Search - Donald Byrd :: Stepping Into Tomorrow

Byrd's Finest!

Andre' S Grindle | Bangor,ME. | 06/25/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

""Stepping Into Tomorrow" is one of those albums that laid
the groundwork for modern hip-hop music.That is it's plaintive
grooves,baselines and wide open spaces have been plundered in fond tribute by everyone from Guru to Yesterday' New
Quintet.That being said every song here (even the poppier ones)
have unbeatable grooves and a brooding sense of melody.And for the most part the heavy production values that often cluttered Byrd's mid 70's Blue Note albums is completely adsent here so the funky rhythm section and Byrd's horn is heard uncut.So the album is a mix of smooth and aggresive grooves and rhythms and is a welcoming journey to tomorrow,yesterday or wherever the albums title promises to have you step into.But it's a trip worth taking and don't be afraid to let it free your feet as well as your mind!"

Stepping Into Tomorrow with The Mizell Brothers

J. Laster | Maryland, United States | 02/25/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Born Donaldson Toussaint L'Ouverture Byrd II, Donald Byrd is a very talented, well trained jazz and blues trumpter. He has played with some of the best in his field, including Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers, Sonny Rollins, Monk, John Coltrane and Herbie Hancock. His sound during this time period was hard bop jazz.

NOW . . . allow yourself to switch gears for a bit. It's the early 70s and Byrd teams up with jazz-funk producers, the Mizell Brothers, Fonce and Larry. Out of this union, FIVE albums are born, giving Byrd a new sound and much commerical success. They are:

1972--Black Byrd (biggest selling album in BLUE NOTE label history)

1973--Street Lady

1974--Stepping Into Tomorrow

1975--Places and Spaces

1976--Caricatures

For the most part, if you are a jazz purist, these five albums may not work for you. However, if you are simply a defender and promoter of good music as I am, (especially 70s funk/jazz/soul) dust off your cd player and make space in your music library. These five cds need to be in your collection.

Stepping Into Tomorrow, as well as the others listed, has a blended, smooth, layered sound. A sound with texture. The same "type" sound you'd hear when you listen to the 70s music of Roy Ayers, Marvin Gaye, Curtis Mayfied or Isaac Hayes. It's a very sophisticated, down to earth sound. The Mizell Bros were also very successful with two Bobbi Humphrey albums and a Gary Bartz album, all worthy of owning. I love this cd! But then and again, I love Donald Byrd! Along with Roy Ayers, he is one of the most sampled jazz artists, thanks to the Hip-Hop community. Blending of the old with the new. Talkin' about steppin' into tomorrow. Now that's progressive!

"

My favorite Mizell Bros. production for Mr.Byrd

Dominque M. Boone | 01/16/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Great funky a$$ album by Donald.His 3rd collaboration with the genius and talented producers."Larry and Fonce Mizell." Starts off with a bang. and ends with a bang.The title track is my personal fav. on the album.I can listen to it for hours and have. It's also another collaboration of sorts

between Donald Byrd and saxman Gary Bartz. The interplay between the two are dynamic.they compliment each other very well. It was so great i guess.That the Mizell bros would produce Gary Bartz's albums"the Shadow Do' in 75' and "Music is my Sanctuary" in 77'. Both recommended as well.



There are alot of samples used from this album



One that comes to mind is "Think Twice" which Lisa Lisa & the cult jam used for "let the beat hit em"



Great album!!!!!!!!!!!!!

"