Smokin' In the Pit (Remastered)

Sara's Touch is the most beautiful song I have ever heard. I cry and become overwhelmed with emotion every time I hear it. It does not make me sad but has a way of pulling at your heart everytime you hear it. Okay, maybe I am a bit biased in my opinion. Mike Mainieri is my Uncle. Listening to Jazz in our home when I was growing up was like breathing. It was something that occurred naturally. Of course being a rebellious teenager, I only loved Rock and Roll and Heavy Metal. However, now at 40 something, I appreciate Jazz so much and thank my Uncle for creating such beautiful music and of course thanking Dad for forcing me to listen to it when I was younger, now I really appreciate great music. The live versions I have heard of this song are also absolutely incredible.

This is the BEST Steps Ahead album by far -- and it's just a great jazz album to boot! I've often heard Mainieri criticized as being a lightweight, but he's holding his own here. Brecker's at the top of his form. The whole ensemble is tight and burning. I got it back in the 80's for about $35. Imagine my joy to find it here for $10. It's a STEAL at this price and should be in everyone's collection.

This is by far my favorite Steps lineup. Hands down. Every player is at the top of their game and shine. I just never get tired of listeing to it. For a live recording the separtion is very good. While being very familier with these players, for me, an added bonus was to hear piano player Don Grolnic play straight ahead jazz. Most of my exposure to him was with the Brecker Brothers (more electric 80's jazz) or pop artists. His playing is beautiful. If you're a fan of straight ahead contemporary jazz in an acoustic setting, you'll love this recording.

I bought this album as a Japanese Import for $80 in 1994... Still one of my favorites. True interaction between all musicians. All tunes have amazing energy.

This is head and shoulders above every other Steps Ahead recording, so if you've heard some of their other work, think again. IMO, Steps generally spent WAY too much time on production and over-composing their work, which was a tragedy considering that the amazing talent of the musicians involved. This album the exception - it is modern jazz (well, modern as of 25 years ago) the way it should be - energetic, unpredictable, and passionate. I find it very strange that iTunes chose only Lover Man and Momento for single purchases - "Lover Man" is a fine take, but to me, "Tee Bag", "Young and Fine", and "Not Ethiopia" are the best tracks.