Pieces Of A Dream - In The Moment (2013) [Hi-Res]

Core and founding members James Lloyd and Curtis Harmon refer to In the Moment as the 20th Pieces of a Dream album. Instead of hosting a guest-filled blowout, they keep it simple with familiar associates, guitarist Rohn Lawrence, saxophonist Tony Watson Jr., and bassist David Dyson. The duo also receive a little assistance from a handful of additional musicians, including Shanachie label stalwart Chris "Big Dog" Davis. An all-instrumental set apart from some talkbox on "New Jazz Swing," In the Moment features a handful of cuts that should remain in the group's live repertoire for years. "Steppers 'D' Lite" and "TTYL (I'm Driving)," two of the album's most energized songs, combine live instrumentation and programmed rhythms with as much finesse as anything from their '80s releases. Dyson's bass and Lloyd's piano shine brightest on "For Real," one of several typically melodic ballads, while Lawrence is showcased throughout "Never Let It End," where he provides a pair of graceful lines. This is another modest, kicked-back release from the group. ~ Andy Kellman