DONALD BYRD 8211 Stepping Into Tomorrow (Blue Note Classic Vinyl Series) 8211 LP 8211 Deluxe 180g Vinyl

LP – Limited Edition 180g Black Vinyl. 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. Donald Byrds 1974 fusion masterpiece Stepping Into Tomorrow was a high-water mark of the legendary trumpeters 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 labels 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 Daviss 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 Byrds 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. Tracklist: A1. Stepping Into TomorrowA2. Design A NationA3. We\’re TogetherA4. Think Twice B1. Makin\’ ItB2. Rock And Roll AgainB3. You Are The WorldB4. I Love The Girl