Jeff Berlin is best known as a fusion-oriented electric bassist with phenomenal chops. This CD therefore should be a surprise to both his fans and the jazz world in general, for much of the music is actually straight-ahead. Berlin plays brilliantly throughout the set, featuring guest vibraphonist Gary Burton on “This Is Your Brain on Jazz,” welcoming guitarist Mike Stern and Dave Liebman (on soprano and tenor) to three numbers apiece (both are on “Runaway Train”), featuring both keyboardist Clare Fischer and the voice of Steve Shephard on “Pale Gilder,” and utilizing pianist Richard Drexler and drummer Danny Gottlieb as his core unit. Eight of the nine selections are by Berlin and these range from heated jams to tasteful ballads. Overall this is the most rewarding jazz recording of Berlin’s career. – Scott Yanow