Jazz Notes: Goings on in the jazz world

Today is Dec. 30.

Trumpeter and bandleader Charlie Creath was born this day in 1890 in Ironton, Mo. He was a major figure in St. Louis music circles and a big influence on the city's many emerging trumpeters including Shorty Baker, Clark Terry and Miles Davis.

Pianist, composer and arranger Jimmy Jones was born this day in 1918 in Memphis. He first came to prominence in Chicago in 1943 with Stuff Smith.

Tenor saxophonist Jack Montrose was born this day in 1928 in Detroit. He was a key player during the 1950s heyday of West Coast jazz in and around Los Angeles, working with Red Norvo, Shorty Rogers, Mel Torme and Art Pepper.

Drummer Lewis Nash was born this day in 1958 in Phoenix, Ariz. He has worked and recorded with Clark Terry, Sonny Rollins, J.J. Johnson, Tommy Flanagan and Betty Carter.

On this day in 1947, Dizzy Gillespie and his second big band recorded for RCA Victor the classic Latin jazz tune "Manteca" that he wrote with Cuban percussionist Chano Pozo. The rhythm section of that short-lived Gillespie big band included the four original members of the Modern Jazz Quartet. They were pianist John Lewis, vibes player Milt Jackson, drummer Kenny Clarke and bassist Ray Brown.

Looking at today's hip happenings...

On the New York jazz scene, pianist McCoy Tyner's trio with bassist George Mraz and drummer Al Foster closes out a weeklong run at Iridium that has featured the music of John Coltrane. Pianist Cedar Walton's quartet is at the Village Vanguard. The Chico O'Farrill Afro-Cuban Jazz Big Band is at Birdland tonight. Guitarist Peter Leitch and bassist Sean Smith team up at Walker's tonight. Singer Kendra Shank is featured today in the jazz brunch at Iridium. Trombonist Chris Washburn and his SYOTOS Latin jazz band are at Smoke tonight.

Tenor saxophonist Gato Barbieri is at Scullers jazz club in Boston tonight and Monday with his band.

On the Chicago jazz scene, tenor saxophonist Red Holloway is featured guest with guitarist Henry Johnson's band tonight and Monday at the Jazz Showcase. Carmen Stokes winds down a weeklong run at the Backroom tonight. The Chicago Grandstand Big Band is at Fitzgerald's in nearby Berwyn. The Kimberly Gordon organ trio is at the Green Mill tonight. Dee Alexander is at HotHouse. The Sonny Turner quintet is at Joe's BeBop Café and Jazz Emporium. The Russell Rowe trio with McKinley Carter is at Pops for Champagne.

In New Orleans tonight, singer Topsy Chapman teams up with pianist David Torkanowsky and friends tonight at Donna's. Drummer Johnny Vidacovich's band is at the Funky Butt. Harold 'Duke' Dejean's Olympia Brass Band is at Preservation Hall tonight. Drummer Herlin Riley's band is at Snug Harbor. Adonis Rose, Peter Martin, Roland Guerin and Brice Winston lead the jam at Sweet Lorraine's. The Crescent City's jazz brunches today feature Greg Stafford's quartet at the Hotel Inter-Continental and the Lars Edegran trio at Indigo, while the Rejubilation Choir turns up the gospel heat at the House of Blues.

Drummer Frank Capp's Juggernaut offers a tribute to Count Basie featuring Pete Christlieb, Frank Szabo, Gerry Wiggins and singer Barbara Morrison at the Desert Big Band and Jazz Party at California's Palm Springs Riviera Resort.

Elsewhere on the California jazz scene, the Afro Cuban Jazz Masters are at Yoshi's in Oakland this afternoon and tonight. The Alcatraz Angels Jazz Band are at Dick's Restaurant in San Leandro this afternoon. Wesla Whitfield and Mike Greensill are at The Plush Room in San Francisco this afternoon. Yancy Taylor and the Jazz Experience are at The Fifth Amendment in Oakland tonight.