The 1975 track “Steppin’ In It” shows Herbie continuing his funky journey. He brings the funk with maximum force on this explosive instrumental. This extra-nasty groove is the rhythmic and spiritual sequel to his jazz-funk classic “Chameleon.” It features funky guitar riffs, a ferocious beat, and super-tight horn volleys. Paul Jackson lays down an absolutely filthy synth bass line, played on an ARP Odyssey synthesizer. Stevie Wonder makes the most of his guest spot with a sizzling chromatic harmonica solo. The track also features some smooth Fender Rhodes electric piano work from Herbie, who also plays clavinet, synthesizers, and acoustic piano.
“Steppin’ In It” is a track on Herbie’s fifteenth studio album Man-Child, a sterling offering of jazz-funk grooves served up in the multitalented musician's inimitable fashion. Herbie and David Rubinson produced the six-song collection, which was released on Columbia Records on August 22, 1975. Herbie was the sole writer of “Steppin In It” and “Sun Touch” and cowrote the other four tracks.
The players on “Steppin In It” include DeWayne “Blackbird” McKnight, Mike Clark (drums), Bernie Maupin (saxophone), Melvin “Wah Wah Watson” Ragin (guitar), Bud Brisbois (trumpet), Herbie Hancock (keyboards), Wayne Shorter (saxophone), Paul Jackson (synth bass), David T. Walker (guitar), Jay DaVersa (trumpet), Garnett Brown (trombone), and Stevie Wonder (harmonica).
“Steppin’ In It” is a favorite among true funk lovers and one of Herbie’s funkiest grooves.