Pieces of a Dream released its last album, “Pillow Talk,” in 2006, but drummer Curtis Harmon says it doesn’t feel like much time has lapsed since then.

“Because we’re still working and currently selling the CD, it doesn’t feel like we don’t have anything out,” says Harmon, 46, who co-founded the group in 1976 in Philadelphia, where the late saxophonist Grover Washington Jr., was its mentor and produced its first three albums.

Pieces of a Dream is about to infuse some new energy into its repertoire, however. The group has finished recording its next album, “Soul Intent,” which is due out on Feb. 24. Comprised of all original material save for an instrumental version of Toni Braxton’s “Give You My Heart,” Harmon says the set benefits for having all five band members writing together rather than he and keyboardist James Lloyd, who co-produced the album working up their ideas on their own.

“For the most part we did a lot of this album, together, so you’re getting a lot of different personalities in the work,” explains Harmon, adding that the group might play one of the new songs during its weekend stand at Arturo’s.

“It’s a different feel with everybody writing together and playing together. We’ve got a lot of live playing, and a lot of guitar on this (from new member Ron Lawrence). It was really nice and you can really hear that vibe in these songs.”



Pieces of a Dream perform at 8 and 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday (Nov. 21-22), 6 and 8 p.m. Sunday (Nov. 23)at Arturo’s Jazz Theatre and Restaurant, 25333 W. 12 Mile Road, Southfield, in the Star Theatre Complex. Tickets are $32.50, $45 for booth seating. Call (248) 357-6009 or visit www.arturosjazz.com.