Steps Ahead (originally known as Steps) is a
jazz fusion group and the brainchild of
vibraphonist Mike Mainieri. According to the liner notes of the group's 1983 debut album (for worldwide release), entitled
Steps Ahead, "Steps began as a part-time venture in 1979 at Seventh Avenue South, a New York City nightclub." The group began releasing recordings in Japan as far back as 1980.