ProJazz.net

“In 1989, Steps Ahead consisted of Mike Mainieri on MIDI vibraharp, synclavier and acoustic piano, the young saxophonist Bendik doubling on keyboards, guitarist Steve Kahn, Tony Levin on electric bass and Chapman stick, and drummer Steve Smith. The powerful band did not have a great deal of subtlety by this era, but it helped to keep the much-maligned genre of fusion alive, mixing the sound of rock with jazz improvising. The 11 selections on this obscure effort were all written or co-composed by Mainieri and Bendik and make up in intensity for their lack of dynamics. Rock listeners will most enjoy this decent, if not too substantial release.” – Scott Yanow/AllMusic.

Track listing:

01 Well, In That Case (Guitar – Ray Gomez) 5:08
02 Lust For Life 4:16
03 Senegal Calling (Feat. – M. Kool And The African Posse) 4:58
04 Red Neon, Go Or Give (Piano – Rique Pantoja) 2:48
05 Charanga (Strings -String Orchestration – Stephen Barber) 5:02
06 Get It 3:15
07 N.Y.C. 5:08
08 Stick Jam 4:54
09 Absolutely Maybe 3:51
10 Festival (Guitar – Ray Gomez) 5:08
11 Paradiso 3:01

Personnel:

Tony Levin – bass
Steve Smith – drums
Steve Kahn – guitar
Bendik – saxophone, keyboards
Mike Mainieri – percussion, piano, synthesizer [Midi Vibraharp, Synclavier]
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Label: Intuition Records ‎
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Released: 1989