What makes Dreams of Tomorrow by Lonnie Liston Smith notable?

The album is notable for its exploration of spiritual themes within a jazz context, resonating well during a time when such concepts were gaining traction in the music scene. While it did not achieve major chart success, it received positive critical reception and has influenced subsequent generations of musicians in the acid jazz and jazz fusion genres. By 1983, Lonnie Liston Smith was already an established artist known for his innovative blend of jazz and funk. 'Dreams of Tomorrow' was his fifth album, following the successful 'Expansions' in 1975, which had solidified his place in the jazz fusion scene. This album continued to showcase his distinctive style that merged spiritual themes with contemporary grooves.