The strikingly beautiful and vocally talented May hails from Dublin, Ireland, and is already a smash in the U.K., with fans like Jools Holland (who insisted on booking her on “Later with Jools Holland” in 2008 after hearing her perform), Elbow and Jeff Beck. In fact, Beck informed Holland that the only reason he was in the audience for “Later” was to see the singer.

Which, of course, explains how May found herself onstage Sunday evening with the legendary guitarist as he paid tribute to the late Les Paul, wowing everyone within earshot as well as viewers at home.

But don’t take my word for it. Here’s Beck and May’s impressive version of the Les Paul and Mary Ford classic “How High the Moon.”

Although the 36-year-old May just made her major label debut in late 2009 with Love Tattoo, she’s been singing since she was four and spent the past several years sharing stages with artists like Beck, Eric Clapton, Van Morrison and even Scissor Sisters.

The album is an impressive introduction to the singer’s mix of jazz, rockabilly and blues, with stand out tracks like “Johnny Got A Boom-Boom,” “Big Bad Handsome Man,” “Falling in Love with You Again” (May’s favorite track on the record) and a cover of Peggy Lee’s “Why Don’t You Do Right?”

But if Holland and Beck’s reactions are any indication, the real place to experience Imelda May is live. Luckily for those smitten by the singer, she’s headed out for a month-long North American run with labelmate Jamie Cullum next month.

The 14-city trek launches March 3 at New York City’s Town Hall and will hit clubs and performing arts centers across the country before wrapping up at L.A.’s Avalon.

If you don’t get a chance to catch Imelda May in March, don’t fret. I have a good feeling we’re going to be seeing (and hearing) a lot more from her in 2010.