Two legendary E's for excellence at Jazz Alley

Eartha and Ernestine. Both have been around the block and know how to work a crowd. And both are back at Jazz Alley.

Eartha Kitt, that slinky showbiz wonder, and Ernestine Anderson, Seattle's first lady of vocal jazz, still have the stuff to regale patrons young enough to be their great-grandkids. (Kitt was born in 1927; Anderson in 1928).

These sage ladies demonstrate that talent, and sex appeal, can be ageless. Kitt retains her shapely gams and purring Catwoman vocal style. The stage and film veteran teases and pleases at the Alley through Sunday night.

And Grammy-nominated Anderson remains a master of the don't-take-no-guff-from-men blues. She recently made it through a bluesy spell in real life: Her family home in the Central District almost went into foreclosure, but money raised from friends and fans (including former Seattle-area residents Quincy Jones and Diane Schuur) helped avert that. Carmen Gayton, a Windemere real-estate agent who spearheaded the campaign, says efforts are still under way to lessen Anderson's debt and keep her in the house.

You can support Anderson further, and get an earful of good music, by turning out for her four-night Alley gig, which starts Thursday.

Misha Berson: mberson@seattletimes.com