Jazz Notes: Goings on in the jazz world

Today is Jan. 30.

A historically significant event took place in New York on this day in 1917. The Original Dixieland Jass Band made its first recording. The tune was "Livery Stable Blues." A residency at Rosenweber's restaurant in New York by this all-white quintet from New Orleans attracted Cafe Society and helped launch the Jazz Age of the 1920s.

Trumpeter Roy Eldridge was born in Pittsburgh this day in 1911. Eldridge, known to his colleagues as "Little Jazz," was the link between Louis Armstrong and Dizzy Gillespie in the evolution of jazz trumpet styles. He died in 1989.

Pianist Bernie Leighton was born this day in 1921 in West Haven, Conn. He played with Bud Freeman, Raymond Scott and Benny Goodman in the late 1930s and early '40s, and toured the country with Tony Bennett in the early 70s as his musical director.

Bass player Ahmed Abdul-Malik was born this day in 1927 in New York City. Growing up in a multi-racial environment in Brooklyn, he studied both African and Middle Eastern music. In 1984, BMI awarded Abdul-Malik its "Pioneer in Jazz" award for bringing the influence of Middle Eastern music into jazz.

Rhythm and blues star Ruth Brown was born this day in 1928 in Portsmouth, Va. She came to national prominence in 1952 with her hit "Mama He Treats Your Daughter Mean."

Looking at today's hip happenings...

On the New York jazz scene, pianist Kenny Drew Jr.'s trio is at the Village Vanguard. Singer Tania Maria is at the Blue Note. Pianist Gonzalo Rubalcaba's trio is at Iridium all week. Trombonist Frank Lacy's quintet is at the Zinc bar tonight. Bassist-pianist Avishai Cohen's International Vamp Band is at Birdland tonight. Singer Linda Ciafalo's trio is at Garage tonight.

Singer Mary Pearson performs this afternoon in the mid-day jazz series at St. Peter's Church at Citicorp Center. Trumpeter Brian Lynch presents his Masters Composition Recital tonight at New York University's Black Box Theatre. He'll perform a concert piece for trumpet and piano with Luis Perdomo, four short pieces for his brass quintet, a string quartet composition and four compositions for his big band.

Trumpets International Big Band makes its debut tonight at Trumpets in Montclair, N.J.

Tenor saxophonist Bootsie Barnes' organ trio is at Ortlieb's Jazzhaus in Philadelphia's Northern Liberties neighborhood tonight. Jimmy Bruno is at Chris's Jazz Café downtown.

On the Chicago jazz scene, Brian Danzy and the Jazzmatics wind down a three-night run at the Backroom tonight. Carol Genetti and friends are at the Empty Bottle. The Bill Porter Orchestra with Rich Fudoli is at Green Dolphin Street. Ken Saydak is at Joe's BeBop Café and Jazz Emporium. The Frank Catalano trio is at Pete Miller's Steakhouse in Evanston tonight. Andrew Blendermann is at Philander's in Oak Park.

In New Orleans tonight, Fusion League featuring Ricky Sebastian, Victor Atkins, Calvin Turner and Jesse Lewis is at the Mermaid Lounge tonight. The Soul Rebels Brass Band is at El Matador. Joe Krown's band is at Frenchy's Gallery. James Singleton and 3 Now 4 are at the Funky Butt. Kermit Ruffins brings his Barbecue Swingers into Le Bon Temps Roule. Drummer Johnny Vidacovich, guitarist George Porter Jr., and trombonist Mark Mullins team up at the Old Point. Tim Laughlin and Tom Morley are at Snug Harbor. Carl LeBlanc is at the Storyville District Jazz Parlor.

On the California jazz scene, saxophonist James Carter's organ trio is at The Jazz Bakery in Los Angeles. Trumpeter Wallace Roney's quintet is at The Catalina Bar and Grill in North Hollywood. The Jill Deweese quintet is at Steamer's Jazz Café in Fullerton tonight. Pianist McCoy Tyner is at Yoshi's in Oakland with bassist Ron Carter and drummer Harvey Mason. Wesla Whitfield and Mike Greensill open their final week at San Francisco's Plush Room.

Backbeat Books is just out with prolific jazz journalist Scott Yanow's latest volume, a listener's guide to the Jazz Age. "Classic Jazz: The Musicians and Recordings that Shaped Jazz, 1895-1933" explores the birth and early development of the music in the pre-swing era.