For groupings in which rising or settled stars on the same label come together to make some music together, the question always arises: is it a project, or is it a band? In the case of Out Of/Into, it’s definitely the latter. Saxophonist Immanuel Wilkins, pianist Gerald Clayton, vibraphonist Joel Ross, bassist Matt Brewer, and drummer Kendrick Scott all have multiple Blue Note recordings to their collective credit. But OOI’s second album Motion II is not merely a way to pass the time and make some bucks. Much like the golden years of Blue Note, in which every headliner’s band consisted of everyone else on the label, this is a melding of disparate but insanely proficient talents in pursuit of a single vision.
The record begins with Wilkins’ “Brothers in Arms,” a tuneful invitation that also serves as a manifesto for the members’ collective pursuit. With a spiraling melody riding Scott’s frenetic drums, Clayton’s “Finding Ways” emphasizes ensemble work, making clear how sympatico each player is with the others. Penned by Brewer, the ballad “Juno” serves as a duet between Ross and Wilkins, with Clayton and Scott adding emphasis in key moments. The pianist composes lush melodies over an easygoing groove for “Familiar Route,” as the group rides the line between hard bop and travelogue music. On his tune “The Catalyst,” Scott provides easygoing hip-hop grooves for Wilkins and Clayton to sail across, making the song as club-friendly as it is listener-fun. Speaking of fun, the whole band comes out swinging on Clayton’s “Nacho Supreme,” which lets Ross really rip, perhaps as a consolation prize for not including any of his compositions on the album.
Through it all, the members perfectly balance taste and technique, knowing when to lay back and when to burn. Motion II lacks the element of surprise that made I so fresh, but it’s just as accessible and impressive as its predecessor.
