George Howard - Steppin' Out (1984) Vinyl LP • Sweet Dreams, Soul Jazz

Catalog Number: TB-201-N

Record Grading: Excellent (EX), Sleeve Grading: Near Mint (NM or M-)

Condition Details:

Vinyl plays with occasional light-crackles (play-graded). Cover has a few creases near edges; light-scuffing (front/back). Inner-sleeve is original (Poly-lined paper). Spine is easy-to-read with mild-wear. Minor shelf-wear along top-edge, mildly heavier along bottom-edge; wear to corners. Opening is crisp with signs of light use and divots. (Not a cut-out.)

Tracks:

• Steppin' Out
• Philly Talk
• A Tear Of Spring
• Dr. Rock
• Human Nature
• Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This)
• Dream Ride

About The Record:

Steppin' Out, by George Howard, released in 1984, is the second studio album by American smooth jazz saxophonist, marking a significant step in his rise within the contemporary jazz scene. The album, a blend of smooth jazz, funk, and urban soul, peaked at No. 9 on the Billboard Top Jazz Albums chart and No. 39 on the Billboard Top R&B Albums chart, showcasing Howard's growing popularity. Its final track, Dream Ride, featuring Howard on soprano saxophone, gained prominence in the UK through DJ Robbie Vincent's promotion, becoming a classic among soul and jazz enthusiasts. While the album is celebrated for tracks like Sweet Dreams and Steppin' Out, which are noted for their infectious grooves, no specific singles from the album achieved major chart success as standalone hits. Howard's polished fusion and influence from Grover Washington, Jr., evident throughout the album, helped solidify his reputation before his later chart-topping releases.