Reasons For Moving originated in 2005, and released a recording that same year on Not Two Records. The core of the band consists of trumpeter Johnston, guitarist Fred Frith, and saxophonist Larry Ochs, who were originally joined by bassist Devon Hoff and Ches Smith on drums.
The all-improvised recording was received with wide praise, but the band became largely dormant with only occasional performances, although the core trio of Johnston, Ochs and Frith continued to play and record together in many other settings over the years.
With an invitation from curator Phillippe Ochem of Jazzdor Festival in Strassbourg, France to play the festival in November of 2018, the core group reformed, and with help from the Mid-Atlantic Arts Foundation, Reasons for Moving were off to Europe, where they were joined by French bassist Sébastien Jeser and Swiss drummer Sam Dühsle. As well as the Jazzdor Festival, other highlights included the Music Unlimited festival in Wels, Austria, and club dates in France, Italy, and Germany.
There have been other Reasons For Moving team-ups over the years, including with drummer Allison Miller, and the rhythm section from the Fred Frith Trio, bassist Jason Hoopes and drummer Jordan Glenn.