This year, Pieces of a Dream (POAD) celebrates their milestone 30th anniversary, and they do it the only way they know how – with style, passion, and great music.

James Lloyd and Curtis Harmon put together a strong package of tunes which encompass several musical styles and tempos, including a pleasing cover of the Christopher Cross hit, “Sailing.”  “House Arrest” is Curtis Harmon’s ode to house music.  This is the one that opens the CD and from the first notes played, you feel like you’ve walked into someplace special.  It’s R&B.  It’s smooth jazz.  And it’s completely danceable.  If this song makes it to their 2006 set list, I’m sure the live version will blow the audience away. Folks will be hard pressed to stay in their seats for this one.   “Forward Emotion” is an upbeat tune co-written by James Lloyd and sax man Najee.  It features a strong saxophone lead with likable melodies. 

One of the vocal tunes on this album is “Triflin,’” sung with much conviction by Ramona Dunlap, an essential contributor to the POAD sound.  It’s got a very catchy groove.  This turns out to be one of my favorite tracks on this CD.   She sings her second vocal, “Those 3 Words,” with the same no nonsense style that she displays on the first song. 

The aforementioned “Sailing” focuses primarily on James Lloyd’s keyboard/piano playing.  His instrument is the voice on this song, while the choruses are being played by the soprano sax.  It’s a combination that works well for this tune.  The result is a very soft, yet melodious and full version of this song.  Then, Lloyd completely changes gears with “Wake Up Call.”  His playing is strong and forceful.  Hearing these two songs back-to-back, you can know that James Lloyd has no problems adapting from one tempo to the other.

“Attitude” would have made a great up-tempo ending to this CD, if they had chosen to end it that way, however Pieces changes up just a little and brings it home with the title song “Pillow Talk.” 

After 30 years of making music, they continue to keep things fresh, creative, and at a standard that their fans have come to expect.  It may be their 30th anniversary year, but we get the present!

Happy anniversary Pieces!

- Mary Bentley