Jazz Notes: Goings on in the jazz world

Today is July 15th.

Drummer Philly Joe Jones, a member of Miles Davis's first classic quintet, was born this day in 1923 in Philadelphia. He worked extensively in his hometown early in his career and picked up the nickname "Philly Joe" to avoid confusion with jazz drummer Jo Jones. In the four years before his death in 1985, Philly Joe Jones formed a nine-piece band called Dameronia that was dedicated to performing the works of pianist and composer Tadd Dameron.

On this day in 1942... Glenn Miller recorded "Juke Box Saturday Night" with the Modernaires.

On this day in 1963... Count Basie and Ella Fitzgerald recorded "Ella and Basie" for the Verve label.

Looking at today's hip happenings...

The August issue of Downbeat magazine is out... complete with its 50th annual critics poll. Bassist Dave Holland was the poll's first four-category winner in poll history. He took jazz artist, jazz album, acoustic group and acoustic bass honors. Late pianist John Lewis, longtime musical director of the Modern Jazz Quartet, was elected to the poll's hall of fame. Top honors also went to Sonny Rollins on tenor saxophone, Jim Hall on guitar, Roy Haynes on drums, Keith Jarrett on piano, Dave Douglas on trumpet, Kurt Elling for top male vocals and Cassandra Wilson for top female vocals.

On the New York jazz scene... Les Paul and his trio are at Iridium tonight. The Toshiko Akiyoshi Jazz Orchestra is at Birdland. The John Benitez Trio is featured in the Screening Room's Sidemen Steppin' Out series. The Vanguard Jazz Orchestra is at the Village Vanguard.

Tonight's Knitting Factory schedule includes Sweep the Leg Johnny, Gogogo Airheart, 2000 Julius Hemphill Composition Competition winner Fred Hess with his quartet, and the Nod Orchestra

In the Chicago area... Yoko Noge's Jazz Me Blues is at HotHouse. Kelly Brand is at Joe's BeBop Café and Jazz Emporium on the Navy Pier. Judy Roberts and Greg Fishman are at Pops for Champagne. Nadine Baxter is at Philander's in Oak Park.

In New Orleans... Bob French and Friends are at Donna's tonight for the Monday night jam. The Jason Marsalis Quartet and the Just Off the Boat Refugee Jazz Band are at the Funky Butt. Ron Jones is at Le Meridien. Fred Sanders and Matt Lemmler are at Le Salon at Windsor Court. Reginald Koeller leads the band tonight at Preservation Hall. Charmaine Neville is at Snug Harbor. The New Orleans Jazz Vipers and Ryan Burrage and the Rhythm Masters are at the Spotted Cat. The Rob Wagner Trio is at d.b.a.

In California... the Arlene and The Guys big band is at Steamers Jazz Cafe in Fullerton tonight. The Theo Saunders sextet is at the Catalina Bar and Grill in North Hollywood tonight. The Art Hirahara-Todd Sickafoose-Scott Amendola Trio is at Yoshi's in Oakland. In San Francisco tonight, the Contemporary Jazz Orchestra is at Jazz at Pearl's and George Khouri is at the Bix Restaurant and Supper Club.

Omar Sosa's octet is in Messina (Sicily), Italy, tonight.

On the recording front...

Onetime Spyro Gyra, Michael Franks and Chuck Mangione guitarist Jay Azzolina is out with a new recording that features his organ trio with Gary Versace on organ and Adam Nussbaum on drums. The CD, "Live at One Station Plaza," is the third for Azzolina as a leader. It's on his own Azziz Records label.

Australian jazz singer Janet Seidel has just released her 10th CD. "Don't Smoke in Bed" is a celebration of then music of Peggy Lee. It's on the Sydney-based La Brava Music label. Other tunes included range from "Fever" to "Black Coffee" and Lee's originals. "He's A Tramp" and "Things Are Swinging."

Canadian-born saxophonist Andrew Rathbun, now based in New York, is just out with a CD for the Fresh Sound label called "Sculptures." It's a collaboration with trumpeter Kenny Wheeler. The band involved, including Wheeler, will play New York and New England in late August and early September.