d-train
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.
© Andy Kellman /TiVo
-
You're the One for Me
R&B - Released by UNIDISC MUSIC INC. on 1 Jan 1982
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
The Best of the 12 Mixes
R&B - Released by UNIDISC MUSIC INC. on 1 Jan 1982
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
The Best of D Train
R&B - Released by UNIDISC MUSIC INC. on 11 Apr 1990
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
You're the One For Me EP
R&B - Released by UNIDISC MUSIC INC. on 1 Jan 1981
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Something's On Your Mind
R&B - Released by UNIDISC MUSIC INC. on 1 Jan 1984
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
-
When You Feel What Love Has (Radio Mixes)
House - Released by Karmic Power Records on 24 Jun 2016
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Raise Your Hands
House - Released by Karmic Power Records on 29 Apr 2015
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
-
Keep On / Walk On By
Pop - Released by UNIDISC MUSIC INC. on 1 Jan 1982
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
When You Feel What Love Has (Razor-N-Guido & Richard Scotti Radio Mix)
House - Released by Karmic Power Records on 29 Sep 2017
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
When You Feel What Love Has
House - Released by Karmic Power Records on 22 Apr 2016
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
-
-
Strange Sound Magic
Classical - Released by D Train on 22 Sep 2023
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Stronger (Loris Cimino Remix)
Electronic - Released by Quattro on 4 Oct 2019
24-Bit 48.0 kHz - Stereo -
-
Can't Get You Outta My Mind
Soul - Released by D Train on 8 Mar 2024
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Skinny Anthem
Hip-Hop/Rap - Released by 633290 Records DK on 9 Aug 2018
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
-
When You Feel What Love Has (Remixes, Pt. 2)
House - Released by Karmic Power Records on 10 Feb 2017
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo