FALL PREVIEW : Our Critics’ Guide to the Season : Jazz Quality Over Quantity

Fall in the jazz world is a breather, a needed break after summer, which in jazz is always the season with a frenzy of activity brought about by a stream of festivals, concerts and outdoor events. But don’t think fewer events translates into diminished quality.

Fall highlights begin Wednesday at Hollywood Bowl with the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, the highly acclaimed ensemble known for its accurate restorations of early jazz and swing-era renditions. At the Bowl, the music of Duke Ellington will be featured. Soloists include Wynton Marsalis and Frank Wess. The bill also includes vibist Gary Burton, clarinetist Eddie Daniels and singer Nina Simone.

Could there be a more distinctive contrast to the Bowl event than an appearance by pianist Dave Brubeck, the idiosyncratic artist who plays Sept. 24 at Ambassador Auditorium? Brubeck’s music, which has been heard around the world since Dwight D. Eisenhower was in the White House, is a unique blend of swing, be-bop and 20th-Century classical elements into an appealing whole.

Jump ahead to Oct. 11 at Royce Hall and the invigorating vocals of Milton Nascimento, the Brazilian superstar who has crafted such telling tunes as “Bridges.” Take another musical turn at the Moonlight Tango Cafe, where on Oct. 20 harpist-flutist-singer Corky Hale appears, playing standards and originals, backed by Pat Longo’s Super Big Band.

For jazz lovers who can’t get enough of the blues, try pianist Gene Harris, who performs Nov. 3-8 at Catalina Bar & Grill. Harris resembles an alchemist with a magical potion in a syringe as he injects a strong blues feeling into each of his renditions. His band includes three L.A.-area stalwarts: guitarist Ron Eschete, bassist Luther Hughes and drummer Paul Humphrey.

Finally there’s the mighty tenor saxophonist Joe Henderson, who, after 30 years in the jazz game, is simply better than ever. The hornman, who plays Dec. 8-13 at Catalina Bar & Grill, recently captured top honors in three categories of Down Beat magazine’s 40th annual Critics Poll, including top jazz album (“Lush Life” on Verve Records).