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, Tenn. 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 1950's 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," which 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... Les Paul is at Iridium. The Toshiko Akiyoshi Jazz Orchestra is at Birdland. The Vanguard Jazz Orchestra is at the Village Vanguard. The Spanish Harlem Orchestra is at Club El Flamingo. Guitarist Ron Affif's trio is at the Zinc Bar.

The John Payne Saxophone Choir is at The Regattabar in Cambridge, Mass., tonight.

The Chris Farr quartet is at Chris's Jazz Cafe in Philadelphia tonight.

In Chicago... the William Garcia quartet is at Cafe Bolera on Mondays. Yoko Noge's Jazz Me Blues are at HotHouse. Henry Johnson's Organ Express with Von Freeman is at the Jazz Showcase. Kelly Brand is at Joe's BeBop Cafe and Jazz Emporium. Sami Scott is at Philander's in Oak Park. The Edwin Daugherty quartet is at Pops of Highwood.

In New Orleans... the Panorama Jazz Band is at the Blue Nile. The Earl Brown trio is at Cafe Sbisa. The Soul Rebels Brass Band is at the Canal Bus Stop Bar. Two Pan Sam is at Checkpoint Charlie. Bob French is at Donna's. Reginald Koeller leads tonight's band at Preservation Hall. Charmaine Neville is at Snug Harbor. The New Orleans Jazz Vipers are at the Spotted Cat. The Rob Wagner trio is at d.b.a.

In California... the Ray Armando Latin jazz sextet is at Spazio in Sherman Oaks. The Chris Williams quintet is at Steamers Jazz Café in Fullerton.

The second annual Desert Big Band and Jazz Party winds down tonight at the Palm Springs Riviera Resort and Racquet Club. Tonight features a Frank Capp Juggernaut tribute to Count Basie with Pete Christlieb, Frank Szabo, Rickey Woodard, Lanny Morgan and Bob Summers.

The Vince Lateano quartet, featuring saxophonist Noel Jewkes and pianist Mark Levine, is at Jazz at Pearl's in San Francisco. The Taj Mahal trio is at Yoshi's in Oakland.