Donald Byrd - Stepping Into Tomorrow (Blue Note Classic Vinyl Series) Vinyl LP

Donald Byrd’s 1974 fusion masterpiece Stepping Into Tomorrow stands as a high-water mark of the legendary trumpeter’s adventurous latter years on Blue Note. Having first recorded for the label in 1958, Byrd evolved from a premier hard bop trumpeter into a visionary pioneer of R&B and funk fusion, helping guide Blue Note itself into new creative territory. He began incorporating fusion elements with 1969’s Fancy Free, followed by experimental sessions like Electric Byrd and Ethiopian Knights. But it was his partnership with producer Larry Mizell on 1972’s Black Byrd that crystallized a bold new sound: funky and sultry, sophisticated yet accessible, with rich arrangements that gave Byrd’s trumpet space to soar.

A run of commercial successes followed, with Stepping Into Tomorrow emerging as one of the most celebrated. Anchored by the standout title track and the timeless groove of “Think Twice”—later sampled by hip-hop innovators like J Dilla, Madlib, and A Tribe Called Quest—the album remains both forward-looking and deeply rooted in soul. Byrd was joined by a stellar lineup including saxophonist Gary Bartz, multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Fonce Mizell, bassist Chuck Rainey, and drummer Harvey Mason.

This Blue Note Classic Vinyl Edition faithfully reintroduces the 1974 classic in stereo, cut all-analog by Kevin Gray from the original master tapes and pressed on 180-gram vinyl at Optimal.