Originally called
Steps when it was formed in 1979 by vibraphonist
Mike Mainieri, this group at various times has included tenor saxophonist
Michael Brecker; keyboardists
Don Grolnick,
Eliane Elias, and
Rachel Z; guitarist
Mike Stern; bassists
Eddie Gomez and
Darryl Jones; and drummers
Peter Erskine and
Steve Smith, among others. Its music combines advanced jazz, R&B, rock, and fusion and is frequently exciting.
Steps Ahead was most active during 1979-1986, although it still existed on a part-time basis in the mid-'90s. ~ Scott Yanow