JAZZ REVIEW : Elements Quartet: Urban to Pastoral

December seems to be starting off with a rush of contemporary New York groups. Last week it was the Mike Stern/Bob Berg Band. This week it’s Elements.

The quartet, an assembly of first-class soloists which was led by bassist Mark Egan and drummer Danny Gottlieb, and featured saxophonist Bill Evans and local keyboardist Mitchell Forman, opened Tuesday night at Catalina Bar & Grill in Hollywood. Despite its strong urban energies, however, Elements also favored floating, pastoral moments that contrasted well with the high voltage of the group when it was in full flight.

This easy integration of differing styles undoubtedly traced to the fact that Elements’ musicians, all of whom have recordings and bands of their own, clearly enjoyed working with each other. Their interaction, even during the opening night set, had the easy familiarity that only takes place between musicians who know and respect each others’ music.

Forman’s solos were particularly appealing. He clearly is incapable of playing even the most abstract patterns without a powerful sense of swing. Evans, who shared the upfront spotlight, also revealed an unusually complex style. On pieces like his original “Miles Away,” he ranged easily across a musical spectrum reaching from cool to hot.

Egan’s solos tended to be more introspective--a welcome relief in these days of overly virtuosic bass playing. His efforts with the ensemble, however, were firm and to the point. Egan’s interaction with Gottlieb--a similarly forceful, but subtle musician--was a virtual study in contemporary jazz rhythm-making.

Despite its creative sparkle, Elements does not include the kind of big-name player that attracts major attention. No matter, the music the group plays should be attraction enough on its own.

Elements continues at Catalina’s through Sunday.