Recorded using the Orchestra’s signature analogue techniques at their studio HQ in their home city of Ottawa, the new set continues their expansive musical journey as they effortlessly fuse intricate Eastern influences, Afro beats, Egyptian jazz, Latin styles and spiritual elements into their unique musical melting pot. The secret to the band’s sound remains a true openness to global music of all kindsand the individual experiences of the Orchestra’s band members. “We all have verywide tastes, we’re always digging for new sounds, and we’ve had the chance to work with master musicians from all over, from Nigeria to Rwanda, from Cuba to Haiti, so each band member ends up bringing different vibes and ideas to each of our albums,” explains keyboardist Pierre Chrétien.On Inner Fire, the different vibes come thick and fast. Side One features “Kingdom Come,” a fierce afro-jazz stomper influenced by North-East African big band sounds,“One Life To Live,” a haunting highlife arrangement on the importance of seizing theday, “As The Crow Flies,” a soaring bossa-tinged piece and “Black Orchid,” a bumpingfusion of cinematic soul-jazz with Cuban bolero sounds. The flip brings us the firing salsa dura party jam “Agoya” before the ritual chant of “East Flows The River,” a spiritual jazz hymn using Eastern modes. The tempo ramps up once more on “Sommet En Sommet,” a heavy 12/8 afro-jazz piece influenced by Guinean popular music. Percussionist Marielle Rivard then takes the lead on vocals for a scorching personal rendition of Gary Bartz NTU Troop’s 1971 classic, “Celestial Blues.”