The Fire Within is an album by the American saxophonist Don Braden, released in 1999.

[5] Kenny Kirkland intended to play with one of the bands but died before the recording sessions; instead of replacing Kirkland's piano, Braden chose to record the planned songs with just himself, bassist Christian McBride, and drummer Jeff "Tain" Watts.

[9] "Fried Bananas" is a version of the Dexter Gordon tune; "Thermo" was written by Freddie Hubbard.

"[14] The Irish Times determined that "the real meat, and Braden's most unbuttoned soloing, is from the final session, a trio with Christian McBride and Jeff 'Tain' Watts, with the tenor energised.

"[16] AllMusic called The Fire Within "a fine record" and "a varied but balanced disc of traditional jazz.