Steps Ahead

One of the most popular jazz band of the 1980's and 1990's was undoubtedly Steps Ahead. "Steppin' Out", their new album on Jazzline, is the first studio recording by a Step Ahead alimni band for several years and features Mike Mainieri, Bill Evans, Chuck Loeb, Tom Kennedy and Steve Smith. Joining the group on this album is the renowned WDR Big Band Cologne, led by arranger and conductor Michael Abene and who adds a new dimension to the music, mostly written by Mike Mainieri. Steps classics sucha as Pools, Sara's Touch, Opps or Trains can be heard on this superb new recording.

PERSONNEL:

MIKE MAINIERI, vibes
BILL EVANS, tenor & soprano sax
CHUCK LOEB, guitar
TOM KENNEDY, bass
STEVE SMITH, drums

WDR BIG BAND COLOGNE:

Wim Both, Andy Haderer, Rob Bruynen, JOhn Marshall, Ruud Breuls, trumpet
Ludwig Nuss, Shannon Barnett, Andy Hunter, Mattis Cederberg, trombone
JOhan Hörlen, Karolina Strassmayer, alto sax, flute & clarinet
Oliver Peters, Paul Hellerm tenor sax, flute & clarinet
Jens Neufang, baritone sax, flute & clarinet

Recorded in Cologne, Germany, April 24, 2016

TRACKS:

01. Pools
02. Steppish
03. Blue Montreaux
04. Self Portrait
05. Oops
06. Beirut
07. Sara's Touch
08. Trains