Pieces of a Dream
Love’s Silhouette
(Peak – 2002)
by Carmen Miller
Pieces of a Dream has been a staple in contemporary jazz for over 25 years now. On this new release, the groups co-founders, keyboardist James Lloyd and drummer Curtis Harmon are joined by a group of top-flight sidemen including bassist Gerald Veasley and saxophonist Eddie Baccus, Jr.. The groove is in full effect here on the Urban AC/flavored “Turning it up”, “Mission Possible”, “Savoir Faire” and “Mystical Perception”. “I Feel Like Singin” is a sweet, upbeat love song with a cameo background appearance by Joe McBride.
The Gospel flavored “Remembrance (9/11/01)” is a eloquent and poetic tribute to that fateful day. “Peaceful Dreams” is aptly named, rolling along on Lloyd’s keyboards this is my favorite track on the CD. The horns are well placed and the melody is very appealing. The remake of the classic “My Funny Valentine” is ambitious, and successful with it’s smoky feel, sweet vocals and strong bass work from Gerald Veasley. At this rate Pieces of a Dream should be around for another 25 years.