Out Of The Blue

by Scott YanowFounded in 1984, Out of the Blue was devised as a vehicle to feature some of Blue Note's top young jazz talents. Their repertoire emphasized hard bop-oriented originals that extended the Blue Note legacy of the 1960s. The original lineup of OOTB consisted of trumpeter Michael Philip Mossman, altoist Kenny Garrett, tenor man Ralph Bowen, pianist Harry Pickens, bassist Robert Hurst, and drummer Ralph Peterson, all of whom have gone on to have significant careers. The group recorded four albums from 1985-1989 and went on several well-received tours before eventually breaking up when its members developed their own solo careers. Other musicians who were part of OOTB were bassist Kenny Davis (who joined in time for their third album), altoist Steve Wilson, pianist Renee Rosnes, and drummer Billy Drummond.