Renowned jazz trumpeter, composer and vocalist Donald Byrd’s acclaimed Stepping Into Tomorrow, originally released in 1974, is set for reissue through Blue Note’s Classic Vinyl series on July 18.
A funk-fusion classic – and widely regarded as Byrd’s masterpiece – Stepping Into Tomorrow featured contributions from Gary Bartz (alto and soprano sax, clarinet) Fonce Mizell (trumpet, clarinet, vocals) Chuck Rainey (bass) and drummer Harvey Mason among others. The third album the trumpet legend made in collaboration with visionary producer Larry Mizell, it includes the standout title track and “Think Twice,” and it became a touchstone release for future hip-hop generations.
Born in Detroit, Michigan, in 1932, Donald Byrd was something of a child prodigy as a musician and he performed with then legendary vibraphonist and bandleader Lionel Hampton before he finished high school. He joined Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers as Clifford Brown’s successor and in 1955, he recorded with Gigi Gryce, Jackie McLean and Mal Waldron.
After leaving the Jazz Messengers in 1956, Byrd performed with many leading jazz musicians of the day, including John Coltrane, Sonny Rollins, and Thelonious Monk. A truly pioneering figure, he later successfully absorbed funk and soul into his music while remaining a jazz artist and he has been cited as an influence on the early career of Herbie Hancock among others.
Byrd first began to fuse jazz with funk on 1969’s Fancy Free and in 1973, he teamed up with the Mizell Brothers (producer-writers Larry and Fonce) for Black Byrd (1973) which was, for many years, Blue Note’s best-selling album. In between the release of Black Byrd and Stepping Into Tomorrow, Byrd also released the well-received Street Lady, again produced by Larry Mizell.
This new Blue Note Classic Vinyl Edition of Stepping Into Tomorrow comes in stereo and is all-analog, mastered by Kevin Gray from the original master tapes and pressed on 180g vinyl at Optimal.
Order Donald Byrd’s Stepping Into Tomorrow on vinyl now.
