Famend jazz trumpeter, composer and vocalist Donald Byrd’s acclaimed Stepping Into Tomorrow, initially launched in 1974, is ready for reissue by way of Blue Be aware’s Traditional Vinyl collection on July 18.
A funk-fusion traditional – and broadly thought to be 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 amongst others. The third album the trumpet legend made in collaboration with visionary producer Larry Mizell, it contains the standout title observe and “Think Twice,” and it turned a touchstone launch for future hip-hop generations.
Born in Detroit, Michigan, in 1932, Donald Byrd was one thing of a kid prodigy as a musician and he carried out with then legendary vibraphonist and bandleader Lionel Hampton earlier than he completed highschool. He joined Artwork 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 carried out with many main jazz musicians of the day, together with John Coltrane, Sonny Rollins, and Thelonious Monk. A really pioneering determine, he later efficiently absorbed funk and soul into his music whereas remaining a jazz artist and he has been cited as an affect on the early profession of Herbie Hancock amongst others.
Byrd first started 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 a few years, Blue Be aware’s best-selling album. In between the discharge of Black Byrd and Stepping Into Tomorrow, Byrd additionally launched the well-received Avenue Girl, once more produced by Larry Mizell.
This new Blue Be aware Traditional Vinyl Version of Stepping Into Tomorrow is available in stereo and is all-analog, mastered by Kevin Grey from the unique grasp tapes and pressed on 180g vinyl at Optimum.
Order Donald Byrd’s Stepping Into Tomorrow on vinyl now.
