Steps Ahead: Pools

Steps Ahead was one of the best of the fusion groups in part because all its members were outstanding jazz players. On Don Grolnicks Pools, vibist Mike Mainieri and bassist Eddie Gomez create scintillating solos over the slow-moving harmonies and the infectious drumming of Peter Erskine, but it is tenorist Michael Brecker who steals the show. On his second solo, he starts out softly, then slowly builds to an electrifying climax before gradually bringing the tension level back down. Erskine is right with him all the way.