Jazz Notes: Goings on in the jazz world

Today is Sept. 12th.

Trumpeter William "Cat" Anderson was born this day in 1916 in Greenville, S.C. Jealousy over his stratospheric playing abilities may have landed him his long-time job in the Duke Ellington Orchestra in 1944.

Anderson worked previously in the group led by fellow trumpeter Erskine Hawkins, who fired him. He stayed with the Ellington orchestra until Duke's death in 1974. Cat Anderson died in 1981.

Tenor saxophonist Scott Hamilton was born this day in 1954 in Providence, R.I. He moved to New York at age 22 and quickly developed a strong following for his mainstream swing style. His approach has extended the Coleman Hawkins-Ben Webster-Stan Getz tradition. He has scores of recordings under his belt, and remains one of the best-selling artists on the Concord Jazz label.

On this day in 1935, Duke Ellington recorded "Reminiscing in Tempo." This suite for jazz orchestra was longer than recording technology could handle, and filled four 10-inch records.

Looking at today's hip happenings...

On the New York jazz scene... drummer Elvin Jones's 75th birthday celebration is featured this week at the Blue Note. Bill Charlap's trio is at the Village Vanguard this week. Eliane Elias is at Iridium all week. The Eric Alexander quartet is at the Jazz Standard through Sunday. Guitarist John Scofield's band is at Irving Plaza tonight. Trombonist Chris Washburne's SYOTOS Latin jazz band is at the Nuyorican Poets Cafe tonight.

This is the season for singers in the Boston area. Ann Hampton Callaway is at the Regattabar in Cambridge, Mass., tonight through Saturday. Jon Hendricks is at Ryles in Cambridge tonight and Friday. Angela Bofil is at Scullers in Boston tonight and Friday.

Pianist Bruce Barth is at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts' new KC Jazz Club tonight in Washington D.C.

In and around Chicago... the Mike Smith-Ron Freidman quintet is at Andy's. There's a Thursday night jam session featuring John Bany, Don Stille and Charles Braugham at The Chambers in Niles. Judy Roberts is at The Chicago Firehouse. Alan Gresik's Swing Shift Orchestra is at the Green Mill tonight. Alto saxophonist Kenny Garrett's quartet is at the Jazz Showcase. Erwin Helfer and the Chicago Boogie Ensemble are at Joe's BeBop Cafe and Jazz Emporium on the Navy Pier. Los Hombres Perdido are at Pops for Champagne. John Wright is at Philander's in Oak Park.

In New Orleans... the Improvisational Arts Council's "Acid Test" is at the Blue Nile tonight. Ken Vandermark is at the Contemporary Arts Center with Paul Lytton and Paul Lovens as part of the center's Awake-NU Series. Rebecca Barry is at Dos Jefes. The David Dunbar trio is at El Matador. The Evan Howard Band and the Joe Krown Organ Combo are at the Funky Butt. The Soul Rebels Brass Band Brass Band is at Le Bon Temps Roule. The Chris Severin trio and Roland Guerin trio are at Le Salon at Windsor Court.

The Crescent City Joymakers with singer Lloyd Washington are at the Palm Court. Leroy Jones and New Orleans Finest are at Snug Harbor. The Hot Club of New Orleans swing band and the Panorama Jazz Band featuring Ben Schenk are at the Spotted Cat. Brian Seeger's Jazz Hang is at the Station House Grill. George Porter Jr., Marva Wright, James Andrews and the Black Hat Trio, George French and Wanda Rouzan are at Tipitina's tonight for a Friends of Joan of Arc benefit. Kermit Ruffins and the Barbecue Swingers are at Vaughn's.

On the California jazz scene... James Moody's quartet is at the Catalina Bar and Grill in Hollywood tonight. Dave Frishberg and Bob Dorough are at the Jazz Bakery in Los Angeles tonight. The Tamir Hendelman trio is at Steamers Jazz Cafe in Fullerton. The Mike Melvoin trio is at Spazio in Sherman Oaks tonight. Don Byron's Music for Six Musicians band is at Yoshi's in Oakland tonight through Sunday. The Charles McNeal-Andrew Speight quintet with drummer Mike Clark is at Jazz at Pearl's tonight in San Francisco. Omar Sosa's quartet is at Fresno State University tonight.