“What’s the point of doing what we do if we can’t bring joy and unity to others?” asks Curtis Harmon, drummer and founding member of the pioneering chart-topping contemporary jazz group Pieces Of A Dream. “Let’s face it, it’s gratifying to see people gathered together smiling, dancing and genuinely enjoying themselves.”
Harmon’s long-time musical brother, pianist and group co-founder James Lloyd, adds: “Our quest as composers and performers has always been to utilize the power of music to bring people from all walks of life together for a good time.”
Their 26th recording, “We Got This,” exceeds in delivering the powerhouse group’s mission. It features 10 originals, with contributions from bandmates Tony Watson Jr., Carolyn Brewer and Stacey Richardson, along with in-demand producer/pianist Chris “Big Dog” Davis.
“It’s all there,” says Lloyd of the Shanachie release. “Grooves that make your head bob. Catchy melodies. Moving bass lines. Heartfelt solos. Sensuality. Spirituality. Something to dance to. Something to party to. Something to relax to and something to reflect to.”
It is not hard to understand why the band, whose name was inspired by saxophone titan Stanley Turrentine’s classic composition, has stood the test of time and will mark their 50th anniversary in 2026.
It has been a thrilling ride that has included being discovered (along with the late bassist Cedric Napoleon) as teens by the legendary Grover Washington Jr., having a track on the soundtrack to Spike Lee’s cult classic “School Daze,” over three million albums sold, backing the Godfather of Soul James Brown, and opening for jazz icons like Miles Davis and Count Basie.
Pieces released three albums in quick succession, establishing their place in the world of smooth jazz: 1981’s “Pieces Of A Dream,” 1982’s “We Are One,” and 1983’s “Imagine This,” which included some of their biggest early hits, including “Warm Weather,” “Mount Airy Groove” and “Fo Fi Fo.”
“Our talent is God given,” Harmon said, “so our inspiration to create has been there since we were teenagers. We’ve learned to evolve over time, but I credit our longevity to our fans and the radio personalities who play our music.”
Lloyd adds, “When our fans listen to ‘We Got This,’ I hope they hear not only the joy, but also the pain that went into the creation of this project.”
Harmon concludes: “Some may need to be uplifted, some may need to relax, some may need to be inspired, and some might want to just dance. Whatever the need is, we hope they can find a song on this CD that will satisfy it.”
TICKET WATCH: Janet Jackson’s Resorts World Las Vegas Residency has added new dates in September (10, 13, 14, 17, 19 and 20). Tickets go on sale to the general public May 30 at 10 a.m., PDT via JanetJackson.com.
CINE-MUST: The Hammer Museum’s free screening series “Going My Own Way: Celebrating Ivan Dixon” (“Car Wash,” “Nothing But A Man,” “Hogan’s Heroes”) commences May 30 with a world premiere of the 35mm restoration of the 1973 underground classic “The Spook Who Sat by the Door” with guests including daughter Nomathande Dixon; Natiki Hope Pressley, daughter of the story’s author Sam Greenlee; and actor J.A. Preston (“A Few Good Men”).
On June 1, the series continues with showings of two productions Dixon directed for public television: “Frederick Douglass: Slave and Statesman,” starring William Marshall (“Blacula”), along with “The Sty of the Blind Pig,” starring Mary Alice and Scatman Crothers. Visit cinema.ucla.edu or call 310-206-8013 for additional info.
TASTY QUIP: “It’s my duty to do my duty, so I keep throwing it out there. Manure is what makes the s–t grow. That’s what the funk is. If you ain’t got no funk, you ain’t growing nowhere.” – BOOTSY COLLINS who will discuss the release of “Album Of The Year No. 1 Funkateer” and his career May 30 at the Grammy Museum
CLIPPETTES: The Jazz Bakery presents Monty Alexander at the Nate Holden Performing Arts Center on May 31 as Deon Cole works out material at the Hollywood Improv, and Ricky Gervais brings his stand-up comedy to the Hollywood Bowl …
In addition, Lizzo, Lil Nas X, Honey Dijon, Paris Hilton and Kim Petras kick off the two-day Outloud Music Festival at West Hollywood Park …
Melanie Fiona’s Say Yes Tour comes to the El Rey Theatre on June 1 …
Jokes are being served June 2 with the Improv presenting Monderays with DeRay Davis and The Comedy Store hosting Horribly Funny with Arsenio Hall and others …
Also, British breakout singer/songwriter Rachel Chinouriri, with her loyal fanbase the ‘Darlings’ amassing over 233 million global streams for videos such as “Never Need Me” featuring Florence Pugh, begins a two-night stand at the Fonda Theatre …
Ryan Coogler’s “Sinners,” the smash chiller starring Michael B. Jordan that has resonated culturally with millions of people, will be available to watch at home on demand beginning June 3.
Leon Bridges’ The Leon Tour with special guest Charley Crockett lands at the Hollywood Bowl June 5 while the BET Experience brings reggae star Buju Banton to The Palladium, the Grammy Museum throws a Hip-Hop Block Party, and the Marvin “Smitty” Smith Quartet is on the bill of Fullerton’s Muckenthaler Cultural Center.
TC ON TV: May 30 – Rickey Smiley: Fool-ish” (Hulu): In his first stand-up special in over a decade, the comedian breaks down youth culture and shares insights on reality TV, classic tunes and ADHD. “Dog Man” (Peacock): An animated movie based on the popular children’s graphic novel about a half-man, half-dog with voices by Lil Rel Howery, Pete Davidson and Luenell. “Lulu is a Rhinoceros” (Apple TV+): Based on the children’s book, the special features a voice cast including Auli’i Cravalho, Alex Newell, Dulé Hill and Utkarsh Ambudkar. “The Killing Cove” (Tubi): Precious Way (“Days of Our Lives”) and Madison Epps (daughter of Mike Epps) play sisters who plot revenge against a rich jock, only to find something darker is already hunting them. “Today” (NBC): Special tribute to Lester Holt anchoring his final “NBC News” broadcast this evening. “Sherri” (Syn): Tyler Perry, Montel Williams “The Jennifer Hudson Show” (Syn): Ariana DeBose “The Drew Barrymore Show” (Syn): Yara Shahidi
May 31 – “Off Script with the Hollywood Reporter” (AMC+/IFC): A roundtable of dramatic actresses with Kathy Bates (“Matlock”), Cristin Milioti (“The Penguin”), Helen Mirren (“1923,” “MobLand”), Niecy Nash-Betts (“Grotesquerie”), Parker Posey (“The White Lotus”) and Keri Russell (“The Diplomat). “Tudum 2025” (Netflix): The global fan event live from Kia Forum offering sneak peeks at new seasons of “Stranger Things,” “Wednesday,” “Squid Games,” “One Piece” along with appearances and performances by Kid Cudi, Teyana Taylor, Lady Gaga, Lovie Simone (“Forever”), Luis Guzman and more.
June 2 – “Live with Kelly & Mark” (ABC): Danielle Brooks “The Quiz With Balls” (Fox): It’s New York vs. New Jersey as the high stakes quiz show, hosted by Jay Pharoah, returns pitting families against each other for the chance to win $100,000. “Global Soul Kitchen” (FYI): Chef Deborah VanTrece prepares Cajun Chicken Confit with Pickled Fennel and Hoisin Sloppy Janes on Bao Buns.
June 3 – “Caught In The Act: Double Life” (MTV): Grammy-nominated singer and reality star Tamar Braxton hosts this show helping to guide suspicious individuals as they uncover hidden lives led by their loved ones. “The View” (ABC): Broadway star Kara Young “The Kelly Clarkson Show” (Syn): Liza Colón-Zayas (“The Bear”)
June 4 – “Power Moves with Shaquille O’Neal” (Netflix): In this candid documentary series, Shaq and fellow NBA legend Allen Iverson work to revive Reebok’s legacy and find a rising star to rep the brand. “Curry Inc: The Business of Stephen Curry” (CNBC): “Live with Kelly & Mark” (ABC): Zoe Saldana, Natasha Rothwell, Grace Potter “The View” (ABC): Taraji P. Henson, Sherri Shepherd
June 5 – “House On Fire” (BET+): An eight-episode reality series offering an intimate look behind the scenes of modern-day ballroom culture, inside the esteemed House of Mugler. Thirty years after the legendary documentary “Paris Is Burning,” Ballroom is still a safe space for the marginalized, but today’s Ballroom world is bigger and louder than ever. “Savor The City” (TV1): Las Vegas
END QUOTE: “Sometimes you are so full of God, you are so blessed, that you’re ahead of your time. I only worry when I can’t hear God’s voice. That’s the problem. Like, that’s what almost sent me crazy when I was going through my depression is when I couldn’t hear God’s voice, when I didn’t have vision. People perish because of lack of vision.” – DAVID BANNER to Bleu
As featured in the Los Angeles Wave and Independent, Tasty Clips is one of the leading entertainment columns in the nation, serving nearly one million weekly readers. Bill Vaughan may be reached at tastyclips@yahoo.com, via Twitter @tastyclips, or Instagram @tasty_clips.
