Biography
The history of Blue Note Records — jazz’s preeminent record label, and one of the most storied imprints in all of music — is defined by a seamless blend of tradition and innovation. From the advent of hard bop to the label’s knack for elevating the greatest young talent in jazz, the Blue Note story has unfolded over the past 85 years with equal regard for jazz’s past and its future.
Out Of/Into, the all-star collective that began its life earlier this year as the Blue Note Quintet in celebration of the label’s 85th anniversary, is a profound embodiment of the label’s ethos, presenting state-of-the-art music and musicians while also honoring Blue Note’s impossibly rich legacy. Or as the group’s vibraphonist, Joel Ross, puts it, “The way the collective keeps the Blue Note legacy going is by unapologetically being true to ourselves.”
Even the group’s name speaks to this concept of moving ever forward while remaining reverent of the masters who’ve come before. “‘Out Of/Into’ reflects the evolution of the Blue Note story, and of our sound,” says drummer Kendrick Scott.
In fact, Out Of/Into—which also features pianist and musical director Gerald Clayton, alto saxophonist Immanuel Wilkins, and bassist Matt Brewer—represents the latest evolution of one of Blue Note’s most enduring traditions. Over the years, the label has assembled a series of all-star bands overflowing with game-changing ability, including Out of the Blue, Superblue, New Directions, the Blue Note 7, and the Blue Note All-Stars. The players these groups empowered, some of them at the outset of their historic careers, is nothing short of a who’s who of jazz’s last half-century: Kenny Garrett, Roy Hargrove, Renee Rosnes, Greg Osby, Jason Moran, Ravi Coltrane, Bill Charlap, Robert Glasper, Lionel Loueke, Ambrose Akinmusire, and so many other greats. Somehow, each of these groups encapsulated their specific Blue Note period while also proving that the label’s “golden age” isn’t a single epoch at all. Rather, it’s a continuum of excellence and newness that is forever pushing onward.
Releases
SPOTLIGHT
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OUT OF/INTO “MOTION I”
By Evan Haga The history of Blue Note Records — jazz’s preeminent record label, and one of the most storied imprints in all of music — is defined by a seamless blend of tradition and innovation. From the advent of hard bop to the label’s knack for elevating the greatest young talent in jazz, the Blue Note story has unfolded over the past 85 years with equal regard for jazz’s past and... read more
News
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Out Of/Into Share New Single “Familiar Route”
On Dec. 5, Blue Note Records will release Motion II by Out Of/Into featuring pianist Gerald Clayton, alto saxophonist Immanuel Wilkins, vibraphonist Joel Ross, drummer Kendrick Scott, and bassist Matt Brewer. The all-star collective—which was initially founded as the Blue Note Quintet in celebration of the label’s... read more
OUT OF/INTO TO RELEASE “MOTION II” ON DEC. 5
Blue Note Records has announced the December 5 release of Motion II by Out Of/Into featuring pianist Gerald Clayton, alto saxophonist Immanuel Wilkins, vibraphonist Joel Ross, drummer Kendrick Scott, and bassist Matt Brewer. The all-star collective—which was initially founded as the Blue Note Quintet in celebration... read more
OUT OF/INTO RELEASE NEW SINGLE “GABALDON’S GLIDE”
The Blue Note Records story has unfolded over the past 85 years with equal regard for jazz’s past and its future, a seamless blend of tradition and innovation, and a mission to elevate the greatest young talent in jazz. Out Of/Into, the all-star collective that began its life earlier this year as the Blue Note... read more
ANNOUNCING “MOTION I” BY OUT OF/INTO FEATURING GERALD CLAYTON, JOEL ROSS, IMMANUEL WILKINS, KENDRICK SCOTT & MATT BREWER
The history of Blue Note Records is defined by a seamless blend of tradition and innovation. From the advent of hard bop to the label’s knack for elevating the greatest young talent in jazz, the Blue Note story has unfolded over the past 85 years with equal regard for jazz’s past and its future. Out Of/Into, the... read more
THE BLUE NOTE QUINTET TO EMBARK ON 2024 TOUR IN CELEBRATION OF BLUE NOTE’S 85th ANNIVERSARY
The Blue Note Quintet—an all-star collective comprised of Blue Note recording artists pianist and musical director Gerald Clayton, alto saxophonist Immanuel Wilkins, vibraphonist Joel Ross, and drummer Kendrick Scott, as well as bassist Matt Brewer—will embark on an extensive North American tour next month in... read more
