Originally released in 1974, Stepping Into Tomorrow stands as one of Donald Byrd’s most iconic fusion albums—an electrifying blend of jazz, funk, and soul that defined his latter Blue Note years. A trumpet virtuoso who began his Blue Note career in the hard-bop era of 1958, Byrd’s sound evolved dramatically over the following decades. With the help of visionary producer Larry Mizell, Stepping Into Tomorrow captured Byrd at a creative peak—combining tight grooves, lush arrangements, and social consciousness with radio-friendly accessibility.
Anchored by standout tracks like the hypnotic title cut and the influential “Think Twice” (later sampled by artists like A Tribe Called Quest, Madlib, and J Dilla), the album features a deep lineup including saxophonist Gary Bartz, keyboardist Larry Mizell, guitarist David T. Walker, bassist Chuck Rainey, and drummer Harvey Mason. A landmark in 1970s jazz-funk.
Label: Blue Note
Series: Blue Note Classic Vinyl Series
Format: All-Analog 180g LP
Mastered by: Kevin Gray from the original master tapes
Pressed at: Optimal (Germany)