by Jason LymangroverInnovative jazz fusion collective blink. (spelled in all lowercase letters, with a period) were formed in Chicago when bassist Jeff Greene, guitarist Dave Miller, drummer Quin Kirchner, and saxophonist Greg Ward decided to get together to play some of Greene's compositions. While most of the original songs were mapped out by the time of the band's inception in 2006, the group's immediate chemistry and stellar improvisational ability led to the incorporation of some more experimental ideas, including free-form jams and the inclusion of samples and sound effects in its work. After months of rehearsals and public performances of their songs -- by the band and also by the International Contemporary Ensemble and the Peoria Ballet Company, who commissioned blink.'s songs -- blink. started recording in I.V. Lab Studios with engineer Manny Sanchez. Their debut album, The Epidemic of Ideas, was released in late August of 2008 on Thirsty Ear, a label renowned for its adventurous niche of jazz, especially in its Blue Series releases.