Pieces Of A Dream
Pieces of a Dream is an American jazz fusion and R&B group formed in Philadelphia in 1976 by teenagers Cedric Napoleon on bass, Curtis Harmon on drums, and James Lloyd on keyboards. They named themselves after the Michel Legrand tune "Pieces of Dreams," popularized by Stanley Turrentine, which they often performed.
The trio started as jazz-oriented but shifted toward R&B and smooth jazz fusion. Their debut album Pieces of a Dream (1981) on Elektra Records, produced by Grover Washington Jr., hit No. 15 on the US Jazz chart, followed by hits like "Warm Weather" (1981) and "Fo-Fi-Fo" (1983, peaking at No. 13 on US R&B). Early albums including We Are One (1982) and Imagine This (1983) established their groove-heavy sound.
James Lloyd (keyboards) and Curtis Harmon (drums) remain the core since inception; they played together as kids in Philadelphia schools. Bassist Cedric Napoleon passed away in June 2024; David Dyson has been primary bassist since 2001, with Gerald Veasley and Scott Ambush as past contributors. Later additions include saxophonist Tony Watson Jr. (2006 onward) and percussionist Elec Simon (2016).
Notable singers: Barbara Walker ("Warm Weather"), Norwood ("What Can I Do," No. 17 R&B, 1990), and Tracy Hamlin (2002-2005, on Love's Silhouette and No Assembly Required). The group has sold over a million albums worldwide and continues touring.
Pieces Of A Dream
A2 Warm Weather 4:07
A3 Steady Glide 4:31
A4 Touch Me In The Spring 5:12
B1 All About Love 5:03
B2 Easy Road Home 4:00
B3 Lovers 4:09
B4 Body Magic 5:24
Label: Elektra – 6E-350
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1981
Genre: R&B Jazz, Funk
Style: Jazz-Funk, Soul
The 1981 self-titled debut album by Pieces of a Dream is a seminal jazz-funk record, praised as a fresh, vibrant introduction to contemporary jazz, featuring mellow, keyboard-driven soundscapes (James Lloyd), soulful vibes, and standout tracks like the minor hit "Warm Weather," launching the group's acclaimed career under producer Grover Washington Jr.. It set the tone for their infectious, smooth jazz style that would define the 80s, offering a joyful, optimistic groove that appealed to R&B and jazz fans alike.
The album is characterized by its subtle, smooth, and funky jazz-fusion sound, heavily featuring keyboards, smooth basslines, and expressive sax.
Produced by legendary saxophonist Grover Washington Jr., who discovered the teenage trio, lending significant credibility and polish.
It marked the arrival of a major force in jazz-funk, with its energetic yet sophisticated grooves becoming a soundtrack for many and cementing their place as jazz-fusion architects.
Described as optimistic, joyful, and serene, offering an antidote to the blues with its accessible yet musically rich sound. In essence, the 1981 debut is a foundational album for modern smooth jazz, showcasing a young, talented group with a timeless sound that remains influential decades later.