About

Out Of/Into, the all-star collective that began its life as the Blue Note Quintet in celebration of Blue Note Records’ 85th anniversary, is a profound embodiment of the label’s ethos, presenting state-of-the-art music and musicians—pianist Gerald Clayton, alto saxophonist Immanuel Wilkins, vibraphonist Joel Ross, drummer Kendrick Scott, and bassist Matt Brewer—while also honoring Blue Note’s rich legacy. Motion II—the follow-up to the band’s acclaimed 2024 debut—is a 2nd album of music drawn from the inspired recording sessions that took place in the midst of the group’s anniversary tour. The set presents six band member originals that point emphatically towards the future of jazz. — (via Label)

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The Blue Note label’s band of rising stars was put together last year to mark the label’s 85th anniversary. Their debut release, Motion I, confirmed that although the label is now the premier jazz outlet for the Universal Music group, it remains committed to documenting contemporary modern jazz.

This second set of equally fine-crafted originals was recorded on tour earlier this year. As before, the music’s sturdy structures deliver strong moods, the rhythm section flows and solos bite. Immanuel Wilkins’ pithy tone, quick-fire phrasing and blues-drenched lines confirm his status as a rare original saxophone voice and Joel Ross’ grasp of vibraphone history is commanding.

The approach is rooted in the balance of freedom and form developed by Miles Davis’ second great quintet. But closely argued harmonies and sharp-suited beats bare a 21st century stamp.

The album opens with the twist and turns of ‘Brothers in Arms’ and continues with the ebb and flow of ‘Finding Ways’ orchestrated by Kendrick Scott’s surges of rhythm. ‘Juno’ finds Wilkins and Ross swapping lines over Matt Brewer’s strong counterpoint bass. ‘Familiar Route’ is low-key and the warm ripples of Gerald Clayton piano on the ‘The Catalyst’ play out over hip-hop beats. The album ends with the walking bass swing of “Nacho Supreme”, an orchestrated drum solo and a sequence that is a distant cousin to Giant Steps. — (via Jazz Wise)

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Label: Blue Note
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album, Stereo
Released: 2025
Genre: Jazz
Style: Contemporary Jazz, Modern / Future Jazz

File under: Jazz // Blue Note Records
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