Pieces Of A Dream - Pieces (1997)

Despite their long string of R&B-ish recordings, it is difficult to completely write off Pieces of a Dream from a jazz standpoint. The group does lay down some attractive grooves, and every once in a while they sound as if they are interested in playing Ramsey Lewis-type jazz. Keyboardist James Lloyd in particular shows potential throughout this CD, and there are worthwhile contributions from a couple of the guests (Grover Washington Jr. and Hubert Laws who sit in on a song apiece). But in general, this is a set of fairly simplistic R&B dance music and throwaway vocals, at its best when programmed strictly in the background. -- Scott Yanow