Pieces Of A Dream

Emerging from Philadelphia’s vibrant music scene in 1976, Pieces of a Dream quickly became one of the defining forces in contemporary jazz. Named after Stanley Turrentine’s “Pieces of Dreams,” the band—originally a teenage trio—earned early acclaim as the house band for the local TV show City Lights, where they caught the attention of jazz icon Grover Washington, Jr. A pivotal onstage collaboration at the Bijou Café led Grover to mentor the group, later signing them as the first act on his Elektra Records production company. Their Elektra debut in 1981 launched a string of classic albums, including We Are One and Imagine This, featuring hits like “Warm Weather,” “Fo Fi Fo,” and “Mount Airy Groove.” Their signature blend of jazz, funk, and R&B helped shape the emerging smooth jazz genre. After transitioning to EMI/Blue Note and releasing seven albums, they signed with Heads Up International in 2001, celebrating their 25th anniversary with Acquainted with the Night, followed by acclaimed releases including Love’s Silhouette, No Assembly Required, and Pillow Talk. With the addition of saxophonist Tony Watson Jr.—a longtime contributor who now joins Curtis Harmon and James Lloyd as a full partner—the group remains a dynamic force. Their latest album, We Got This, continues the legacy of innovation, groove, and timeless sound that has defined Pieces of a Dream for nearly five decades.