Cyndi Lauper's True Colour Is Blue at the Montreal Jazz Festival

She may have kept the crowd waiting a touch too long for her arrival, but Cyndi Lauper brought out the big guns within seconds of taking the stage at the Montreal Jazz Festival.

For the first song, she kicked up a leg, raised her hem and gave 'em hell. For the second, she brought out a good friend, R&B legend Allen Toussaint, to tickle the ivory. Within thirty minutes, she was sprawled out on top of the piano.

With moves like these it's easy to see that Lauper belongs on stage. But since the mainstream pop world is now dominated by blondes in bodysuits, the once-chart topping queen has found new purpose in the blues, as noted by her latest album, 'Memphis Blues,' and this evening's song selections.

She hasn't lost her signature '80s spunk, though -- draped in satin cheetah print with a Cruella de Vil-like bouffant and wicked New Yawk accent, this is definitely the same girl who just wanted to have fun all those years ago. She's simply taking a new approach to it, and it's one that suits her well. Lauper can wail and her voice easily took ownership of tracks that once belonged to blues greats like B.B. King while mesmerizing an enthusiastic crowd.

Lauper was very matter-of-fact in explaining her set list to the sold-out concert hall. One song was sexy, another funky, and the aforementioned B.B. King tune? Well that one's "down and dirty." All adjectives that could easily describe Lauper's turn on the Montreal Jazz Fest stage.