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
Songwriters: James Lloyd, Curtis Harmon, Cedric Napoleon, Maxi Priest
2. ...And A Bag Of Chips (4:46)
Songwriter: James Lloyd
3. 1257 (5:02)
Songwriters: James Lloyd, Curtis Harmon
4. D'Vora (5:39)
Songwriters: James Lloyd, Curtis Harmon
5. Sittin' Up In My Room (5:37)
Songwriter: Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds (Cover of the Brandy hit)
6. Voices Of Wisdom (6:03)
Songwriters: James Lloyd, Curtis Harmon
7. Anyway You Want It (4:37)
Songwriters: James Lloyd, Curtis Harmon
8. Knikki's Smile (5:44)
Songwriter: Curtis Harmon
9. The Very First Time (6:07)
Songwriter: James Lloyd
10. Epiphany (6:27)
Songwriters: James Lloyd, Curtis Harmon
11. Cut To The Chase (4:03)
Songwriter: James Lloyd
12. Signed, Sealed & Delivered (I'm Yours) (3:31)
Songwriters: Stevie Wonder, Lee Garrett, Syreeta Wright, Lula Mae Hardaway (Stevie Wonder cover)
Label: Blue Note Contemporary CDP 7243
Format: CD, Album
Country: US
Released: 1997
Genre: R&B Jazz, Funk, Soul
Style: Jazz-Funk
The 1997 album Pieces by Pieces of a Dream marked a significant era for the group, released under the prestigious Blue Note label. It is generally characterized as a polished blend of contemporary R&B, soul, and smooth jazz.
The album leans heavily into Contemporary R&B and Soul, moving away from their earlier pure jazz-funk roots while maintaining melodic grooves. It featured several notable guest musicians who helped shape its contemporary jazz-soul sound.
Key Guest Performers:- Maxi Priest: Provided the lead vocals for the album's title track, "Pieces"; Hubert Laws: The legendary flutist is featured on the track "Voices Of Wisdom". Paul Jackson, Jr.: The renowned session guitarist also appears on "Voices Of Wisdom"; Grover Washington, Jr.: The band's original mentor and producer played saxophone on their cover of "Sittin' Up In My Room".
The album also included contributions from prominent smooth jazz and R&B figures as composers, players, or producers, including:- Everette Harp (Saxophonist); George Duke (Keyboardist/Producer); Jeff Lorber (Keyboardist/Composer); Greg Phillinganes (Keyboardist).
The core of the record was anchored by founding members James Lloyd (keyboards) and Curtis Harmon (drums), with Cedric Napoleon contributing bass and vocals.
Cover Songs:- Notably, the album includes a rendition of Stevie Wonder’s "Signed, Sealed & Delivered (I'm Yours)" and a cover of Brandy's "Sittin' Up In My Room".
Tracklist Highlights:- "Pieces" – The titular opening track; "Sittin' Up In My Room" – A contemporary R&B-influenced cover; "Voices Of Wisdom" – Featuring Hubert Laws and Paul Jackson, Jr.; "Anyway You Want It"; "Signed, Sealed & Delivered (I'm Yours)" – A funky take on the classic.
Fans on Discogs have given the album an average rating of 3.75/5. Reviewers often praise the individual virtuosity of founding members James Lloyd (keyboards) and Curtis Harmon (drums), noting that while the production is very "of its time" (late 90s urban soul), their technical skill remains a highlight.
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.