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"... every tune from the funky lead track to the slick, pronounced title track and finale has to be a complete source of pride for the duo. There isn’t a disappointing track to be found ... may be their best offering to date ... it is truly exciting to simply sit back and listen to the movement of genius and creativity as it sets out to claim your musical senses." - The Smooth Jazz Ride "Some contemporary jazz albums will have a cut or two that grooves; every track on Step It Up does that and does it well. Many of the co-writes dig a little bit deeper harmonically, recalling fusion experiments of Weather Report, Freddie Hubbard even back to Coltrane ... Step It Up is not merely a title ... it’s a challenge and Lorber, along with Haslip, rose up to meet it." - Something Else! Step It Up is the fourth consecutive collaboration between Grammy nominated keyboardist/composer/producer Jeff Lorber and Grammy-winning bassist/composer/producer Jimmy Haslip since they reactivated Jeff Lorber Fusion in 2010. The album features 11 Lorber originals, several co-written with Haslip, who also co-produced. Among the world-class musicians joining the pair are saxophonist Bob Mintzer and guitarist Robben Ford, both former bandmates of Haslip’s in fusion band Yellowjackets. Also lending a hand are drummers Ash Soan, Gary Novak and Vinnie Colaiuta, saxophonist Gary Meek, guitarists Michael Thompson and Paul Jackson Jr. and percussionist Lenny Castro. "(The title Step It Up) reflects the music: optimistic, energetic and an attempt to ‘step up’ our game, our compositions, production and improvisation, to the next level. This record puts us back in a more familiar Jeff Lorber Fusion groove while we explore some new uncharted areas." - Jeff Lorber