For nearly five decades, Pieces Of A Dream have stood as one of Contemporary Jazz’s most enduring and beloved acts. With their unmistakable blend of smooth grooves, jazz sophistication, and infectious funk, the Philadelphia-based trio has crafted an extraordinary legacy that continues to resonate with generations of fans. Their latest release, We Got This, their 26th album, is more than a musical statement—it’s a celebration of resilience, brotherhood, and the timeless joy of bringing people together through sound.
“What’s the point of doing what we do if we can’t bring joy and unity to others?” asks Curtis Harmon, drummer and co-founder of the group. “Let’s face it, it’s gratifying to see people gathered together smiling, dancing, and genuinely enjoying themselves.”
It’s a mission that has guided the band since its inception in the late '70s, when Harmon and pianist James Lloyd began making music together in middle school. Over the years, the group has earned accolades, performed with legends, and sold over three million albums. Yet at its core, the heart of Pieces Of A Dream remains unchanged: the drive to use music as a vehicle for unity, healing, and good times.
“Our quest as composers and performers has always been to utilize the power of music to bring people from all walks of life together,” adds Lloyd.
A Sonic Testament to Brotherhood and Spirit
We Got This captures the full essence of Pieces Of A Dream’s sound—grooves that make your head nod, melodies that stay with you, and rhythms that move the soul. Featuring ten original tracks, the album is a tour de force of jazz-funk energy, spiritual introspection, and joyful celebration.
“It’s all there,” says Lloyd. “Grooves, catchy melodies, moving bass lines, heartfelt solos, sensuality, spirituality. Something to dance to, to relax to, to reflect to.”
The title We Got This carries special meaning. Lloyd shares that during the creation of the album, he faced personal challenges and leaned heavily on Harmon and longtime saxophonist Tony Watson Jr. to bring the project to life. “I couldn’t contribute as much as I’m used to. I’m grateful to my brothers for having my back,” he reveals. That spirit of camaraderie is woven into every note of the album.
A Legacy That Grooves
The album opens with “Headed Out,” a bright, energetic track showcasing the interplay between Lloyd’s smooth piano lines and Watson’s charismatic saxophone. “It’s always fun doing this sort of duet with Tony,” says Lloyd. “He’s beyond family. He’s been with us for 16 years now, and he constantly brings fresh energy and ideas.”
The title track, “We Got This,” is the group’s first single and a rhythmic powerhouse. Harmon’s drums drive the groove, delivering a statement of confidence and musical mastery. “This is us saying, ‘Don’t worry. We’re in control. We’ve got this,’” says Harmon.
Watson also shines with his R&B-tinged “I’m On My Way,” inspired by a childhood immersed in great music and jazz tradition. “Being in this band has been a dream come true,” he shares. “Curt and James work so well together because they truly listen—not just to each other, but to the people around them.”
From Meditative to Joyful: A Full Spectrum Experience
The musical range on We Got This is expansive. From the intimate ballad “Take A Stroll,” which Lloyd calls “a sequel to our song Night Vision,” to the high-energy banger “Be There For You,” co-written by Watson, Harmon, and Chris “Big Dog” Davis, the album spans emotions and tempos with ease.
“Cloud 9” brings a euphoric, top-down-driving vibe, while “Skyway Bridge” offers a Latin-tinged groove inspired by a scenic drive in Florida. Watson, who’s long been fascinated with dolphins, imagines a future career as a dolphin trainer—fitting, since his saxophone could probably lure them to the surface.
The album closes with “Moving and Grooving,” a track Lloyd describes as “Smooth Jazz meets The Black Eyed Peas.” It’s an uplifting finale that feels like a nod to the band's 50-year legacy and the vibrant future still ahead.
A Journey Decades in the Making
The story of Pieces Of A Dream began with three young talents—Curtis Harmon, James Lloyd, and Cedric Napoleon—forming a jazz ensemble at Ada Lewis Middle School. Guided by Harmon’s father, jazz musician Danny Harmon, they steeped themselves in the sounds of legends like Oscar Peterson and the Modern Jazz Quartet. Their name, inspired by Stanley Turrentine’s Pieces of Dreams, became prophetic.
Discovered by the great Grover Washington Jr., who produced their debut album, POD quickly rose in prominence. From appearing on the School Daze soundtrack to opening for Miles Davis and backing James Brown, their musical resume is legendary.
“Grover taught us to let the music breathe,” Harmon recalls. “And always be humble. Every fan matters.”
Mentorship and Giving Back
Mentorship has become a pillar of POD’s philosophy. They’ve nurtured talents like the late Joey DeFrancesco and young phenom Justin Lee Schultz, continuing the jazz tradition of giving back.
“We love speaking at schools, mentoring, and helping up-and-coming artists,” says Lloyd. “We see it as our duty to keep this art form alive.”
Carrying the Torch into the Future
With classics like “Warm Weather,” “Mount Airy Groove,” and “Fo Fi Fo,” Pieces Of A Dream laid a strong foundation. Their more recent projects—In The Moment (2013), All In (2015), Just Funkin’ Around (2017), On Another Note (2019), and Fired Up! (2021)—have only solidified their place in the jazz pantheon.
“Our talent is God-given,” says Harmon. “Our fans and the DJs who support us have kept us going.”
As they approach their 50th anniversary in 2026, Pieces Of A Dream show no signs of slowing down. We Got This is proof that not only do they still “got it”—they’re evolving, inspiring, and lifting spirits one track at a time.
“Whether you want to dance, cry, relax, or reflect,” Harmon concludes, “there’s something on this album for you.”
