Jazz Notes: Goings on in the jazz world

Today is March 6.

One of the most important and influential guitarists in jazz history was born this day in 1923 in Indianapolis. Wes Montgomery forged his unique style from new developments in jazz harmony and melody and improvements in the manufacture of electric guitars. He died in 1968.

Bass player Red Callender was born this day in 1918 in Richmond, Va.

Avant-garde saxophonist Peter Brotzmann was born this day in 1941 in Remschied, Germany.

Brazilian singer Flora Purim was born this day in 1942 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Guitarist Dom Minasi was born this day in 1943 in New York City.

On this day in 1940, Harry James first recorded "Two O'Clock Jump" for the Brunswick label.

Looking at today's hip happenings...

A concert scheduled June 23 atop the Great Wall of China has been postponed until at least 2005. Organizer Don Stevens of the Nuclear Whales Saxophone Quartet says not enough players registered to proceed with the June schedule. He's now pursuing corporate sponsorship to create momentum for the event.

In New York... the Ahmad Jamal trio is at Iridium this week. The Kurt Rosenwinkel quartet is at the Village Vanguard. The Blue Note features the Latin side of Paquito d'Rivera. Singer Jeffrey Smith's group is at The Jazz Standard. Drummer Pheeroan akLaff is at The Jazz Gallery tonight for a solo performance. Trombonist Chris Washburne's SYOTOS Latin jazz band is at the Nuyorican Poets Café on Thursdays.

In and around Boston... the Tony Perez quartet is at The Regattabar in Cambridge. The Leo Blanco group is at Ryles in Cambridge tonight.

Bill Schenk and Mixed Company are at The Walnut Hill Inn in Philadelphia tonight.

In Chicago... the Pat Martino quartet is at the Jazz Showcase this week. The Mike Smith quintet is at Andy's tonight. John Bany, Don Stille and Charles Braugham back the Thursday night jam session at The Chambers in Niles. Judy Roberts is at The Chicago Firehouse through Saturday. Alan Gresik's Swing Shift Orchestra is at the Green Mill.

Tim Tobias plus Erwin Helfer and the Chicago Boogie Ensemble are at Joe's BeBop Cafe and Jazz Emporium. The John Brumbach quartet with Selina Baker is at Katerina's. Alphonse Ponticelli and Swing Gitan are at Pete Miller's Steakhouse in Evanston. John Wright is at Philander's in Oak Park. The Bradley Williams trio is at Pops for Champagne. Steve Ditzell is at Pops of Highwood.

In New Orleans... the Improvisational Arts Council's Acid Test is at the Blue Nile. Earl Brown is at Cafe Sbisa. Evan Christopher and Tom McDermott are at Donna's. Matt Lemmler and Don Vappie are at Dos Jefes. John Boutte is at El Matador. Ryan Burrage and the Rhythm Makers at Fritzel's.

Evan Howard is at the Funky Butt. Mark Braud is at Harrah's. The Soul Rebels Brass Band is at Le Bon Temps Roule. Lloyd Washington and the Crescent City Joymakers are at the Palm Court. John Brunious leads tonight's band at Preservation Hall. Leslie Smith is at Rene Bistrot. Spencer Bohren is at Snug Harbor. Kermit Ruffins and the Barbecue Swingers are at Vaughan's.

In California... The Masters of Groove, featuring Grant Green Jr., Ruben Wilson and Clyde Stubblefield, are at the Jazz Bakery in Los Angeles through Sunday. Ernie McDaniel, Frank Wilson and Tateng Katindig are at Charlie O's in Valley Glen. The Bill Cunliffe sextet is at Spazio in Sherman Oaks. The Ron Eschete trio is at Steamers Jazz Cafe in Fullerton. Singer Kim Nalley and the Vince Lateano trio are at Jazz at Pearl's in San Francisco tonight. Bireli Lagrene is at Yoshi's jazz club in Oakland tonight through Sunday.

Billy Cobham's Art of 5 is at Dimitriou's Jazz Alley in Seattle through Sunday.

Omar Sosa is at Sala Clamores in Madrid, Spain, tonight and Friday with Gustavo Ovalles and Childo Tomas.