Pieces Of Peace
Pieces of Peace was a Chicago-based funk and soul band formed in the mid-1960s. They showed strong potential for success but never achieved widespread fame.
The band started with brothers Bernard and Danny Reed, linked to producer Carl Davis at Brunswick Records. Early members included drummer Quinton Joseph, Eugene Record, and Barbara Acklin; trumpeter Michael Davis and saxophonist Jerry Wilson joined in 1967.
They recorded "Soulful Strut," credited to Young-Holt Unlimited, and toured with Brunswick artists like Gene Chandler.
Frustrated with Davis, they split from Brunswick, renamed to Pieces of Peace, and joined Twinight Records (home of Syl Johnson). Drummer Harold "Heavy" Nesbitt replaced Joseph, and guitarist John Bishop joined; Danny Reed departed.
In 1971, with new drummer Fred White (later of Earth, Wind & Fire) and singer King Johnson, they released their debut single "Pass It On, Pts. 1-2."
They added keyboardist Benjamin Wright (later worked with Michael and Janet Jackson) and collaborated with the Pharaohs on Scarab Records. In 1972, with drummer Fred Crutchfield, flutist Joel Brandon, and Pharaohs members like Willie Woods, they recorded their only album, though it remained obscure.
The band disbanded around 1972 in Singapore after active years in Chicago's scene.
Pieces Of Peace
A2 Pollution 7:35
A3 Flunky For Your Love 3:05
A4 I Still Care
Lead Vocals – Ben Wright 3:16
B1 Peace & Blessings 7:13
B2 Yesterday's Visions
Label: Cali-Tex Records – CT-104-1
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 2007
(Originally recorded in Chicago in 1972, this LP was due to be released on the Scarab Records imprint. However, due to the band's breakup during a stint in the Far East it was shelved indefinitely and has now been released for the first time.)
Genre: R&B Jazz, Funk, Soul
Style: Soul-Jazz, Funk, Soul
The 2007 self-titled release by Pieces Of Peace is a archival unearthing of a "lost" 1970s Chicago soul-funk album, released via Cali-Tex Records. Originally recorded in the early 1970s but shelved for decades, the album was rediscovered by DJ Shadow and brought to daylight for modern audiences.
Critics describe the album as a high-precision fusion of agitated "head funk" and psychedelic soul, drawing comparisons to legendary bands like Tower of Power, Cold Blood, and Blood, Sweat & Tears.
he band is praised for its "precision and passion," functioning as a powerful 10-piece ensemble that included notable Chicago session musicians like saxophonist Jerry Wilson and bassist Bernard Reed.
Key Tracks:
"Yesterday's Visions": A nearly 11-minute "miniature suite" that moves from ghostly smoothness to high-speed dance grooves and wild acid-funk.
"Peace and Blessings": A percussive standout featuring African percussion, described as a "garage-funk version of Miles Davis' On the Corner".
"Pollution": An eco-themed track; the 2007 release includes an instrumental version as a bonus track.
The album provides a crucial missing link in the Chicago soul scene of the 1970s. Before being sidelined by industry misfortune, the band members were prolific session players. Notably:
They were the uncredited backing band for Young-Holt Unlimited's massive hit "Soulful Strut", and provided the musical foundation for Syl Johnson’s landmark song "Is It Because I'm Black".
Reviews highlight that while the album might not be "revolutionary" to seasoned funk collectors, it is a "soul sender" that benefits from its sense of mystery. It holds a high reputation among listeners, maintaining an average rating of 4.8/5 on platforms like Discogs.