Jazz Notes: Goings on in the jazz world

Today is March 23.

Composer and pianist Johnny Guarnieri was born in New York this day in 1917. Guarnieri was the first player to use the harpsichord in jazz. He did that on "Summit Ridge Drive," one of Artie Shaw's Gramercy Five recordings.

Singer, songwriter, pianist and musical humorist Dave Frishberg was born this day in 1933 in St. Paul, Minn. He wrote "Peel Me A Grape," a classic torch song made famous by Blossom Dearie many years ago, and a hit that has been brought to fresh ears in the last couple of years by singer Diana Krall.

Vibes and marimba player Dave Pike was born this day in 1938 in Detroit.

On this day in 2002... Fred Hersch, Howard Alden, Melba Joyce and Barbara Carroll were among the jazz performers taking part in the Wall to Wall Richard Rogers musical marathon at Symphony Space in New York.

Looking at today's hip happenings...

On the New York jazz scene... the Bobby Hutcherson sextet, featuring James Spaulding and Wallace Roney, is at Iridium. The Bill Charlap trio is at the Village Vanguard. The Michel Camilo trio is at the Blue Note. Organist Joey DeFrancesco's trio and special guests are at The Jazz Standard this week.

Norman Hedman and Tropique are at Sweet Rhythm tonight. Peter Leitch and Harvey S are at Walker's in Greenwich Village. Trombonist Chris Washburne's SYOTOS Latin jazz band is at Smoke on Sunday nights.

In Philadelphia... the Kimmel Center presents "Birds of A Feather," a tribute to Charlie Parker tonight with Roy Haynes, Nicholas Payton, Kenny Garrett and Dave Kikoski with special guests the Heath Brothers: Jimmy, Percy and Tootie. Chris Cutler brings his solo electrified percussion to the Sedgwick Cultural Center tonight.

The Cyrus Chestnut trio is at Nighttown in Cleveland tonight. Saxophonist Jorge Sylvester and singer Nora McCarthy are at Cleveland State University's Drinko Hall this afternoon.

In the Chicago area... the David Sanchez quartet is at The Jazz Showcase tonight. Carmen Stokes is at the Backroom. Judy Roberts and Greg Fishman are at The Chambers in Niles. The Chicago Grandstand Big Band is at Fitzgerald's in Berwyn. The Chicago Jazz Composers' Collective is at The Green Mill this afternoon, while the Kimberly Gordon trio is at The Green Mill tonight. Sonny Turner's quintet is at Joe's BeBop Cafe and Jazz Emporium tonight. The Typhani Monique duo is at Pete Miller's Steakhouse in Evanston tonight. Kara Kesselring is at Philander's in Oak Park tonight.

On the New Orleans jazz scene... Earl Brown is at Cafe Sbisa. Pianist Chucho Valdes brings his quartet with his vocalist sister, Mayra Caridad Valdes, to the Contemporary Arts Center tonight. The Shannon Powell quartet is at Donna's. Rob Wagner's New Thing is at the Dragon's Den. Ryan Burrage and the Rhythm Makers are at Fritzel's.

Big Sam's Funky Nation and the Just-Off-the-Boat Refugee Jazz Band are at the Funky Butt. Two Pan Sam is at Lounge Lizards. Lucien Barbarin and the Sunday Night Swingsters are at the Palm Court. The Olympia Brass Band is at Preservation Hall. Quintology is at Snug Harbor.

In San Antonio... the Aaron Prado trio is at Dolores del Rio tonight. Small World is at The Landing. La Bella is at Mark's on the Riverwalk.

In California... singer-pianist Freddy Cole's quartet is at the Jazz Bakery in Los Angeles. The CJS Quintet with Art Hillery is at Spazio in Sherman Oaks. Saxophonist Larry Covelli is featured with the Sunday Jazz Band at Charlie O's in Valley Glen tonight. The Golden Eagle Dixieland jazz band is at Steamers Jazz Cafe in Fullerton this afternoon. The Charles Lloyd quartet featuring Geri Allen is at Yoshi's jazz club in Oakland.

Dr. John and the Lower 911 closes out a weeklong run at Dimitriou's Jazz Alley in Seattle tonight.