Gibbs’ Rising Stars Form Their Own Constellation

All-Stars on the Rise may be the best way to describe the quartet performing through tonight at the Club Brasserie in the Wyndham Bel Age Hotel.

Opening a three-night run Thursday, the Gerry Gibbs group--which includes saxophonist Ravi Coltrane, pianist Brad Mehldau, bassist Darek Oles and drummer Gibbs--gave a performance thoroughly justifying the fact that each player (except for Oles) has a recording contract of his own.

Record business authentication aside, however, the music had a life, an internal energy and creative drive, which transcended commercial considerations. This was a performance in which the music alone was the focus. Not only was the individual playing impressive, the ensemble work had the quality--despite the fact that this was not a group with a continuing history--of subtle, intuitive interaction.

Many of the intricately woven pieces were written by Gibbs, with the addition of a splendid rendering of John Coltrane’s “Impressions.” And it was especially fascinating to hear the younger Coltrane come to grips with one of his father’s best-known works. In this case, the apple didn’t fall very far from the tree, but it is nonetheless a very unique apple in its own right. Coltrane has now reached a level of playing, rich with a driving musical imagination, which places him at the forefront of the younger jazz saxophonists.

Gibbs, too, has struggled with establishing his own individuality from the influence of a famous elder--vibist Terry Gibbs. And he has emerged a stirring, forceful drummer with a solid sense of time. His only problem--apparent, especially, in his soloing--was a tendency to clutter up his otherwise clean percussive lines with too many clattery accents on wood blocks and miscellaneous sound-making devices.

Mehldau has no lineal jazz connections, but his devotion to Bill Evans initially colored much of his playing. In the past year or so, however, he too has struck out on his own, creatively. And in this performance, as in other recent appearances, his playing--richly rhythmic, propelled by a compelling capacity to create driving melodies--was the voice of a growingly important talent.

Oles, as usual, was a stalwart foundation, his bass lines solid, his soloing inventive and resourceful in a group performance at the cutting edge of ‘90s jazz.

With Black Note coming in next week, and tenor saxophonist Teddy Edwards arriving the following week, the Club Brasserie is rapidly establishing itself as an attractive venue for a first-class jazz listening experience.

* The Gerry Gibbs Quartet at the Club Brasserie in the Wyndham Bel Age Hotel, 1020 N. San Vicente Blvd., West Hollywood. Tonight, starting at 9. No cover, two-drink minimum. (310) 854-1111.