Steps Ahead – Modern Times (Vinyl LP)

Steps Ahead – Modern Times is the second album by the New York band under the name Steps Ahead, released in 1984 on Elektra Musician (here cat. no. 960 351-1). It was recorded in January and February 1984 at Skyline Studios in New York, recorded and mixed by James Farber and mastered by Greg Calbi; the band produced it themselves. Compared with the more acoustic debut, Michael Brecker, Mike Mainieri, Warren Bernhardt, Eddie Gomez and Peter Erskine lean more on synthesizers, Synthi-Vibe and drum machine. This copy is the 1984 European original pressing.

Pressing details

• Label / Cat. no.: Elektra Musician 960 351-1
• Format: Vinyl LP, Album, Stereo
• Pressing: EU original
• Country: Europe
• Year of this pressing: 1984
• Genre: Jazz, Fusion, Funk, Soul

Condition

• Condition: Second hand
• Media: Close to NM-
• Cover: VG+

Graded to Goldmine standard (see Vinyl Grading). The images are our own scans of the actual copy for sale (SKU SH957).

Tracklist

Side A

1. Safari (Michael Brecker)
2. Oops (Mike Mainieri)
3. Self Portrait (Mike Mainieri)
4. Modern Times (Warren Bernhardt)

Side B

1. Radio-Active
2. Now You Know (Peter Erskine)
3. Old Town (Mike Mainieri)

Personnel

Michael Brecker (tenor and soprano saxophone, synthesizer on Safari), Mike Mainieri (vibraphone, marimba, Synthi-Vibe, synthesizer), Warren Bernhardt (keyboards), Eddie Gomez (bass), Peter Erskine (drums, percussion, DMX drum machine).

Guests: Chuck Loeb (guitar on Now You Know), Tony Levin (Chapman Stick on Old Town), Craig Peyton (synthesizer, DMX on Radio-Active and Old Town).

Production: Steps Ahead; recorded and mixed by James Farber; mastering: Greg Calbi (Sterling Sound).

FAQ

Is this the original pressing?
Yes, it is the European edition from the 1984 release year, catalogue number 960 351-1.

Who plays on Modern Times?
The core line-up is Michael Brecker, Mike Mainieri, Warren Bernhardt, Eddie Gomez and Peter Erskine. Guests are Chuck Loeb, Tony Levin and Craig Peyton.

What does Media close to NM- / Cover VG+ mean?
The record is just about NM- (Near Mint minus), i.e. close to new with minimal marks. VG+ (Very Good Plus) for the sleeve means light wear. All grades are explained on our Vinyl Grading page.

Do you have more Steps Ahead records?
Yes, for example Steps – Paradox: Live At Seventh Avenue South from the time the band was still called Steps. More titles are in our Fusion collection.