Jazz Notes: Goings on in the jazz world

Today is Jan. 3.

Guitarist Eddie Lang, a veteran of the Joe Venuti, Bob Crosby and Paul Whiteman bands, was born this day in 1904 in Philadelphia.

Pianist and composer Herbie Nichols was born this day in 1919 in New York City. He worked with Herman Autrey, Illinois Jacquet and John Kirby in the 1940s. He wrote "Lady Sings the Blues" for Billie Holiday. Nichols died in 1963.

Alto saxophonist John Jenkins was born this day in 1931 in Chicago. He collaborated with Charles Mingus, led a bop quintet with Sonny Clark, Kenny Burrell, Paul Chambers and Dannie Richmond in a Blue Note recording. He also recorded with Jackie McLean and Donald Byrd. He left the music business in 1965.

Saxophonist James Carter was born this day in 1969 in Detroit. He is one of the most versatile explores among the younger players on the New York jazz scene today. Carter has worked with Wynton Marsalis, Lester Bowie, the Mingus Big Band, and has toured with the Art Ensemble of Chicago.

On this day in 1949, the Metronome All-Stars recorded "Victory Ball" and "Overtime" during a session in New York. The band that day included Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie and Charlie Ventura.

Looking at today's hip happenings...

On the New York jazz scene, clarinetist Michael White's Original Liberty Jazz Band of New Orleans is at the Village Vanguard through Sunday. Pianist Eliane Elias's trio is at Iridium through Sunday. Guitarist Peter Bernstein's quartet is at Birdland tonight through Saturday. The band includes Larry Goldings on organ and Bill Stewart on bass. Trombonist Chris Washburn's SYOTOS Latin jazz band is at the Nuyorican Poets Cafe tonight.

Singer Norah Jones, newly signed to the Blue Note label, is at Scullers jazz club in Boston tonight.

Rosario Cambria lectures tonight on Billy May and Frank Sinatra at the Borders Books and Music in Strongsville, Ohio.

On the Chicago jazz scene, pianist Barry Harris's trio is at the Jazz Showcase tonight through Sunday. Erwin Helfer and the Chicago Boogie Ensemble are at Joe's BeBop Café and Jazz Emporium. Alan Gresik's Swing Shift Orchestra is at the Green Mill. Pianist Fred Simon is at Lexi's tonight.

In New Orleans tonight, Rob Wagner's New Thing is at the Dragon's Den. Trumpeter Jeremy Davenport is at the Ritz Carlton's French Quarter Bar. The Soul Rebels Brass Band is at Le Bon Temps Roule. The Crescent City Joymakers are at the Palm Court. John Brunious leads the band at Preservation Hall. Dave Goodman and the Stick Band are at Snug Harbor. The Panorama Jazz Band is at the Spotted Cat. Joe Krown's Organ Combo is at the Storyville District Jazz Parlor. Kermit Ruffins and the Barbecue Swingers are at Vaughn's.

On the California jazz scene, Oscar Brown Jr. and Billy Childs are at The Jazz Bakery in Los Angeles tonight through Sunday. Saxophonist Charles Lloyd teams up with pianist Geri Allen tonight through Sunday at Yoshi's in Oakland. The Jazz Crusaders featuring Wayne Henderson, Wilton Felder and Bobby Lyles are at the Catalina Bar and Grill in North Hollywood through Saturday. Frank Jackson is in the spotlight at the Cypress Club in San Francisco. The Wanda Stafford/Si Perkoff Band is at the Panama Hotel and Restaurant in San Rafael. Guitarist Ron Eschete is special guest tonight with the Glenn Cashman quartet at Steamers Jazz Café in Fullerton.