Out Of/Into: Motion I

Since being reactivated in 1984, Blue Note Records has from time to time assembled all-star bands featuring artists from its roster. In the mid-80s, it was OTB (Out of the Blue), which introduced alto saxophonist Kenny Garrett. The late 80s saw the formation of Superblue, an octet including saxophonist Bobby Watson, trumpeter Roy Hargrove, and pianist Mulgrew Miller. Other all-star ensembles followed—New Directions in the late 90s, the Blue Note 7 in 2008, and the Blue Note All-Stars in 2014. Now comes Out Of/Into. Formed as a touring group earlier this year to celebrate the label’s 85th anniversary, their debut release harkens back to the forward-thinking music of 60s Blue Note artists like Bobby Hutcherson, McCoy Tyner, Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, and Eric Dolphy. With pianist-composer Gerald Clayton contributing four of seven tracks, including the compelling “Ofafrii” and the gorgeously atmospheric “Bird’s Luck,” Motion I features some of the most potent voices in modern jazz today in alto saxophonist Immanuel Wilkins and vibraphonist Joel Ross. Drummer Kendrick Scott, the lone link to the Blue Note All-Stars from 10 years ago, holds the session together with masterfully interactive aplomb before exploding on his kinetic burner “Synchrony.”