Jazz Notes: Goings on in the jazz world

Today is Sept. 20.

Singer and guitarist Jackie Paris was born this day in 1926 in Nutley, N.J. He is best known for his 1947 MGM recording of Hoagy Carmichael's "Skylark," which remains one of the beautiful and enduring standards for jazz singers and ballad players.

A one-time Jackie Paris sideman also shared his birthday. The late bass player Red Mitchell was born this day in 1927 in New York City. Mitchell spent considerable time in his career living in Europe. He played and recorded with a veritable Who's Who in jazz, from Billie Holiday to Tommy Flanagan. He was a master of innovation, phrasing and articulation on the contrabass.

Saxophonist and bandleader John Dankworth was born this day in 1927 in London. He is the musical director for his wife, singer Cleo Laine.

Baritone saxophonist Joe Temperley was born this day in 1929 in Fife, Scotland. He moved to the United States in 1965 and has racked up extensive big band, studio and small group work ever since.

Looking at today's hip happenings...

On the New York jazz scene... India, Huey Dunbar and Kevin Ceballo are at Carnegie Hall tonight as part of the Verizon Music Festival. Pianist Matthew Shipp, who the New York Times called, "the most significant pianist in avante-garde jazz since Cecil Taylor," is at the Jazz Standard tonight. Ted Nash's quartet is at the Village Vanguard this week. Ray Barretto and New World Spirit are at Iridium through Sunday.

Wynton Marsalis leads the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra and special guests Cedar Walton, Curtis Fuller, Bobby Watson and Ralph Peterson in concerts paying tribute to the legacy of drummer Art Blakey tonight and Saturday.

In and around Boston... the Scott Hamilton quartet is at Scullers jazz club tonight and Saturday. Trombonist Slide Hampton is at Ryles in Cambridge tonight.

On the Chicago jazz scene... the Ken Saydak Blues Show is at Andy's tonight. Judy Roberts is at The Chicago Firehouse. The Danilo Perez trio is at the Jazz Showcase. Skinny Williams is at Joe's BeBop Cafe and Jazz Emporium. The King Fleming trio is at Philander's.

Omar Sosa is at the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis tonight with his octet.

In New Orleans tonight... David Torkanowsky is at Cobalt. The Treme Brass Band is at Donna's. Rickie Castrillo and Dreamland are at Dos Jefes. Domenic Fusca is at El Matador. The Devin Phillips quartet and Rick Margitza are at the Funky Butt. Brian O'Neill and Topsy Chapman are at Satchmo's jazz room at Harrah's casino.

The Chris Severin Trio Contemporary Jazz is at Le Salon at Windsor Court. Ernie Elly's Slickshots are at the Palm Court with singer Thais Clark. Pete Fountain is at his club tonight in the Hilton Hotel. The Panorama Jazz Band is at the Seaport Cafe. Ellis Marsalis is at Snug Harbor. The New Orleans Jazz Vipers are at the Spotted Cat.

The 45th annual Monterey Jazz Festival opens tonight in the California resort town bearing its name. The festival lineup tonight includes Joshua Redman and the Ya Ya 3, Don Byron's Music for Six Musicians, and the world premiere of the 2002 festival commission by trumpeter Roy Hargrove and his band RH Factor. Off the main stage, the festival features Dave Brubeck and sons, the Heath Brothers, Anthony Wonsey, Paula West, Sylvia Cuenca and Roberta Gambarini.

Elsewhere on the California jazz scene... trumpeter Paul Seaforth's band is at Dizzy's in San Diego tonight. The Yellowjackets are at the Catalina Bar and Grill in Hollywood tonight. Kenny Rankin is at the Jazz Bakery in Los Angeles tonight. The Yvette Stewart quartet is at Spazio in Sherman Oaks tonight. Pete Christlieb is at Steamers Jazz Cafe in Fullerton with the Tom Ranier trio. Saxophonist Houston Person is at Jazz at Pearl's in San Francisco with organist Rhoda Scott's trio tonight and Saturday.

The first All-Canadian Jazz Festival Port Hope kicks off tonight in Port Hope, Ontario. There are ticketed concerts by Canadian icons, including the Rob McConnell Tentet, Shirley Eikhard and Joe Sealy with Ranee Lee and Richard Ring, and dozens of free events, including the "Blow Your Own Horn" Jazz Parade, the Young Jazz Showcase, and Latin Jazz in the Coffee Tent. In addition, there also is a jazz film series and a photographic exhibition. Tonight's lineup includes Joe Sealy with Ranee Lee and Richard Ring, the Arlene Smith quartet and jamming with San Murata trio featuring Bob George on piano.

Fourplay is at the Blue Note in Fukuoka, Japan, tonight and Saturday.