Welcome to Timeless Affairs, a corner within Steppin' Into Tomorrow, where we shine a light on essential albums that have shaped our culture (and lives in many cases). We lovingly revisit, explore and zoom in on these gems in their full length. Digging out stories and fun facts from the making of the masterpieces that have built the foundation of the music today and continue to shape the future.
Timeless Affairs has been on a bit of a hiatus in the past year. Not necessarily due to a lack of timeless affairs to be covered, but an unfortunate lack of time. But now it's been 50 years since Donald Byrd's masterpiece album which shaped the name of this music platform has been recorded, and that in itself is a reason for celebration. Stepping Into Tomorrow. An album, which not only captures the essence of its era but also serves as a cornerstone for future musical explorations across all genres. Keep reading to uncover this treasure trove of cultural and sonic significance with us & if you'd like to listen to the album along with us in its' full entirety, join us this Sunday in Amsterdam at Meterhuisje Westerpark at 12:00.
DONALD BYRD
Donald Byrd was an iconic trumpeter whose career spanned the evolution of jazz, from hard bop to the pioneering sounds of jazz-funk. Born in 1932, Byrd’s early work solidified his place among jazz greats, but it was his foray into jazz-funk in the 1970s that truly set him apart. This era was marked by significant socio-political upheavals and an overarching desire for innovation and fusion in the arts. As jazz grappled with its identity amidst rock, soul, and the blossoming hip-hop scene, Byrd's willingness to experiment placed him at the vanguard of this musical revolution. Albums like "Black Byrd" and "Places and Spaces" showcased his ability to blend funk’s groove with jazz’s improvisational spirit, culminating in the masterpiece "Stepping Into Tomorrow." Collaborating with the Mizell brothers, Byrd created music that transcended genres, leaving an enduring legacy as an innovator and visionary in the world of jazz.
To truly appreciate Donald Byrd is to understand that he was more than a musician. He was a trailblazer, a teacher, and an eternal student of the art form he loved so dearly. His music continues to inspire, reminding us that the journey of discovery is just as important as the destination.
STEPPING INTO TOMORROW
Beginning with a crack of thunder, "Stepping Into Tomorrow" is a classic jazz-funk bomb from the great Donald Byrd featuring an all star cast including Gary Bartz on saxophone, Chuck Rainey on bass, and the legendary Mizell Brothers on writing as well as production duties. Larry, along with his brother Fonce, was instrumental in shaping the sound of many Blue Note Records releases during this period, and their touch on this album is evident. Also, they were not just producers but also co-writers, and their work on this album solidified their reputation as pioneers of the jazz-funk genre, besides, Fonce Mizell earned a degree in music from Howard University, where Donald was a teacher. Their innovative use of synthesizers and electronic elements was groundbreaking at the time and influenced many subsequent artists. You can hear Fonce on trumpet, clarinet, and background vocals throughout the album, and Larry on Fender Rhodes, ARP synthesizers, and background vocals as well.
The production techniques employed here were very much ahead of their time, as was much of the music itself. It really took the hip-hop generation's discovery of the albums to really put them back into their rightful place in the jazz history timeline. In particular, the use of the chorus of backing vocals almost as another instrument, bringing a depth and fullness to the music and grounding it in an organic place.
Byrd was in a new creative phase of his career, moving away from the hard bop of his early years and collaborating with the Mizell Brothers to pioneer the jazz-funk genre by combining elements of jazz, funk, soul and R&B. This record, along with Black Byrd, Street Lady, Places and Spaces and Caricatures, (first three of which produced and co-composed with the Mizell Brothers) would all become essential jazz-funk classics and inspire an entire generation of musicians and producers including Madlib, A Tribe Called Quest, DJ Quik, Tupac, De la Soul, 9th Wonder, and countless others…
GARY BARTZ
One of the standout collaborators on "Stepping Into Tomorrow" is saxophonist Gary Bartz. By the time this album was recorded, Bartz was already an established figure in the jazz world, known for his work with Art Blakey, Charles Mingus, and especially Miles Davis, with whom he recorded during the pivotal electric period. His involvement in Byrd’s project added a layer of complexity and richness to the album - he plays the alto saxophone, clarinet & soprano sax, infusing the tracks with his distinctive sound, and together, they create a dynamic interplay that elevates the album’s overall texture and provides some joyful and energetic solos layered into the mix.
TOMORROW
Stepping Into Tomorrow prefigured the rise of jazz-funk and laid the groundwork for the jazz-rap movement of the 1980s and 90s. The album’s tracks have been sampled by numerous artists. Among the most popular covers from this album is definitely 'Think Twice' by J Dilla on the 'Welcome 2 Detroit' album (featuring Dwele), and Erykah Badu, or the 'Stepping Into Tomorrow' cover by Madlib. My favorite sample off of this album is definitely 'Footprints' by A Tribe Called Quest off their debut album People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm album, which you can read more about here.
Another sigificant moment in the fusion of jazz and hip-hop was Donald Byrd’s involvement with Guru’s Jazzmatazz project in the 1990s. Jazzmatazz was one of the first albums to explicitly bridge these two genres, bringing together live jazz musicians with contemporary hip-hop beats and rappers. For Donald Byrd, this collaboration represented a full-circle moment; being an innovator in the jazz-funk movement of the 70s, a precursor to the jazz-influenced hip-hop sound Guru championed. Touring with Jazzmatazz wasn’t just a guest spot for Byrd—but a continuation of his lifelong commitment to pushing jazz forward and engaging with new forms of music, showing how deeply the roots of jazz run in the foundation of hip-hop culture.
REISSUE
The reissue of Donald Byrd's "Stepping Into Tomorrow" on vinyl is part of Blue Note Records' Tone Poet series, known for its high-quality reissues. Mastered from the original analog tapes and pressed on 180-gram vinyl, the reissue offers exceptional sound quality. It features premium packaging, including a glossy gatefold sleeve and new liner notes. This reissue has been praised for its faithful reproduction of the original recording, making it a must-have for collectors who want to experience the album in its most authentic form.
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