Donald Byrd - Stepping Into Tomorrow (Blue Note Classic Vinyl)

Donald Byrd - Stepping Into Tomorrow (Blue Note Classic Vinyl)

Donald Byrd’s 1974 fusion masterpiece 'Stepping Into Tomorrow' was a high-water mark of the legendary trumpeter’s vibrant latter Blue Note years. Byrd had begun recording for Blue Note in 1958, and over the course of his tenure evolved from a top-notch hard bop trumpeter into a pioneer of R&B/Funk fusion, leading the label’s own creative direction along a similar path. Byrd began to introduce elements of fusion to his music with his 1969 album 'Fancy Free' and shadowed Miles Davis early-1970s moves with experimental sessions like 'Electric Byrd' and 'Ethiopian Knights'. When Byrd hooked up with visionary producer Larry Mizell for his landmark 1972 album 'Black Byrd', a new sound coalesced: funky and sultry, sophisticated yet accessible, with intricate arrangements that allowed Byrd’s trumpet to soar over top. A string of commercial successes followed, the third of which was 'Stepping Into Tomorrow', featuring the standout title track and “Think Twice,” which would become touchstones for future hip-hop generations including artists like J Dilla, Madlib, and A Tribe Called Quest. The album featured contributions from saxophonist Gary Bartz, multi-instrumentalist/vocalist Fonce Mizell, bassist Chuck Rainey, drummer Harvey Mason & others.

This Blue Note Classic Vinyl Edition is stereo, all-analog, mastered by Kevin Gray from the original master tapes, and pressed on 180g vinyl at Optimal.

Track-listing

1. Stepping Into Tomorrow
2. Design A Nation
3. We're Together
4. Think Twice
5. Makin' It
6. Rock And Roll Again
7. You Are The World
8. I Love The Girl