Search - Pieces of a Dream :: Love's Silhouette

Smooth, man, that's real smooth jazz!

Neal C. Reynolds | Indianapolis, Indiana | 05/28/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Anybody who considers smooth jazz as being below their intellectual dignity deserves to give this a listen. A lot that passes for smooth jazz is simply watered down jazz, but this CD presents music with a life all its own, a life that just happens to fit the smooth jazz genre. There's a wealth of sound, rythym, and feeling in the originals, but even the old standby, "My Funny Valentine", comes across with a fresh sound.Jazz purists shouldn't find this below their dignity, nor should those adherents of light contemporary instrumentalists find it challenging. Both camps should be pleased by this."

Dreams can come true

Daniel Rutkowski | Wernersville, PA USA | 07/24/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Pieces of a Dream have been around for a long time and so has this reviewer. My exposure to POAD goes back to their beginnings. As an avid listener to Temple University's WRTI-FM in Philadelphia and frequent visitor to the Philadelphia jazz scene, what a road it's been. Finally, when I thought I'd see a "No Outlet" sign around the corner, it came to this ... I jumped off the airwaves and down to the reality of an honest to goodness purchase of one of the best CDs in smooth jazz.



Fact is the album consists of fourteen tracks with a total time of one hour and seven minutes and the listener gets his or her money's worth. Here's where it really gets good... the first time I heard a demo of this entire album, across the store aisle was the object of my desire. One listen and she could see I was hooked ... to the album. Curtis Harmon, steady and soulful on drums, and James Lloyd, a creative talent with a distinctive touch on keyboards, have released, with "Love's Silhouette," one of their best ever albums. The chemistry that these two stellar groovologists and the band generated was instantly electric as I absorbed the songs.



This disc exudes emotion that'll get down deep inside you at an emotional level transcending titles, topics and genre. It connects with your soul while demonstrating that music is all about experience and feelings and appreciation. There is much about this album that demonstrates the staying power of the group.



Some individual highlights include Tracy Hamlin's vocals that make a very nice connection with POAD. Tracy has a beautiful voice that shines on "Turning It Up," "I Feel Like Singin'," "Mystical Perception," and the traditionally jazzy and climactic rendition of "My Funny Valentine." The best of these, in my opinion, is the upbeat "I Feel Like Singin'!"



Eddie Baccus Jr. contributes an outstanding performance on saxes. As one hears this album, the listener catches a glimpse of the confidence level that Curtis and James have attained. While some artists never seem to consider the concept that the whole is greater than the sum of the parts, on this album the listener gets a sense of Harmon and Lloyd sharing a sound stage with Eddie as well as their other collaborators to create truly beautiful music. As such, one of my favorites featuring Eddie is "Pieceful Dreams" which contains a joyfully romantic melody.



Prepare to be moved by "Remembrance (9/11/01)," a beautiful song that's in tribute to a modern tragedy. This tune demonstrates a plaintively hopeful calm after the storm with percussive elements framing James on the piano and highlighting Todd Parsnow's guitar prominently in the mix.



Love...a theme...to dream. Enjoy this music and fall in love all over. This review is dedicated to the love of my life (LAZR). I wish you all the best!

"

Boy Oh Boy

Clarence Murphy | Detroit, MI USA | 12/27/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Pieces Of A Dream are at it again. This has to be one of the best Pieces cd I have every heard. A MUST BUY!!!!!!!!!"