Tube Notes

"Jazz," 9 p.m., PBS. Jazz musicians often find there’s a constant push to be fresher, freer and more modern. So Ornette Coleman’s music was dubbed "free jazz" and it drew debates. Jazz was already the sound of freedom, some people argued; people are free to improvise, evolve, react. That transitional era, from 1956 to 1960, is profiled in the ninth chapter of Ken Burns’ superb 10-part documentary.

"Liar Liar," 7 p.m., ABC. Jim Carrey is at his best in this 1997 film — which is to say that there’s actually a plot and he stays somewhat in control. He plays a lawyer, suddenly forced to blurt out the truth. The result is sometimes quite amusing.

"Boston Public," 7 p.m., Fox. This rerun has people fretting about the sexual relationship between the boy and girl running for senior class president.

"King of Queens," 7 p.m., CBS. This show began 2 1/2 years ago with Doug wanting a big-screen TV to watch football on. Now his tastes have expanded: He wants to watch the Super Bowl on a high-definition set. To do that he arranges a date between his sister (Ricki Lake) and his wife’s boss.

"Gideon’s Crossing," 9 p.m., ABC. Oscar-winner Marlee Matlin plays a mother who disagrees with her hearing-impaired daughter on a medical treatment.

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