Steps Ahead-"Modern Times" (1984)

Steps Ahead were one of the jazz rock and fusion superbands that forged their careers in the 1980s and part of the 1990s.
Formed in 1979 Michael Brecker, Don Groinick, Mike Manieri, Eddie Gomez and Peter Erskine, released their first album in 1980 titled "Step By Step".
On their third album "Modern Times", the band incorporates the electronic advancements of the 1980s and does so elegantly and with great talent.
Led by vibraphonist Mike Manieri, they wisely combine jazz and rock influences using all sorts of new concepts applied to music, such as the synthesized sax (wisely handled by Michael Brecker), Tony Levin's Chapman Stick and different synthesizers and programmed drums.
Tracks like the hypnotic "Safari", the classic jazz fusion "Oops" or the masterful "Self Portrait" make up an indispensable jazz fusion album.