Pieces of a Dream first started playing throughout the Tri-State area, and were soon featured on Temple University’s pioneering jazz radio station, WRTI-FM. Long before the “Young Lions” era of Wynton Marsalis, Lloyd and Harmon were swinging so hard as teenagers that the great Count Basie once proclaimed them “a tough act to follow.” But it was another jazz legend, the late Grover Washington Jr., the sax man who made Philadelphia his home, who helped Pieces of a Dream become the internationally known stars they are today.
After quickly becoming popular around Philadelphia, the trio landed a spot as the house band for a local television show called City Lights. Their experience widened as they played backup on the broadcasts to a wide variety of artists, and that’s where Washington first heard them. One day while the teenagers were playing at the Bijou (where Grover had recorded his Live at the Bijou album), he sat in with them to play “Mr. Magic.” Soon Washington announced that he was starting a production company and that Pieces of a Dream would be his first act. Lloyd was only a senior in high school when his first record came out.
From 1981 to 1984, Pieces of a Dream built their reputation with three albums on Elektra that would come to define the musical essence of the smooth jazz radio explosion: Pieces of a Dream, We Are One and Imagine This. Those seminal records yielded some of their earliest hits, including “Warm Weather,” “Mount Airy Groove” and “Fo Fi Fo.” Soon after completing Joyride, their last effort for Elektra, Pieces of a Dream moved to EMI/Blue Note and went on to record seven more albums. During this period, the group amicably parted ways with long time friend Cedric Napoleon.
In 2001, Pieces of a Dream signed with Heads Up International and celebrated their 25th anniversary with what was undoubtedly their best album in years, Acquainted with the Night. The group’s silver anniversary release featured guitarist Ronny Jordan, vocalist Maysa Leak, and saxophonists Gerald Albright and Kenny Blake. Highlights included compositions from Albright and Michael Bearden, along with remakes of “Mahogany” and “Upside Down.” Acquainted with the Night generated two top-five singles on R&R's NAC chart. The follow up album Love's Silhouette also scored top radio chart positioning and Billboard Contemporary Jazz Chart top 10 status. Their April 2004 release, No Assembly Required, is sure to be another hit album in their long and illustrious career.
One of their former singers Norwood Young is now a cast member on the E! Cable channel's TV show High Maintenance 90210.
Addition - May 9,2009
Formed: 1975 in Philadelphia, PA
Styles: Crossover Jazz, Urban, Smooth Jazz
Group Members: Curtis Harmon, Ron Kerber, James K. Lloyd, Cedric A. Napoleon
Biography
Comprised of bassist Cedric Napoleon, drummer Curtis Harmon, and keyboardist James Lloyd, Pieces of a Dream were founded in 1975 in Philadelphia when the principal members were all teenagers. Originally somewhat jazz-oriented, Pieces of a Dream have mostly emphasized R&B, although they usually include a few jazz numbers in their performances. Grover Washington, Jr. produced their first three albums (all for Elektra during 1981-1983); they have since recorded for Manhattan and Blue Note. Saxophonist Ron Kerber became a member in the 1990s, preceding the four varied releases that appeared throughout the decade. A collection appeared at the turn of the century, but the band proved to still be going strong with 2001's Acquainted with the Night and 2002's Love's Silhouette. No Assembly Required was released in 2004 on Cleveland's Heads Up label, followed by 2006's Pillow Talk, also on Heads Up. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
Devotion
Pieces Of A Dream Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Praise the teacher, that brings true love to many
your devotion, opens all life's treasures
and deliverance, from the fruits of evil.
So our mission, to bring a melody,
ringin' voices sing sweet harmony
For you here's a song, to make your day brighter.
Giving your heart the light to brighten.
All of the dark that falls in your way
You need devotion. bless the children
deliverance from the fruits of evil
In everyone's life, there's a need to be happy.
Let the sun shine, a smile your way.
Open your heart, feel a touch of devotion.
Maybe this song, will help uplift your day.
Make a better way
You need devotion
The lyrics in Pieces Of A Dream's song, Devotion, speak to the transformative power of devotion and love. The song begins by acknowledging the sacredness of devotion and how it blesses the lives of children. The lyrics then shift to praising the teacher who brings true love to many. Devotion is seen as the key that unlocks life's treasures and delivers one from the fruits of evil.
The chorus of the song invites the listener to join in the mission of the song, which is to bring a melody that rings out sweet harmony. The verses then address the listener directly, offering them a song that will brighten their day and give their heart the light to brighten all the darkness that falls in their way. The final lines of the song offer a universal message of hope and upliftment, encouraging listeners to open their hearts and feel the touch of devotion.
Overall, this song is a testament to the power of love and devotion to transform lives and bring joy and happiness to all those who embrace it.
Line by Line Meaning
Thru devotion, blessed are the children
By showing deep commitment and dedication, children are given great fortune and favor.
Praise the teacher, that brings true love to many
Commend the person who spreads genuine love and positivity to multiple individuals.
your devotion, opens all life's treasures
Following your passionate loyalty unlocks various beautiful experiences and opportunities in life.
and deliverance, from the fruits of evil.
Furthermore, it frees one from the harmful effects and consequences of immoral actions.
So our mission, to bring a melody,
Hence, it is our goal to convey harmonious vibrations through music.
ringin' voices sing sweet harmony
As resonant voices rise and sing, it creates a delightful and harmonious tone.
For you here's a song, to make your day brighter.
To brighten your day, we offer a song filled with optimism, joy, and light.
One that will last, you long thru troubled days.
This song will endure and remain with you even during difficult times.
Giving your heart the light to brighten.
Thus, this song fills your heart with hope and positivity to illuminate the darkness.
All of the dark that falls in your way
It illuminates all of the obstacles and difficulties that you may encounter.
You need devotion. bless the children
To overcome these obstacles, you require devout passion and dedication, and it will bring blessings to you and others.
In everyone's life, there's a need to be happy.
Everyone desires happiness and contentment in their lives.
Let the sun shine, a smile your way.
Let the light of positivity shine brightly and bring a smile to your face.
Open your heart, feel a touch of devotion.
Open your heart to experience the genuine commitment and passion that brings true fulfillment.
Maybe this song, will help uplift your day.
Perhaps this song can elevate and improve your mood and outlook on life.
Make a better way
Therefore, strive to create a brighter and more positive path towards happiness and success.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: MAURICE WHITE, PHILIP BAILEY, PHILIP JAMES BAILEY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind