Album: Directstep

Introduction
"Directstep" is the twenty-fourth studio album by American jazz artist Herbie Hancock, released in 1979. Initially launched specifically in Japan by CBS/Sony, the album consists of three tracks that display Hancock's ingenious usage of electronic instruments and pioneering experimentation with tape-recording methods. The album is considered by many as an early entry in the development of electronic music and an essential part of Hancock's discography.

Background and Recording
By the time Herbie Hancock started working on "Directstep", he had actually currently established himself as one of the primary artists in the realms of jazz and electronic music. Following his tenure with the legendary Miles Davis Quintet, Hancock formed his band the Headhunters in the early 1970s and launched a number of effective albums, including "Head Hunters" (1973), "Thrust" (1974), and "Man-Child" (1975).

"Directstep" was recorded at The Automatt, a prominent studio in San Francisco that was known for its cutting-edge innovation and modern lodgings. The studio boasted a 48-channel console and 3M digital multitrack recorder, which permitted a beautiful recording of the intricate arrangements and nuanced efficiencies.

The recording of "Directstep" benefited from a pioneering strategy called direct-to-disc recording. This procedure involved recording each track in real-time directly to a master disc, bypassing the traditional usage of magnetic tape. This technique led to a greater audio quality, as it eliminated the generational loss that occurred when moving from tape to vinyl.

Music and Style
"Directstep" features three extended structures that perfectly blend jazz consistencies, intricate rhythms, and electronica aspects. Each track highlights Hancock's mastery of different electronic keyboards, including the Fender Rhodes electric piano, the Hohner Clavinet, and the Yamaha CS-80, along with his groundbreaking utilization of digital synthesizers such as the Fairlight CMI and the ARP Odyssey.

The opening track, "Butterfly", is a reworking of a tune that originally appeared on Hancock's 1974 album "Thrust". This version showcases the lush electronic textures and evocative tunes that would become hallmarks of Hancock's work in the late 1970s and 1980s. "Shiftless Shuffle" follows with a transmittable, complex groove that includes Hancock's virtuosic keyboard work and intricate interaction between band members, including drummer Alphonse Mouzon and percussionist Bill Summers.

The album closes with "I Thought It Was You", a ballad that looks into the world of disco and R&B, foreshadowing Hancock's future forays into industrial popular song with albums like "Monster" (1980) and the iconic "Future Shock" (1983), that included the influential hit "Rockit".

Legacy and Relevance
In spite of its initial limited release, "Directstep" has gathered a cult following over the years and is now thought about a landmark album in the advancement of electronic music. Hancock's fusion of jazz, R&B, and electronic elements on the album prepared for artists throughout numerous genres, from the ambient works of Brian Eno to the synth-pop of the 1980s and beyond.

In acknowledgment of its significance, "Directstep" was reissued on vinyl in 2020 to coincide with the album's 40th anniversary, marking the very first time it has been officially readily available outside of Japan.

In conclusion, "Directstep" serves as a vital addition to any electronic music fan's collection and represents a crucial moment in the groundbreaking profession of Herbie Hancock. This album showcases his ingenious use of electronic instruments and direct-to-disc recording techniques, even more solidifying his status as a leader worldwide of music.