Search - Stanley Turrentine :: Pieces of Dreams

One of the best ever!

07/15/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I used to do a jazz show out in California, and this was one of my most-requested albums - no particular cut, the whole album! If you like sax, mellow jazz and soulful rythym, this is the album for you. Listen to "Blanket on the Beach" and you will be hooked."

Music for lovers - past, present, and future.

03/15/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I bought the LP about thirty years ago. Listening to the CD today still gives me goosebumps. Isn't that level of emotional response what listening to quality music is all about? I have and enjoy other Turrentine albums, each with its own particular appeal, but this is the most arousing."

Smooth Jazz for Romantics

musicfan28if | 11/17/2008

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Turrentine plays saxophone great as usual, but they added strings that tend to compete with him for the melody especially during the second half of most of the songs. The strings aren't too bad on the signature songs "Pieces of Dreams" and "Blanket On The Beach", enhancing at least the first half of those songs. "Pieces" has a horn intro and "Blanket" has a 'beach sounds' intro, both really nice. "Midnight and You" is another great song, with minimal strings. It's basically a better version of the previous song "Deep in Love".



On songs like "I Know It's You" and "Evil", the strings start going haywire midway through and compete with Turrentine so it sounds almost as though his accents and crescendos are an attempt to cut through the syrup. "Deep in Love" and "I'm In Love" feature background vocals with the motif of "love, love, love" recalling the Beatles hit "All You Need Is Love".



There are three alternate takes that are string-less takes of a few key songs. Pieces of Dreams is recommended for anyone looking for a relaxing, romantic smooth jazz album.



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