When he was 6 years old, Edward James took a piano class. One of the songs he had to learn was "Mr. Sandman."

The artwork accompanying the song showcased a man floating outside of a window with a sparkling light coming out of his hands.

“The guy had an assured look on his face,” said James 21 years later. “That was my introduction to music. That was the persona I wanted.”

It was definitely the vibe he gave off as folks gathered recently at the New Parish for the release of this debut album "Art of Dreaming."

Hosted by poet and emcee Talia Taylor, the release showcased a number of talented artists, many of who came up through the Bay Area’s network of nonprofit arts organizations. Isis Genesis, Krystal Azul, Dom Jones, Los Rakas, Do D.A.T. all graced the stage providing a soundtrack of hip-hop, R&B, funk and Latin rhythms before Sandman hit the stage with a seven-piece band that included a member of the platinum selling group Flipside. When hip-hop shows utilize a live band and a DJ, it usually takes the show to another level, but the inclusion of a blaring horn section elevated the show another notch.

SandMan performed tracks from the album stopping between songs to insert bits of humor and give shout outs. When he took a moment to acknowledge his love for his partner and note that she would be giving birth to his first child, there were "oohs," "ahs" and cheers. His comfort and delivery of the dedication and subsequent songs clarified that Sandman was indeed assured and feeling quite at home with the crowd.

The set list gave folks an idea of what to expect from the album. A clear crowd favorite, the lifestyle anthem “Here & Now,” had all of New Parish singing: “There’s only two way to live: In the here and now.” For his performance of  “Conspire’n,” Sandman channeled his inner Gil-Scott Heron quoting pieces from the poet’s “The Train from Washington,” and brought featured MC Random Abilities to the stage. And while there were messages of living life on your own terms and notes on how cold the world can be, there was also the fun loving movement inducing “Super Woman Love.”

Just when it seemed like the show was over, two MCs joined SandMan on stage. There was a collective excitement that swept the audience of hip-hop lovers and Bay Area youth advocates. Of course, they were already aware that all members of the now disbanded group were in the building for the release of "Art of Dreaming." The man of the hour had already given a shout out to former band member Iamani for producing half of the album and Do D.A.T. had already hit the stage to perform a solo set. But suddenly it clicked that they were about to witness a mini-reunion of The Attik complete with DJ Treatunice on the 1s and 2s.

For the folks who have known the Attik since their days of free-styling at Berkeley High - collaborating with the Ella Baker Center or performing at the Black Box - it couldn’t get much better than seeing how the crew had grown and their ability to come back together to support "Art of Dreaming." The night ended on a high note, and folks were thanking Sandman for bring them a dream.

The Attik performing "Sleep Don't Come Easy" at The Art of Dreaming party.

Short clip of the Attik featuring Sandman

Documentary on The Attik