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."

Steps Ahead 1989:
Mike Mainieri
Bendik Hofseth
Steve Kahn
Tony Levin
Steve Smith