Donald Byrd – Stepping Into Tomorrow

This title is being reissued as part of the Blue Note Classic Vinyl Series. Cut by Kevin Gray at 33 1/3RPM on 1LP rather than the 45RPM of this VMP version. Released July 18th, 2025.

reissue incoming pre order direct from blue note -
Blue Note Classic Vinyl Edition is stereo, all-analog, mastered by Kevin Gray from the original master tapes, and pressed on 180g vinyl at Optimal. Release Date: July 18, 2025

https://store.bluenote.com/products/donald-byrd-stepping-into-tomorrow-lp-blue-note-classic-vinyl-series?_pos=14&_sid=4fad79e5d&_ss=r

Its equal to, I don't know about better than an original pressing. I have both. Yes it has dynamic bass processing but the original is just as satisfying and more authentic.

This DB title says it all: Stepping Into Tomorrow! I've been a DB fan through the ages first hearing him via my Hip Bay Area and DC Grand parenst..but the funny thing every decade I was still listening to DB. THis album is old,new and the future like all his music is /was (Mizelle Bros.)...a Howard U Thang!. No one complimented (50's'60's,70's and 80's ect...) the era's with both instrumentation,current musical vibes and vocals.better than Mr. Bryd. So if you think this is funky and slick check out his stuff with the NY 125th Band......I really LUV U...U know I DU.....Brother DB you are & will always be the STUFF! A more consistent Miles Davis because you never took a break including while being a college Prof, Pilot and Esq. RIP (BTW...I have the original Press of this and all his era's stuff and they all sound amazing..it's the music!

For everyone complaining about the price, is this not standard with audiophile reissues? This is a rarely reissued record, AAA by Kevin gray 45rpm exclusive to 1000 copies, how was it not gonna go up like most of the other good VMP titles? If mofi did it, it would be worth we’ll over $150 now that’s for sure. Currently, you can buy this for $85 on here. I think it’s worth it. You can find an original for a few bucks but it’s gonna be beat, this was a party record. Even mine was in the shrink, nm cover but vinyl plays VG🥲. RE all the way on this one baby

Not sure if this a 2nd run within the same year, but this record is much thinner and flimsier than the other pressing I have which does not have the Re-1/2 in the matrix.

looks pretty awesome, but my turntable sucks on 45rpm setting . oh well.

A very different Donald Byrd LP for me. I’ve been listening to mostly 50’s-60’s jazz and recently started listening to some 70’s jazz/funk and soul. Upbeat and funky with voice is a sharp contrast to the solid foundations of Blue Note bop sessions I’m accustomed to. Def some nice grooves and full sound, I’ll be seeking out more of these later jazz LPs to further my education of the music.

Curiously, my copy isn't numbered but does have the VMP foil stamp, and I got it from VMP. I even emailed customer service to ask about it a while back but they said that this pressing wasn't numbered. Anyone have any idea what's up? lol

Anyone got the matrix run outs? I may have this copy but my runouts are:
Matrix / Runout Side 1: BNLA U̶A̶ ̶L̶A̶ 368-1 Re 1-2 SET-3 [stamped Snare drum Logo] 3(upside down) 22 82#(backwards text)
Matrix / Runout Side 2: BNLA U̶A̶ ̶L̶A̶ 368-2 Re 1-2 SET-1(2) [stamped Snare drum Logo] 3(upside down) 22 26#(backwards text)