The Blue Note Records all-star group Out Of/Into, comprised of Gerald Clayton, Joel Ross, Immanuel Wilkins, Kendrick Scott, and Matt Brewer, honor the past while forging the future with Motion I.
Out Of/Into, a shining supergroup born from Blue Note Records’ 85th-anniversary celebrations, is jazz’s fearless step forward while keeping one foot planted firmly in tradition. Their debut album, Motion I, captures this ethos with seven striking original compositions that embody the Blue Note legacy of blending innovation with respect for what’s come before.
The collective, formerly known as the Blue Note Quintet, features pianist Gerald Clayton, alto saxophonist Immanuel Wilkins, vibraphonist Joel Ross, drummer Kendrick Scott, and bassist Matt Brewer. Each is a leader in their own right, and together, they’ve built a sound that’s not just state-of-the-art but also deeply rooted in the label’s storied history. “Blue Note has been such a wonderful home for incredible musicians and creativity,” says Clayton. “To get a chance to pay tribute and carry that essence forward is truly an honor.”
The group’s genesis during Blue Note’s 85th-anniversary U.S. tour earlier this year was anything but ordinary. Over nearly 40 live dates, Out Of/Into refined their sound, pushing the limits of improvisation and composition. “We pushed one another to reach further and dig deeper night after night,” recalls Wilkins. “Over the course of two months, the music expanded in all directions.” Motion I captures this evolution, featuring tracks like the bewitching lead single “Ofafrii,” which highlights the group’s telepathic interplay and daring creativity. Each piece is a showcase of the band’s dynamic energy and their ability to blend tightness with spontaneity, qualities perfected during their marathon tour. “Things grew both tighter and looser,” says Clayton. “So much talent and creativity was on that bandstand.”
Out Of/Into’s name reflects their mission, which is to draw “out of” Blue Note’s venerable tradition while evolving “into” something distinctly new. “It’s about keeping the legacy alive by unapologetically being true to ourselves,” says Ross. This album places Out Of/Into in the lineage of iconic Blue Note all-star bands - from Out Of The Blue to Superblue to the Blue Note All-Stars. These groups have consistently spotlighted the brightest talents in jazz, continuing the label’s golden threads through decades of change. Motion I reaffirms that this golden age isn’t confined to the past, it’s a living, breathing continuum, carried forward by a new generation of game-changers.