Chicago-based jazz fusion collective blink. was founded in 2006 by bassist Jeff Greene, guitarist Dave Miller, drummer Quin Kirchner, and saxophonist Greg Ward. Their debut album, The Epidemic of Ideas, released in 2008 on Thirsty Ear, showcased their innovative blend of Greene's compositions with experimental elements like free-form jams and sampling. The band's unique sound and improvisational prowess garnered attention, leading to collaborations with the International Contemporary Ensemble and the Peoria Ballet Company, solidifying blink.'s reputation as a boundary-pushing force in the jazz scene.