In its position as one of the most seminal labels in jazz, Blue Note Records has had its pick of talent over the years. As such, the imprint frequently gathers some of its headliner artists together for a celebration of its track record – cf. the Blue Note 7 and the Blue Note All-Stars. Consisting of some of the label’s current powerhouses, including pianist Gerald Clayton, vibraphonist Joel Ross, saxophonist Immanuel Wilkins, bassist Matt Brewer, and drummer Kendrick Scott, Out Of/Into started as the Blue Note Quintet, before realizing the special chemistry they had and evolving into a new band, rather than a side project.
It doesn’t take long into “Ofafrii,” the first track on Motion I, to grok their decision. Composed by Clayton, the song moves at a relaxed but relentless pace, the melody shared between Clayton, Wilkins, and Ross and the solos blazing away. That track sets the tone here, but the record is hardly a blow-fest. Take Ross’ “Radical,” for instance – the song has plenty of energy and swinging momentum, but there’s a whimsical edge to the arrangement, a sense that everyone involved is having a party. Or Clayton’s “Gabaldon’s Guide,” which starts as a ballad before morphing into something unexpected, not fitting easily into the standard model. Or Brewer’s “Aspiring to Normalcy,” an epic cut that luxuriates in its melody, adding airy atmosphere, frequent rhythm shifts, and a real sense of unification – five badasses setting aside egos and working toward the common (very, very) good.
Plenty of projects like this tend to underwhelm, as everyone holds back their best material and endeavors not to step on anyone’s toes. Motion I, however, sounds like the work of a real working band, and Out Of/Into earns that much-abused title of “supergroup.”
