Hello, some Aetix Grooves here today..
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D Train, an innovative post-disco duo that consisted of James "D-Train" Williams (vocals) and Hubert Eaves III (keyboards, bass, drums, arrangements, productions), recorded a clutch of electrified dance/R&B classics in the early '80s. From the release of their first single onward, Williams' voice was instantly recognizable for its power-packed, uplifting nature. Eaves' instrumental backing and production were extremely complementary to Williams' deliveries, punching out bold, intricate arrangements that were often livened up for the dancefloor by remixer extraordinaire Francois Kevorkian.
Williams and Eaves met in Brooklyn, New York. Shortly after the '70s gave way to the '80s -- long after the latter had established himself as a crucial jazz and R&B session musician, often as an associate of James Mtume -- they began recording together, using Williams' nickname (earned from his prowess on the football field) as their recording alias. They signed a contract with Prelude and released their first single, the brilliant "You're the One for Me," by the end of 1981. The song hit number one on the dance chart in early 1982 and kept that position for three weeks. Their somewhat spotty debut album followed later that year and included another spectacular track, the spirited "Keep On."
Music, D Train's second album, followed in 1983 and was supported with another batch of singles: "Keep Giving Me Love," "Are You Ready for Me," and Top 40 U.K. hit "Music" among them. Something's on Your Mind, the third and final album from the duo, spawned a Top Five R&B chart hit in the form of the title track. A couple of other singles from the album didn't do as well, but the group bowed out in fine fashion. They could've milked the sound of "You're the One for Me" for a long time, but they kept moving ahead and did the unexpected by incorporating elements inspired from other music forms. A list of covers they recorded -- Carole King's "So Far Away," Bacharach/David's "Walk On By," Mandel/Webster's "The Shadow of Your Smile" -- hardly indicate the scope.
Williams and Eaves quit recording as D Train in 1985. Eaves' accomplishments did not go unnoticed, as he continued working with the likes of Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, and Luther Vandross. Williams continued as a solo artist and notched three R&B chart hits during the latter half of the '80s. He also lent background vocals to several records throughout the following decade.
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Some of the most memorable and fresh-sounding R&B of the early to mid-'80s came from D Train, a group that had one foot in soul music and the other in urban contemporary. Blessed with a big, booming voice, lead vocalist James "D-Train" Williams was, in many respects, the epitome of the classic soul belter. Williams, like so many of the great soulsters of the 1960s and 1970s, brought a strong gospel influence to secular lyrics and wasn't afraid to wear his heart on his sleeve. But in terms of production, Williams' partner, Hubert Eaves III, was very urban contemporary. When Eaves produced the duo's self-titled debut album in 1981 and 1982, he made sure that his distinctive keyboards were quite prominent. Horns and strings are employed, but keyboards are really the main instrument on funk gems like "You're the One for Me" (a major hit), "Keep on," and "Love Vibration." And keyboards are equally important on the ballads, which include the Philadelphia soul-influenced "Lucky Day" and an inspired remake of the Burt Bacharach/Hal David favorite "Walk on By" (which had previously been recorded by Isaac Hayes, Dionne Warwick, and Gloria Gaynor). Many 1970s funk bands thought of horn sections as part of the main course and keyboards as a mere side dish -- on this superb LP, it's just the opposite. Not that Eaves was alone in pushing R&B in a more keyboards-minded direction; anyone who listened to urban radio in 1982 realized that R&B producers in general were using more and more keyboards and synthesizers. From Eaves' attractive production to Williams' inspired singing and the duo's first-rate songwriting, D Train is a stunning debut all around.
One of the most enduring albums on the Prelude label, and a great bit of modern soul by James "D-Train" Williams. Hubert Eaves produced the album, and he added lots of tasty electro keyboards to the set, played with his usual jazzy touches and a nice flourish that gives Williams' voice a strong kick on the best cuts. Sparklingly sophisticated – and proof that the indie labels could still churn out quality soul as well as they could disco! Includes the cuts "You're The One For Me", "D Train Theme", "Walk On By", "Lucky Day", and "Love Vibration"
D Train - You're The One For Me (flac 529mb)
01 You're The One For Me 5:11
02 Walk On By 5:27
03 Tryin' To Get Over 5:24
04 Lucky Day 5:00
05 'D' Train Theme 5:15
06 Keep On 6:43
07 Love Vibrations 5:17
08 You're The One For Me (Reprise) 3:47
09 Walk On By (Remix) 6:11
10 'D' Train Theme (Dub) 7:21
11 Keep On (Remix) 8:36
12 You're The One For Me (Remix) 5:55
13 Keep On (Radio Edit) 4:20
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D Train's second album for Prelude isn't on the level of their debut, but there's this marvelous voice that's totally dynamic. A producing wizard that's totally brilliant. Together, James Williams and Hubert Eaves, III, known as "D" Train, created some of the most powerful works for New York's Prelude Records during the '80s. The proof's in the pudding on the group's second effort Music. The title track itself is just as funky as the group's breakthrough smash "You're the One For Me." Also a treat is the remake of the classic "The Shadow of Your Smile." And let's not forget "Keep Giving Me Love" and "Don't You Wanna Ride," two more instant "D" Train classics. Another gem to own.
D Train - Music (flac 290mb)
01 Keep Giving Me Love 6:57
02 The Shadow Of Your Smile (Love Theme From "The Sand Piper") 6:50
03 Are You Ready For Me 7:12
04 Music 8:11
05 Children Of The World 5:21
06 Let Me Show You (A World Of Wonder) 4:46
07 Don't You Wanna Ride (The D Train) 4:50
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Released in 1984, Something's on Your Mind was the last of three albums that singer/composer James "D-Train" Williams and producer/keyboardist/composer Hubert Eaves III -- together known as D Train -- recorded for Prelude. In 1985, Williams and Eaves left the small New York-based label (which subsequently went out of business) and, although they continued to work together, Williams signed with Columbia as a solo artist in 1986. Something's on Your Mind isn't quite as essential as D Train's self-titled debut album of 1982, but it's still impressive. The moody yet funky title song became a major hit, and the duo is equally captivating on funk/dance offerings like "I'll Do Anything" and "Hustle and Bustle of the City" (which should have been released as a single). To its credit, the duo isn't afraid to try different things -- "Thank You" finds Williams and Eaves detouring into reggae, while a brief performance of Carole King's "So Far Away" combines R&B with adult contemporary/soft rock elements. Eaves' keyboards played a prominent role on most of the duo's Prelude recordings, but on "So Far Away" Williams accompanies himself on acoustic guitar. Again, 1982's D Train is the group's most essential album, but this LP is also rewarding and is well worth having.
D Train - Something's On Your Mind (flac 240mb)
01 I Treasure Your Pleasure 6:39
02 Something's On Your Mind 6:38
03 You're The Reason 5:25
04 Hustle & Bustle Of The City 5:42
05 Thank You 5:57
06 I'll Do Anything 5:20
07 So Far Away 2:14
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The Best of the 12" Mixes compiles ten extended remixes from James "D Train" Williams and Hubert Eaves III's body of work as D Train. If you were partial to a particular mix of any of the duo's singles that wasn't made available on their three proper albums, it might behoove you to seek this out. But even then, you're not exactly guaranteed to find what you're looking for, and it's not as if radio DJs and club DJs informed listeners and dancers of what particular version of each song was played -- so, unfortunately, some gambling might be involved.
D Train - The Best of the 12 mixes (flac 478mb)
01 You're The One For Me (Labor Of Love Mix) 5:52
02 Keep On 6:40
03 Walk On By 5:24
04 Keep Giving Me Love 6:54
05 Music 8:11
06 Something's On Your Mind 6:36
07 Just Another Night (Without Your Love) 7:05
08 "D" Train Theme 6:07
09 Trying To Get Over (Edited Version) 7:31
10 "D" Train (Dub) 7:19
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xxxxx xxxxx xxxxx xxxxx xxxxx
D Train, an innovative post-disco duo that consisted of James "D-Train" Williams (vocals) and Hubert Eaves III (keyboards, bass, drums, arrangements, productions), recorded a clutch of electrified dance/R&B classics in the early '80s. From the release of their first single onward, Williams' voice was instantly recognizable for its power-packed, uplifting nature. Eaves' instrumental backing and production were extremely complementary to Williams' deliveries, punching out bold, intricate arrangements that were often livened up for the dancefloor by remixer extraordinaire Francois Kevorkian.
Williams and Eaves met in Brooklyn, New York. Shortly after the '70s gave way to the '80s -- long after the latter had established himself as a crucial jazz and R&B session musician, often as an associate of James Mtume -- they began recording together, using Williams' nickname (earned from his prowess on the football field) as their recording alias. They signed a contract with Prelude and released their first single, the brilliant "You're the One for Me," by the end of 1981. The song hit number one on the dance chart in early 1982 and kept that position for three weeks. Their somewhat spotty debut album followed later that year and included another spectacular track, the spirited "Keep On."
Music, D Train's second album, followed in 1983 and was supported with another batch of singles: "Keep Giving Me Love," "Are You Ready for Me," and Top 40 U.K. hit "Music" among them. Something's on Your Mind, the third and final album from the duo, spawned a Top Five R&B chart hit in the form of the title track. A couple of other singles from the album didn't do as well, but the group bowed out in fine fashion. They could've milked the sound of "You're the One for Me" for a long time, but they kept moving ahead and did the unexpected by incorporating elements inspired from other music forms. A list of covers they recorded -- Carole King's "So Far Away," Bacharach/David's "Walk On By," Mandel/Webster's "The Shadow of Your Smile" -- hardly indicate the scope.
Williams and Eaves quit recording as D Train in 1985. Eaves' accomplishments did not go unnoticed, as he continued working with the likes of Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, and Luther Vandross. Williams continued as a solo artist and notched three R&B chart hits during the latter half of the '80s. He also lent background vocals to several records throughout the following decade.
xxxxx xxxxx xxxxx xxxxx xxxxx
Some of the most memorable and fresh-sounding R&B of the early to mid-'80s came from D Train, a group that had one foot in soul music and the other in urban contemporary. Blessed with a big, booming voice, lead vocalist James "D-Train" Williams was, in many respects, the epitome of the classic soul belter. Williams, like so many of the great soulsters of the 1960s and 1970s, brought a strong gospel influence to secular lyrics and wasn't afraid to wear his heart on his sleeve. But in terms of production, Williams' partner, Hubert Eaves III, was very urban contemporary. When Eaves produced the duo's self-titled debut album in 1981 and 1982, he made sure that his distinctive keyboards were quite prominent. Horns and strings are employed, but keyboards are really the main instrument on funk gems like "You're the One for Me" (a major hit), "Keep on," and "Love Vibration." And keyboards are equally important on the ballads, which include the Philadelphia soul-influenced "Lucky Day" and an inspired remake of the Burt Bacharach/Hal David favorite "Walk on By" (which had previously been recorded by Isaac Hayes, Dionne Warwick, and Gloria Gaynor). Many 1970s funk bands thought of horn sections as part of the main course and keyboards as a mere side dish -- on this superb LP, it's just the opposite. Not that Eaves was alone in pushing R&B in a more keyboards-minded direction; anyone who listened to urban radio in 1982 realized that R&B producers in general were using more and more keyboards and synthesizers. From Eaves' attractive production to Williams' inspired singing and the duo's first-rate songwriting, D Train is a stunning debut all around.
One of the most enduring albums on the Prelude label, and a great bit of modern soul by James "D-Train" Williams. Hubert Eaves produced the album, and he added lots of tasty electro keyboards to the set, played with his usual jazzy touches and a nice flourish that gives Williams' voice a strong kick on the best cuts. Sparklingly sophisticated – and proof that the indie labels could still churn out quality soul as well as they could disco! Includes the cuts "You're The One For Me", "D Train Theme", "Walk On By", "Lucky Day", and "Love Vibration"
D Train - You're The One For Me (flac 529mb)
01 You're The One For Me 5:11
02 Walk On By 5:27
03 Tryin' To Get Over 5:24
04 Lucky Day 5:00
05 'D' Train Theme 5:15
06 Keep On 6:43
07 Love Vibrations 5:17
08 You're The One For Me (Reprise) 3:47
09 Walk On By (Remix) 6:11
10 'D' Train Theme (Dub) 7:21
11 Keep On (Remix) 8:36
12 You're The One For Me (Remix) 5:55
13 Keep On (Radio Edit) 4:20
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D Train's second album for Prelude isn't on the level of their debut, but there's this marvelous voice that's totally dynamic. A producing wizard that's totally brilliant. Together, James Williams and Hubert Eaves, III, known as "D" Train, created some of the most powerful works for New York's Prelude Records during the '80s. The proof's in the pudding on the group's second effort Music. The title track itself is just as funky as the group's breakthrough smash "You're the One For Me." Also a treat is the remake of the classic "The Shadow of Your Smile." And let's not forget "Keep Giving Me Love" and "Don't You Wanna Ride," two more instant "D" Train classics. Another gem to own.
D Train - Music (flac 290mb)
01 Keep Giving Me Love 6:57
02 The Shadow Of Your Smile (Love Theme From "The Sand Piper") 6:50
03 Are You Ready For Me 7:12
04 Music 8:11
05 Children Of The World 5:21
06 Let Me Show You (A World Of Wonder) 4:46
07 Don't You Wanna Ride (The D Train) 4:50
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Released in 1984, Something's on Your Mind was the last of three albums that singer/composer James "D-Train" Williams and producer/keyboardist/composer Hubert Eaves III -- together known as D Train -- recorded for Prelude. In 1985, Williams and Eaves left the small New York-based label (which subsequently went out of business) and, although they continued to work together, Williams signed with Columbia as a solo artist in 1986. Something's on Your Mind isn't quite as essential as D Train's self-titled debut album of 1982, but it's still impressive. The moody yet funky title song became a major hit, and the duo is equally captivating on funk/dance offerings like "I'll Do Anything" and "Hustle and Bustle of the City" (which should have been released as a single). To its credit, the duo isn't afraid to try different things -- "Thank You" finds Williams and Eaves detouring into reggae, while a brief performance of Carole King's "So Far Away" combines R&B with adult contemporary/soft rock elements. Eaves' keyboards played a prominent role on most of the duo's Prelude recordings, but on "So Far Away" Williams accompanies himself on acoustic guitar. Again, 1982's D Train is the group's most essential album, but this LP is also rewarding and is well worth having.
D Train - Something's On Your Mind (flac 240mb)
01 I Treasure Your Pleasure 6:39
02 Something's On Your Mind 6:38
03 You're The Reason 5:25
04 Hustle & Bustle Of The City 5:42
05 Thank You 5:57
06 I'll Do Anything 5:20
07 So Far Away 2:14
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The Best of the 12" Mixes compiles ten extended remixes from James "D Train" Williams and Hubert Eaves III's body of work as D Train. If you were partial to a particular mix of any of the duo's singles that wasn't made available on their three proper albums, it might behoove you to seek this out. But even then, you're not exactly guaranteed to find what you're looking for, and it's not as if radio DJs and club DJs informed listeners and dancers of what particular version of each song was played -- so, unfortunately, some gambling might be involved.
D Train - The Best of the 12 mixes (flac 478mb)
01 You're The One For Me (Labor Of Love Mix) 5:52
02 Keep On 6:40
03 Walk On By 5:24
04 Keep Giving Me Love 6:54
05 Music 8:11
06 Something's On Your Mind 6:36
07 Just Another Night (Without Your Love) 7:05
08 "D" Train Theme 6:07
09 Trying To Get Over (Edited Version) 7:31
10 "D" Train (Dub) 7:19
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2 comments:
Please re-upload your D Train post. Thanks in advance!
Would really appreciate a re-upload of these D-Train gems, please.
Thanks for all of your uploads.
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