The week's best Twin Cities jazz: Regina Carter pays tribute to Ella Fitzgerald

The centennial birthday of Ella Fitzgerald on April 25 has brought forth a bevy of tributes to the quintessential scat singer and interpreter of the American Songbook. Two of the more noteworthy tributes come from contemporary jazz violinist Regina Carter, with the album "Ella: Accentuate the Positive" and the tour "Simply Ella." Keeping the soulful touch she demonstrated on "Southern Comfort" and "Reverse Thread," Carter opts for lesser-known items in Ella's catalog and mixes resonant rhythm and blues in with the jazz swing that was Fitzgerald's stock-in-trade. (7 and 9 p.m. Wed., Dakota, Mpls.; $25-$40)

The fact that the Randy Brecker Quartet includes three members with local connections? It's yet another grace note on the Twin Cities jazz scene. It makes sense that Brecker, a renowned trumpeter, and pianist Tanner Taylor have joined forces — both are active, crisp stylists with a flair for postbop jazz seasoned with pop and funk. The pair are joined by the rock-solid rhythm section of Minneapolis bassist Gordy Johnson and New York drummer Phil Hey over four sets and two nights of what should be virtuosic interplay. (7 and 9 p.m. Wed.-Thu., Dunsmore Room at Crooners, Fridley; $15-$30, croonersloungemn.com)

Madison, Wis., and New Orleans, La., don't usually have much in common. But the Madison-based Mama Digdown's Brass Band ably wields the brass-and-percussion tradition of the Crescent City with a vigorous nod toward R&B material from Michael Jackson, Marvin Gaye, Terence Trent D'Arby and Ray Charles, along with the usual brass anthems such as "St. James Infirmary." Playing in a New Orleans-themed club in St. Paul rounds things out nicely. (9 p.m. Sat., Vieux Carre, St. Paul; $15, vieux-carre.com)

There's a slew of talented young pianists in jazz today, and it's easy for both the players and their potential listeners to get lost in the thicket. That's one of many reasons to flag this choice solo gig by Glenn Zaleski, an integral member of Ravi Coltrane's band. Zaleski — who plays both smooth and spiky and is technically adroit — will be performing material from "Fellowship," his second CD for Sunnyside Records. (7 p.m. Mon., Dunsmore Room at Crooners, Fridlay; $15, croonerslounge.com)