Steps Ahead

Formed in 1979 under the name Steps by vibraphonist Mike Mainieri, the ensemble later known as Steps Ahead drew from a rotating lineup that at times featured tenor saxophonist Michael Brecker, keyboardists Don Grolnick, Eliane Elias, and Rachel Z, guitarist Mike Stern, bassists Eddie Gomez and Darryl Jones, drummers Peter Erskine and Steve Smith, and still other musicians. Its sound fused advanced jazz with R&B, rock, and fusion to produce sets that were often thrilling. Steps Ahead reached its height of activity between 1979 and 1986, yet the project maintained a part-time presence through the mid-'90s.