“THE FIRE FROM WITHIN.” Billy Bang Sextet....

“THE FIRE FROM WITHIN.” Billy Bang Sextet. Soul Note 1086. Inspired by a book by Carlos Castaneda, New York-based violinist Bang has enlisted an unorthodox trumpet-guitar-marimba supporting cast to create an appealing, lightly textured sound here. The seven original pieces ably encompass the buoyant, classic jazz swing of the “The Glow of Awareness,” the polyrhythmic African flavor of “The Nagual Julian” and the bluesy “The Mold of Man.” Bang’s playing has always fallen closer to the Gypsy camp than the conservatory; the other musicians can’t match his fluid soloing here but the ensemble work is so enjoyable that “The Fire From Within” stands as a strong blend of tradition and experimentation. 3 1/2 stars.