On 2012's
Solidarity
, Ottawa's
Souljazz Orchestra
collaborated with a host of singers from various traditions. The end result was a melodic, groove-laden expansion of the band's global vision.
Inner Fire
was recorded in analog and co-produced by bandleader, composer, and multi-instrumentalist
Pierre Chretien
and
Jason Jakunas
. It is easily the group's most diverse outing, and also its most relaxed, but that doesn't mean lazy. "Kingdom Come" features a glorious, staggered horn chart that evokes
Salah Ragab
-esque Egyptian jazz. Solos from
Chretien
's vibes,
Ray Murray
's baritone, and guest
Ed Lister
's muted trumpet illuminate the processional Eastern groove. "One Life to Live" uses Afro-beat as its initial engine; the meld of African and Caribbean rhythms provided by drummer
Philippe Lafreniere
and percussionist
Marielle Rivard
is intoxicating. "As the Crow Flies" weds samba, Cuban mambo, and Caribbean funk.
Steve Berndt
's trombone and
Zakari Frantz
's flute wind around and through the center of the horn chart, punctuated by
Steve Patterson
's deeply expressive tenor solo. Speaking of Latin, "Agoya" is one of the set's true salsa cookers, with a chunky horn arrangement, burning congas, shekere, claves, and other percussion from
Rivard
Lafreniere
, with a chanted backing chorus. "East Flows the River" is a slow burner, with moaning (pre-
Thomas A. Dorsey
style) gospel drones, Egyptian jazz, and blues. "Black Orchid" is a sunny bolero, with funky soul-jazz undertones. And the Afro-Guinean fusion in the12/8, "Sommett on Sommett," is a stunner. The set's biggest surprise, however, is the cover of "Celestial Blues." Written by
Andy Bey
during his tenure with
Gary Bartz
's
NTU Troop
, it opens with a woody bass solo from
Philippe Charbonneau
. It's the only tune here with lead vocals, provided in grand '70s spiritual jazz-soul style by
. The shuffling pace is a bit faster in this reading, punctuated by bluesy piano and meaty vibes from
with a gritty alto solo from
Frantz
as a topper.
's drum kit holds a deep pocket for the ensemble.
is a showcase for the
's depth and experience. They can stretch into new areas, melding the vast array of musical styles at their disposal almost instinctively without sacrificing groove in their ambition. ~ Thom Jurek