Steps Ahead

Steps Ahead is an American fusion band, founded in 1982, which in the 1980s initially had the character of a supergroup.

Genesis

Initiated by Mike Mainieri formation originated from the band Steps, posing as " contemporary bebop band" ( Mainieri ) 1979 hot played in the New York nightclub Seventh Avernue South, then appeared in Japan and successful albums grossed, the first clearly on Straight Ahead Jazz were oriented.

Importance

With the combination of vibraphone, acoustic piano and double bass, the group was first to relax the ratio of fusion jazz and more conventional jazz at (new acoustic fusion ). The band then evolved towards electrically amplified sounds ( synth vibes, electronic wind instrument, bass guitar, keyboards) and it became clear commercial to the remaining core Mainieri and Brecker. Ultimately Steps Ahead was the most famous fusion band of the 1980s. Since the 1990s, it is only occasionally on tour. In 2008, she played with guest Till Bronner on the Leverkusen Jazz Days.

Discography

• Steps Ahead (1983 )
• Modern Times (1984 )
• Magnetic (1986)
• N.Y.C. (1989)
• Yin - Yang (1992 )
• Vibe (1994 )

• Live in Tokyo 1986 (1986)
• Holding Together ( 2005)