Out Of/Into Motion I
Released Dec 6, 2024 Blue Note Records
Early read 1 professional review Updated Dec 29, 2025
Strong critical consensus
Early read based on 1 professional reviews. Out Of/Into's Motion I announces itself as a confident statement in contemporary jazz, a record whose rewards accumulate through attentive listening and collective motion.
How ChoruScore worksCritics' Top Tracks
The songs critics returned to most
Ofafrii
1 critic mention
“Within the first 45 seconds, you distinctly hear all five instruments” — Glide Magazine
Gabaldon’s Glide
1 critic mention
“The opening to Clayton’s polyrhythmic “Gabaldon’s Glide” features a heady solo from Scott” — Glide Magazine
Radical
1 critic mention
“Ross’ “Radical” features the quintet in a highly lyrical posture” — Glide Magazine
Full critic consensus
Out Of/Into's Motion I announces itself as a confident statement in contemporary jazz, a record whose rewards accumulate through attentive listening and collective motion. From the opener “Ofafrii”—where Clayton sets the tone and Wilkins and Ross trade expressive turns—to the aching sweep of “Gabaldon’s Glide” and the tense beauty of “Radical”, the album privileges interplay and group chemistry over solo pyrotechnics.
Across professional reviews the critical consensus praises Motion I for its post-bop roots infused with 'out' elements, emphasizing collective improvisation and rhythmic daring. The album earned a 90/100 consensus score from one professional review, with critics noting that the best songs on Motion I emerge from ensemble conversation rather than individual spotlighting. Tracks like “Ofafrii”, “Gabaldon’s Glide”, and “Radical” repeatedly surface as standout moments that capture the record's tension between structure and freedom.
While the focus on group interplay may leave listeners seeking showy solos wanting, reviewers agree that the record's compositional subtlety and interplay make Motion I a compelling addition to the band's catalog and a must-hear for those tracking contemporary jazz excellence. Below, read the full review breakdown and why critics argue the album is worth close, repeated listens.
Track Ratings
How critics rated each track, relative to this album (0-100). Only tracks that made critics feel something are rated.
Ofafrii
Gabaldon’s Glide
Radical
Second Day
Aspiring to Normalcy
Synchrony
Bird's Luck
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What Critics Are Saying
Deep insights from 2 critics who reviewed this album
Critic's Take
On Motion I, Out Of/Into stake a claim for contemporary jazz with a set that rewards close listening; the best songs reveal themselves through group interplay rather than solo fireworks. Clayton’s opener “Ofafrii” announces the record, Wilkins and Ross trading expressive turns, while “Gabaldon’s Glide” and “Radical” stand out as the album’s most intense and gorgeous moments respectively. The record favors collective movement and rhythmic daring - that is why queries about the best tracks on Motion I invariably point to “Ofafrii”, “Gabaldon’s Glide”, and “Radical”.
Key Points
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“Ofafrii” is best for its immediate, full-band statement and lead-single prominence.
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The album’s core strengths are collective interplay, improvisational chemistry, and contemporary post-bop adventurousness.
Themes
