Directstep


Directstep is the twentieth studio album by jazz pianist Herbie Hancock. The record was released exclusively in Japan on January 21, 1979, via the Japanese CBS/Sony label. Participating musicians include saxophonist Bennie Maupin, keyboardist Webster Lewis, bass guitarist Paul Jackson, guitarist Ray Obiedo, percussionist Bill Summers, and drummer Alphonse Mouzon.

Overview

Directstep, released only in Japan, was one of the earliest albums ever released on CD. Webster Lewis became second keyboardist on this album in order for Hancock to handle the multiple layers of electronic texture that he hoped to achieve. Hancock re-recorded "I Thought It Was You", making it even more electronic with his vocoding. "Butterfly" was also re-recorded making Directstep the second album after the original version, to have a rendition of "Butterfly". "Shiftless Shuffle" would later be re-recorded for 1980's Mr. Hands.

Track listing

CBS/Sony – 38DP 39

Personnel