Pieces of a Dream emerged out of Philadelphia’s music scene in 1976. The group based their name on “Pieces of Dreams,” a cover tune by Stanley Turrentine that the group performed. After quickly becoming popular around Philadelphia, the trio landed a spot as the house band for a local television show called City Lights. Their experience widened as they played backup on the broadcasts to a wide variety of artists, and that’s where jazz legend, the late Grover Washington, Jr. first heard them. One day while the teenagers were playing at the Bijou (where Grover had recorded his Live at the Bijou album), he sat in with them to play “Mr. Magic.”
Not long after, Pieces of a Dream hit the road performing in Grover Washington Jr.’s rhythm section and opening for him as Pieces of a Dream. “Mr. Magic” took Lloyd and Harmon under his wings and signed the band as the first group with his brand new production company, Elektra. Pieces released three albums in quick succession, firmly establishing its place in the world of smooth jazz with the CDs Pieces of a Dream (1981), We Are One (1982) and Imagine This (1983). Those albums include some of their biggest early hits, including “Warm Weather,” “Mount Airy Groove” and “Fo Fi Fo.” From 1981 to 1984, Pieces of a Dream built their reputation with three albums on Elektra that would come to define the musical essence of the smooth jazz radio explosion. Soon after completing Joyride, their last effort for Elektra, Pieces of a Dream moved to EMI/Blue Note and went on to record seven more albums.
THE Beginning
In 2001, Pieces of a Dream signed with Heads Up International and celebrated their 25th anniversary with what was undoubtedly their best album in years, Acquainted with the Night. The group’s silver anniversary release featured guitarist Ronny Jordan, vocalist Maysa Leak, and saxophonists Gerald Albright and Kenny Blake. Acquainted with the Night generated two top-five singles on R&R’s NAC chart.
The follow up album, Love’s Silhouette, also scored top radio chart positioning and Billboard Contemporary Jazz Chart top 10 status. Their April 2004 release, No Assembly Required, proved to be another hit album in their long and illustrious career. Pillow Talk, released in March 2006, marked the band’s 30th anniversary and Soul Intent, Pieces of a Dream’s last project on Heads Up, provides the kind of innovation and eclecticism that keeps Pieces of a Dream fresh and authentic in a jazz world that’s ever-changing.
THE EVolution
the innovation
Pieces of a Dream is currently recording with Shanachie Entertainment. Their first project with Shanachie was In The Moment (2013), followed by All In (2015) which landed at No. 3 on the Billboard Smooth Jazz chart for 13 weeks, Just Funkin’ Around (2017), On Another Note (2019) and the most recent project entitled Fired Up in 2021.
Pieces of a Dream has toured the world, sold over one million albums, and scored both Smooth Jazz and R&B radio hits along the way. Crowned “Pioneers of Smooth Jazz” by The Philadelphia Inquirer, Pieces of a Dream’s longevity is a testament to the brotherhood shared between James Lloyd and Curtis Harmon. Pieces of a Dream excels at serving up an irresistible signature fusion of Jazz, R&B, Funk, Pop, Blues and beyond. There is something for everyone and for every mood in a “Pieces” performance.
Long-time band members include Anthony Watson, Jr. on saxophone, and David Dyson on bass. Together the ensemble kicks it up a notch with just the right amount of funk, ballads and everything in between. Their energy is contagious and audiences never leave disappointed.
James Lloyd began taking piano lessons at age 6. Being classically trained, he was first introduced to jazz at age 12. Other interests include cooking and martial arts. He holds a 1st degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do, a green sash in Lama Kung Fu, and has also trained in Wing Chun Kung Fu and Tai Chi. James is a true workaholic. When he’s not on the road playing music, he’s in his home studio writing music.
Artists James has written, co-written and produced for include: the late, Wayman Tisdale, the late, Nick Colionne, Walter Beasley, Najee, Alexander Zonjic, Nestor Torres, Jeff Kashiwa, Eric Darius, Hiroshima, Justin Lee Schultz, Gail Jhonson, Gordon James, Willie Bradley, Kim Scott, Ragan Whiteside, oh, and Pieces Of A Dream. You may also find James on CD’s from Phyllis Hyman, Regina Belle, Loose Ends, Eddie Murphy, The Rude Boys, Michael Manson, Streetwise, Ornette Coleman, and the late, great, Grover Washington Jr., as well as 4 appearances on the TV show New York Undercover.
“We will always be true to ourselves and our roots,” says Lloyd, “and at the same time try to stay in touch with the times.”
Meet The artists
James
LLoyD
David Dyson - Bass
David is one of the most talented and sought after musicians in the industry. Throughout his career, David has earned quite a reputation as a bassist, songwriter, arranger and producer. He has been an integral part of Pieces of A Dream for over 15 years and continues to excel on stage. In addition, David has toured and performed with a vast selection of artists spanning from jazz to R&B including Gerald Albright, Peter White, Layla Hathaway and many more.
Tony Watson Jr. - Sax
Getting his first gig at the age of 14, Tony has since then made a name for himself in the smooth jazz industry. He has been touring with Pieces of a Dream for over 14 years. In addition to performing, Tony enjoys songwriting and has co-written several songs on the more recent Pieces of a Dream projects. Tony has performed and/or recorded with artists such as Bob James, Alex Bugnon, Julian Vaughn, Lindsey Webster, Nick Colionne, Marcus Miller and more.
Elec Simon - Percussion
Elec Simon is a high-energy percussionist who has performed with the off-Broadway and touring production of “Stomp” as well as NBA courts and beyond. He brings a level of excitement to the stage that has the audience fully engaged and wanting more. In addition, Elec is a unique event emcee and hype man for business conferences, entertainment venues, as well as corporate and educational stages of all sizes.
Chris Harris - Guitarist
Chris Harris was born in Memphis, Tennessee with an intense passion for music. Classical, Bluegrass, Rock - and anything involving the mandolin - are some of the major influences for this incredibly soulful, Southern guitarist and multi-instrumentalist. It only makes sense that an interest in so many different types of music resulted in Chris being the versatile musician that he is.
Carolyn Brewer - Keys
Carolyn Brewer is a pianist/vocalist/composer/arranger residing in Baltimore, MD. Her style is a hybrid of gospel, jazz, and classical music. She received her music degree from Florida A&M University and the University of Michigan Ann Arbor, and has performed with such legendary musicians as Bishop Walter Hawkins, Chris Botti and Geri Allen.
Meet The Band
Curtis HArmon
Curtis developed an interest in playing drums at the age of 8 and began his formal lessons at age 10. He is also formally trained in Latin and African percussion by the late “Doc” Gibbs. His musical influences included Bobby Durham, Billy Cobham and Maurice White of Earth, Wind and Fire. Curtis is a third-generation musician. His grandfather was an Associate Professor of Music at Temple University and personally taught Curtis harmony and theory. Curtis has a true passion for writing and producing various genres of music. He previously produced and co-wrote a gospel CD with his Pastor, Rev. Dr. James M. Robinson, Sr., entitled “Jesus Will Say Well Done” which earned the 2016 radio alliance award for song of the year and CD of the year. Curtis’ gift for writing and producing has led him to recent collaborations with Phil Perry, saxophonist Paula Atherton, and Chris “Big Dog” Davis.
Curtis is an avid sports fan and his favorite team is the Philadelphia Eagles. He enjoys playing tennis and shooting pool and is a former member of the American Pool players Association (APA). As a Deacon at Community Baptist Church, Curtis enjoys teaching Sunday school and directing the Male Chorus. Curtis also enjoys cooking, working on home improvement projects and spending time with his wife and family.