Pieces of a Dream Essentials

Formed in 1976 in Philadelphia, Pieces of a Dream are at the cusp of smooth jazz and R&B. Their mentor, the late Grover Washington, Jr., was a frequent producer and collaborator in the early days; later albums found them working with Return to Forever drummer Lenny White and a variety of singers including Eva Cassidy and Tracy Hamlin. But some of their best-loved pieces are instrumental, including 2013's funk/pop crossover "Steppers 'D' Lite." Though members have come and gone over the years, founding keyboardist James Lloyd and drummer Curtis Harmon remain at the helm.