Out Of/Into’s "Motion I": Jazz Evolution at Its Finest

Born from the storied Blue Note Records’ 85th-anniversary tour, Out Of/Into represents a fresh chapter in jazz innovation. Across nearly 40 live dates, the group’s sound took shape, weaving improvisation with composition into something bold and transformative. “We pushed one another to reach further and dig deeper night after night,” says Immanuel Wilkins. This relentless creativity culminates in Motion I, an album that captures the ensemble’s artistic journey. The lead single, “Ofafrii,” exemplifies their synergy and fearless approach, blending intricate interplay with bursts of spontaneity. The band’s energy, honed over months of collaboration, achieves a rare balance of cohesion and freedom. “Things grew both tighter and looser,” bassist Gerald Clayton notes, underscoring the group’s dynamic evolution. Out Of/Into’s name symbolizes their mission to draw “out of” Blue Note’s historic legacy while evolving “into” a modern sound. Vibraphonist Joel Ross explains, “It’s about keeping the legacy alive by unapologetically being true to ourselves.” This ethos places them alongside legendary Blue Note ensembles like Out Of The Blue and the Blue Note All-Stars, proving that jazz’s golden age endures, carried forward by today’s visionaries. Motion I is more than an album; it’s a statement of intent—a bridge between tradition and innovation that affirms jazz’s vibrancy in the modern era.