 — causing Downbeat to include her in their annual Rising Star list — and that's been it in terms of albums.

She's continued to tour and has guested on other artists' projects, though. And why not? With a voice that pleasingly recalls the sweet/tart tones and delivery of icons such as Dinah Washington and Nancy Wilson, Morgan is a decidedly gifted artist. It's also true that work nears completion on that long-awaited second recording.

Now is an excellent time, then, to catch Morgan and her band live. They'll appear Friday at the Side Door Jazz Club.

Melissa Morgan, 8:30 p.m. Friday, Side Door Jazz Club, 85 Lyme St., Old Lyme; $35; (860) 434-0886.