The band itself mostly met under the auspices of the Amherst Jazz Ensemble. Their new CD, "2000 Live," a live compilation of seven songs, is now available at local record stores and intends to show the rest of the world what Inner Orchestra is all about.
The band consists of Michael Pisapia '00 on alto saxophone, Emiliano Garcia (Hampshire '98) on tenor saxophone, Benjie Messer (Hampshire '99) on trombone, Adam Scott (University of Massachusetts '95) on trumpet, Michael Davies (Hampshire '99) on guitar, Justin Tomsovic (Hampshire '99) on drums and Ben Goodale (Hampshire '01) on bass.
The tunes on the album range from a composition by trombone player Messer to James Brown's "Damn Right I Am Somebody" to Thelonius Monk's "Epistrophy" to the fusion classic "Red Clay." In terms of quality, they range from good to very, very good. Within their general mode of attack (the horn section builds up a polyphonic jazz ruckus that recalls everything from New Orleans to bebop, while the guitar, bass and drums lay down a deeply funky foundation), the players finds plenty of room for variety, making the record an interesting listen throughout. True excellence, however, is saved for actual concerts; while the live disc helps showcase many aspects of the band's often exhilarating improvisation, it is not always quite enough, partly due to the spotty fidelity of the recording.
For example, the last song on the record, James Brown's "Same Beat," is a favorite of fans but does not completely translate over the record. A point late in the song calls for audience participation and involves an extended explanation of instructions over a steady rhythm in the background.
The recording necessarily picks up the band much better than the audience, and in this case makes the background noise and the faint response of the crowd worse. A better example of the crowd's enthusiasm and participation can be heard on "This Little Light of Mine," an arrangement of a traditional melody. It sounds like it starts almost by accident and grows out of the crowd's clapping in unison at the start of the tune.
While it is less polished and full than the other pieces, the song's development, which can be traced over the expansion of the track, more clearly exemplifies how Inner Orchestra listens to what they are receiving from their audience-and then responds with an exponential amount of energy and skill.
Messer's "No Shame Blues," the sole non-cover tune on the disc, is also one of the stronger cuts. It starts with a slow shimmer on the cymbals before launching ahead.
Full of dramatic group stops and starts, the song is anchored by the almost hip-hop rhythm of the drums and bass, while the other members each take a turn at an impressive solo. The excitement that the band brings to the tune virtually begs for more original compositions
Besides Amherst parties, the band has played other venues in New York, Vermont and Maine, as well as closer to home in the Five-College area, including the Amherst Brewing Company and Iron Horse Music Hall in Northhampton.
For those of you want a good disc to groove or chill to, "2000 Live" is certainly an enjoyable listen. To experience the full power of Inner Orchestra, however, you'll have to go to one of their shows. This weekend is a good time to start.