Steps Ahead,Michael Brecker,Mike Mainieri,Mike Stern/Sapporo,Japan 1986

Steps Ahead, formed by Mike Mainieri, a vibraphonist who represented the fusion scene of the 70s and 80s, and gathered talented session members including Michael Brecker (saxophone), performed in conjunction with their 5th album “Magnetic” released in 1986. Recorded footage from the Sapporo performance, appearing for the first time! ! After changing the name to Steps Ahead, the group’s original project of Mike Mainieri and Michael Brecker became more intense, and the differences in performance due to the fluid rhythm section member changes became a new attraction. , Mike Stern, who has been with Mike for a long time, played the guitar, Darryl Jones, who was active in Miles Davis’ group like Stern and now plays an important role in the Rolling Stones, played the drums, and while supporting Journey in its heyday, played the drums. Steve Smith, who was said to have been fired for being too skillful, participated, and the newly formed Steps Ahead, whose members were completely changed from the previous year except for Mike and Michael, is said to be the pioneer of one of the world’s three major jazz festivals, along with Monterey and Montreal. The legendary live performance held in Sapporo during the Montreux Jazz Festival on July 26, 1986 was completely recorded for 2 hours with the highest quality stereo sound (board) that was carefully mastered by the label. The set has arrived! ! At this live show, the three new members have become more rock-oriented members, so you can hear a harder performance than ever before, and Stern, who performed at the same venue many times in the 1970s, also participated. An energetic performance that is reminiscent of Michael’s Brecker Brothers live performance that lasts throughout the album. Of particular note is Michael’s performance, including the opening song “Beirut”, which can be said to be a showcase for the wind synth/EWI that he started using the previous year, and the possibilities of this instrument, such as the variety of tones and harmonies produced by a single wind synth. In just one year or so, he has been able to fully demonstrate his pioneering play, and he has been giving a wonderful performance as if it were an instrument made especially for Michael. As a side note, Michael’s contribution to making wind synths known to other professional musicians is immeasurable. In particular, the ballad “In a Sentimental Mood”, which was delicately and boldly sung with only EWI’s solo and EWI’s simple lead sound, can be said to be a historical masterpiece. It’s no exaggeration to say that you can’t talk about EWI without listening to this! Of course, Michael’s free-flowing tenor that develops from Smith’s transcendent drum solo into a battle is also the best. Also, Stern’s hard-playing guitar, which is more powerful than Michael, is a masterpiece, and he has a series of cool solos throughout the album. Darryl and Smith’s hard, groovy feel-so-good rhythm resonates tightly, and Mike’s vibraphone sounds well with the leader’s dignity! In addition, you can fully enjoy the charm of the super group such as “Oops”, “Self Portrait”, “Cajun”, “Safari”, the last song “Trains”, and Michael’s introduction of the members! Live at Sapporo Montreux Jazz Festival,Hokkaido,Japan July.26.1986 EX – AUD 2021 Original Remaster 90 min Disc 1 1. Beirut 2. Oops 3. Self Portrait 4. Sumo 5. EWI Improvisation Cajun Disc 2 1. Bass Improvisation 2. Safari (FM Broadcast) – Talks 3. Vibe Solo 4. In a Sentimental Mood – Trains Michael Brecker – Saxophone EWI Mike Mainieri – Vibraphone Mike Stern – Guitar Darryl Jones – Bass Steve Smith – Drums