Straight jazz leaps out of this CD with crisp energy and breakneck licks. Mike Pope is a well-known jazz musician with a real gift for the acoustic and electric bass. The Lay of the Land showcases his talent by placing him in the center of multiple nouveau jazz masters, and effectively allows him to shine like a diamond of instrumentation.

You'd think that placing Pope among such luminaries as Seamus Blake, Jeff "Tain" Watts, Mike Stern, and both Randy and Michael Brecker would diminish his presence on an album meant to be focused on his work as a bassist. Such is not the case, because the energy and the subtle tempo shifts that issue from Mike's fingers create the vital heart beat of all of the works this album comprises.

Some of the more exciting pieces include "The First Order of Business", and the lengthy "The Lay of the Land". Each of these songs drives the spirit with activity and busy creative power, and Brecker has a lovely solo on the album's title track. Look forward to decidedly original interpretations of such perennial big band and jazz classics as "Cherokee" and "The Way You Look Tonight", both spun through the loom of hot jazz in small ensembles. Two of the moodier, slower pieces, "Essence" and "The Avid Listener", create a shift to pensive contemplation without being overly dreamy or halting.

One of the best originals crafted by Pope's subconscious would have to be the clean notes of "Climate", showcasing the bass player in a tight trio. There's a reticent new take on "The Star Spangled Banner", which seems strangely questioning and thoughtful on a standard that is often presented as self-assured.

Fans of hot jazz will find this to be a superb recording, excellent for the art show or wine tasting crowd to create an idea of energy and mood. This is not dance music by any means, but the sort of recordings that are used best to provide texture to a meaningful or creative experience. And texture is what bass players specialize in.

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