Steps Ahead Members, Gear & Sound

American jazz fusion group

Genre

Members

Select a Steps Ahead band member to check out the music gear they use live and in the studio.

Mike Stern

Roles:

Singer Guitarist Composer

Groups:

Yellowjackets Mike Stern (band) DR Big Band Blood, Sweat & Tears Miles Davis (solo) Brecker Brothers Bob Berg (band) Billy Cobham’s Glass Menagerie Man Doki Soulmates Miles Davis Group Chroma

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Michael Brecker

Roles:

Composer Saxophonist

Groups:

Pavlov's Dog Bob Mintzer Big Band Brecker Brothers Black Light Orchestra The Herbie Hancock Quartet The Herbie Hancock Quintet Flying Monkey Orchestra

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Peter Erskine

Roles:

Drummer

Groups:

Weather Report Yellowjackets Pino Daniele Project Peter Erskine & The Dr. Um Band Kenny Wheeler Quintet Rich Willey's Boptism Big Band Dave Slonaker Big Band Gary Burton & Friends Peter Erskine New Trio Peter Erskine Trio Alan Pasqua, Dave Carpenter & Peter Erskine Trio Frank Deruytter Quartet The Jazztimes Superband Manhattan Jazz Quintet

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Etienne Mbappe

Roles:

Bassist

Groups:

The Zawinul Syndicate John McLaughlin

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Bob Mintzer

Roles:

Composer Music Producer

Groups:

Yellowjackets Bob Mintzer Big Band Jaco Pastorius Big Band Jaco Pastorious (band) Mike Mainieri Quintet

Needs more gear

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Mike Mainieri

Roles:

Drummer Keyboardist Composer

Groups:

Mike Mainieri Quintet

Needs more gear

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Marc Johnson

Roles:

Bassist Composer Music Producer

Groups:

Eliane Elias (band)

No gear added

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Eliane Elias

Roles:

Singer Keyboardist Composer Music Producer

Groups:

Eliane Elias (band)

No gear added

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About

Steps Ahead is an influential jazz fusion group that initially formed in 1979 under the name "Steps" by renowned vibraphonist Mike Mainieri. The ensemble has featured a rotating lineup of acclaimed musicians, including Michael Brecker (tenor saxophone), Don Grolnick, Eliane Elias, and Rachel Z (keyboards), Mike Stern (guitar), Eddie Gomez and Darryl Jones (bass), and Peter Erskine and Steve Smith (drums), among others. Known for blending jazz, R&B, rock, and fusion, Steps Ahead was most active during the late '70s through the mid-'80s, leaving a lasting impact on the jazz fusion genre with their innovative and dynamic sound.

How to Sound Like Steps Ahead

Steps Ahead's sound is characterized by its intricate, rhythmically complex arrangements and rich harmonic textures, which are both melodic and exploratory. The group often utilizes a clean yet dynamic instrumental palette, with Mike Stern's guitar work providing a crucial sonic layer. His use of the Yamaha SPX90 Digital Multi Effects Processor adds depth and versatility, while the Fender Telecaster delivers a clear and resonant tone that complements the ensemble's intricate compositions. The Akai EWI 4000s employed by Michael Brecker brings an innovative electronic wind instrument element, further expanding the group's sonic range with its expressive capabilities. These elements come together to create a sound that is both sophisticated and engaging, inviting listeners into a world of musical exploration and fusion.

Discography

Smokin' in the Pit

1978

Steps Ahead

1983

Magnetic

1986

N.Y.C.

1989

Yin-Yang

1992

Live in Tokyo 1986

1994

Vibe

1995

Steps Ahead "Holding Together", Live In Europe 1999

2002

Modern Times

2005

In Concert (Steps Ahead Collection)

2015

Steppin' Out

2016

Get the Steps Ahead Sound

Want to sound like Steps Ahead? This gear comes straight from the setups of the band's members, based on proven sources. Dive into each artist's page for more detail and inspiration.