James "D Train" Williams ~ "In Your Eyes" {Originally released in 1988 on Columbia Records / This Special Expanded Limited Edition was remastered for Compact Disc in 2011 by Funkytown Grooves}

Two years after James "D Train" Williams and Hubert Eaves, III, hit us over the head with his 1986 Columbia Records debut, the stunning, "Miracles Of The Heart", they come back with another shot to the dome with the EVEN GREATER follow up, "In Your Eyes".

Released in 1988, James "D Train" Williams, and Hubert Eaves, III, take their classic blend of techno funk, catchy R&B melodies, and uplifing lyrics, to another level that SHOULD'VE taken them over the top !! ....... But as with all great albums, ....... it didn't :-( ..... Sadly, this would be the last album the two ever collaborated on, leaving little hope for mankind in the world of GREAT, ORIGINAL, REAL, AND POSITIVE MUSIC :-(

Collectively produced by D Train and Hubert Eaves, III, for Keep On Productions, Inc., it's an album that withstood the test of time, as it STILL sounds just as remarkable, as it did 23 years ago. Let's some check out some of the hightlights of a BRILLIANT recording that SHOULD'VE GONE PLATINUM, AT LEAST, EASY !, and see what Urban radio and the R&B community at large, at the time, missed out on in 1988. ..... because it sure in the hell didn't receive any kind of airplay here in NYC, and in D's own hometown :-( ......... what a shame ! :-( ......... ACTUALLY, IT'S PATHETIC & SAD TO BE HONEST WITH YOU !!!!!!! :-(

With Hubert handling most keyboard duties and programming, and James handling lead and background vocals, they both had a little help from some of the most accomplished and gifted east coast musicians and session vocalists, and they are as follows : Peter Freeman on keyboards, Lenny Pickett on sax, Hubert, III's son, Hubert, IV on bass guitar/drum fills, and session wiz Doc Powell on guitar.

In addition, you had Paul K. Johnson, II on keyboards. On the background vocal tip, you had BJ Nelson, Audrey Wheeler-Downing, Lisa Fischer, Cindy Mizelle, Genobia Jeter, and last, but certainly not least, Curtis King, Jr.

{{{****PLEASE NOTE : AS WITH "MIRACLES OF THE HEART", THIS CD WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE AT OR AROUND AUGUST 26, 2011**** ...... SEE BELOW FOR THE LINK THAT'LL TAKE YOU DIRECTLY TO FUNKY TOWN GROOVES' WEBPAGE WHERE YOU CAN PRE ORDER THIS LIMITED EDITION COMPACT DISC. SO I EXTREMELY URGE YOU TO PLACE YOUR ORDER IN ADVANCE, AS I KNOW FOR SURE THIS TITLE WILL SELLOUT IMMEDIATELY !!}}}

Album's title track, and opener, "In Your Eyes" ~ They pretty much picked up where they left off 2 years prior, in that "The Train" kept the funk in full supply with all the electric bass guitar plucks and strums you could ever ask for. The synth horns, as well as the accompanying synthesizer parts, are in not in short supply as they, too, made their presense known with their "Horns Of Gabriel-esqe" effect.

The kick drum, snare, cymbal rides and crashes, the reliable cowbell, as well as the various percussions, kept the groove "on the one", the "4 on the floor" and "in the pocket". Lest ye not forget the awesome power of D Train's lead vocal performance as he flexes his gospel bred acrobatics in and around the melody like only he can do, and that is, ..... FONKAY ! The aforementioned background vocalists all sound remarkably tight as they lend their perfect harmonic bled to D Train's mighty roar.

"With All My Heart" ~ This song CLEARLY should've been touted as a single as it's the perfect summer jam ! What's so cool about this song are the slight synthesizer nuances of "You're The One For Me", if you listen carefully. The drum programming, like it's predecessor, never fails to deliver, as you can just 'feel' the power, and not only hear it. The bass synthesizer bounces, trip, and rolls the melody along, which segues into a head bopping affair.

The same talented group of backgrounds singers get to shine a little here as their collective harmonic blends, more than augment and support the dynamo lead vocal of James. Speaking of which, Train's lead vocal performance on this particular track is, to me, one of his finest ever, as he got to flex his full vocal dynamic range. The incredible Doc Powell rips into an rockish 8 bar guitar solo that just blow your socks off. This is the SONG to be added to ANY radio station's playlist, terrestrial, internet, or satellite, you can't just go wrong.

"Shadow Of Another Love" ~ I'm quite sure the 'Quiet Storm' programs at urban radio in 1988 HAD TO have added this song to their playlists ! There's ABSOLUTELY NO WAY they could have not !!! To me, it's the PERFECT BALLAD ! Not too slow, and not too fast, just right. The fluidly performed bass guitar lines, ..... what sounds like Simmons Electronic Drum Pads on the fills, ..... the light and dreamy synthesizer sustained chords, and fills .... the sensually plucked guitar notes, is what make this the quintessential song of choice for that late night rendevzous.

But how could ever call this song the "perfect ballad", and not associate a "perfect voice" to back that claim up ?? You cannot, unless it's Dee handling that lead vocal. His even tempered tenor, his vocal delivery, and just all around performance, exerts sheer brilliance ! That's the only way I could best describe it ladies and gentlemen ! If you think I'm kidding you, just go to link below after this review, and hear for yourselves, and you'll agree ! .... PERIOD ! .... THE SONG IS ALL THAT !"

Runner" ~ We pick up the pace just a bit here, and we don't mind either !"Runner" is an adventurous song of sorts in that it tells the tale of a man 'running' after a woman that refuses to give a brother the time of day. This track itself is an uptempo percussive ladened track that works completely in synch with the rhythm section.

That funky bounced bass synth is back everyone, and does it ever sound so good too !This time around the drum programmed snare just slaps your face with bombastic thunder clap ! On this mid tempo'd number we get to hear the James' overdubbed, and doubled lead and background vocals, as he perfectly pitched them to sound as if you're listening to a full multi membered choir. Nice song !

"My Friend" ~ OK, I have to give you a heads up when describing this song .... a disclaimer, if you will ..... (((((( IF YOU SHOULD HAVE LOST A LOVED ONE RECENTLY, OR IN THE PAST, AND THE SLIGHTEST "EMOTIONALLY MOVING" SONG WOULD JUST BREAK YOU OUT IN A CRYING FRENZY ?? ... WELL, YOU MAY NOT WANT TO LISTEN TO THIS SONG, ONLY IF YOU ARE THAT SENSITIVE :-(

........ I SAY THIS BECAUSE THIS SONG WILL BREAK YOU OUT INTO TEARS, EVEN IF YOU DID NOT LOSE A LOVED ONE RECENTLY, OR SOME TIME AGO ))))))) .............. Yes, that's how powerful this song is :-( ...... IT'LL JUST TAKE YOU THERE :-(

........ MALE OR FEMALE, I DON'T CARE WHO ARE !!! ........ PARTICULARLY IF YOU'RE A MALE ! ....... I DON'T CARE IF YOU'RE 6 FOOT, ELEVEN INCHES TALL, THAT SAYS TO HIMSELF, ..... "YOU'LL NEVER EVER SEE ME CRY BECAUSE I'M HE-MAN !! HA HA HA HAAAA !!!"

.......... BULLS**T !!! WHEN YOU HEAR THIS SONG, YOUR BIG ROBOT, CORN FED, TRANSFORMER ASS WILL BE ON THE FLOOR CRYING LIKE A BABY !! SO STOP IT !!! OK !! JUST STOP IT !!!!!!

....... AND DON'T LET ME CATCH YOU IN THAT MOMENT, I'LL LAUGH AT YOUR ASS PERSONALLY !! LOL !!! :-)

But seriously folks, you can't help but to be moved by the piano arrangement and it's performance. Then Hubert messes around and throw in a string synthesizer, that actually should've been done by a live string section ...

((((( FOR THE LIFE OF ME, I DON'T KNOW WHY THE A&R PERSON AT COLUMBIA RECORDS AT THE TIME, DIDN'T HEAR THIS HIMSELF, AND SAY TO HUBERT AND JAMES, AFTER PROBABLY HEARING THE DEMO OR FINISHED PRODUCT ........"LISTEN ! HUBE, DEE, I LOVE THE SONG, IT'S A GREAT SONG, AND WE DEFINITELY WANT TO PUT IT ON THE RECORD ....... BUT !!!!!! YOU GOTTA GET RID OF THOSE FAKE SOUNDING SYNTH STRINGS MAN AND SUBSTITUTE IT WITH A LIVE 40 PIECE ORCHESTRA. TELL YOU WHAT, HERE'S 85 THOUSAND DOLLARS, HIRE SOME MEMBERS OF THE NEW YORK PHILHARMONIC, GO BACK INTO THE STUDIO AND DO IT THE RIGHT WAY ! ..... C'MON GUYS, I THOUGHT YOU BOTH KNEW BETTER THAN THAT ?!?!?!?!" ))))))

...... not to take anything away from that a&r person, ...... BUT THAT'S HOW YOU A&R A RECORD !!!!!!

OK, with all that being said, just click on the following link, and preview, not only "My Friend", but the entire album. While you're there, preview samples of the 7" Edit and Dub Mix of "Runner", with the 7" Edit and Dub Mix of the album's title track "In Your Eyes".

www.funkytowngrooves.com/Pre-Order-CDs_PRICES-AUTO-REDUCED-BY-15-PERCENT/58/James-%22D-Train%22-Williams-In-Your-Eyes_Expanded-Edition/3246

Musically Yours,

Ran Man

A Soul Train appearance of D Train performing the album's title track, "In Your Eyes"

Another Soul Train appearance of D Train performing the album's second single, "Runner"

The commercial 7" vinyl of the album's title track, "In Your Eyes"

The commercial 12" vinyl of the album's title track, "In Your Eyes"

The 7" vinyl PROMOTIONAL COPY of the album's title track, "In Your Eyes"

Well, this is pretty much self explanatory. You don't need to be a rocket scientist to figure out what this is.

The commercial full length vinyl album version of, "In Your Eyes"

James "D Train" Williams ~ "Miracles Of The Heart" {Originally released in 1986 on Columbia Records / This Special Expanded Limited Edition was remastered for Compact Disc in 2011 by Funkytown Grooves}

James "D Train" Williams' 1986 major label debut recording, the Columbia Records released, "Miracles Of The Heart", came two years after the release of 1984's independent release, "Something's On Your Mind", recorded for Marvin Schlachter and Stanley Hoffman's legendary R&B/disco label, Prelude Records.

That title track lead single, "Something's On Your Mind", peaked at #5 on Billboard's Top R&B Singles chart, and reached as high as #79 on Billboard's Hot 100 Singles chart. The song was later covered by the incomparable jazz trumpeter, Miles Davis for his 1985 Columbia Records release, "You're Under Arrest".

Included on this extremely impressive, but largely underappreciated album during the time of it's initial 1986 release, is the Top 10 R&B single, "Misunderstanding", as well as it's follow up single, a now steppers classic, the gorgeous, "Oh, How I Love You Girl".

12" Mix version's of both "Misunderstanding", and, "Oh, How I Love You Girl", are included in this 14 track Remastered Expanded Limited Edition Compact Disc, released by CD reissue kings, Funkytown Grooves.

{{{****PLEASE NOTE : THIS CD WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE AT OR AROUND AUGUST 26, 2011**** ...... SEE BELOW FOR THE LINK THAT'LL TAKE YOU DIRECTLY TO FUNKY TOWN GROOVES' WEBPAGE WHERE YOU CAN PRE ORDER THIS LIMITED EDITION COMPACT DISC. SO I STRONGLY URGE YOU TO PLACE YOUR ORDER IN ADVANCE, AS I'M SURE THIS TITLE WILL SELLOUT IMMEDIATELY !!}}}

D Train, the collective, was comprised of two talented musicians. Keyboardist Hubert Eaves, III, is best known for his prior work as a member of James Mtume's funk collective, "Mtume", and the many recordings produced by Mtume and Reggie Lucas, outside of the Mtume recording brand. Some of those recordings included hits by Phyllis Hyman, Stephanie Mills, Roberta Flack with Donny Hathaway, and many others.

Lead vocalist/guitarist, James "D Train" Williams, who's nickname was given to him while attending my hometown of Brooklyn, NY's, Eramus Hall High School. He was a star defensive tackle on the school's football team, as he was known to "hit his opponents like that of a speeding train". For those that are not aware, there is actually a "D" subway line within the New York City's transit system.

Let's check out some of the many album's shining moments, and remind of ourselves that true musicianship and vocal talent actually existed in the music industry. Still to this day, both D Train, the singer, and Hubert are actively involved in music at different levels and capacities. We could only dream on a blessed reunion, but in the meantime, let's cherish this recording and give it the recognition it should've received back in 1986.

"Oh, How I Love You Girl" ~ It's a slow to mid tempo'd groove reminiscent of a soothing soulful Stax era recording. The only element programmed here are some of the percussion soundscapes, though live percussion parts performed by session monster Steve Kroon are added to the mix. For the most part, the instrumentation is live and downright sexy. The electric and bass guitar performed parts all gel quite nicely with the harmonious overtones of the electric piano, with it's beautiful chord progressions.

The mellow chill of the background vocalists consisting of session professionals Ms. Cindy Mizelle, Ms. Norma Jean Wright, and Mrs. Audrey Wheeler-Downing is another element that brings a light hearted tender fare to a sweet and tender body swayer . But it's James' distinctive tenor and gospel tinged vocal delivery that make this song shine the brightest. The appreciative tone of the lyrics for his lady, is one that every woman would love to hear from their significant other. Great song !

"Misunderstanding" ~ Dancefloors everywhere were set ablaze with this funky uptempo head bopper, and was an R&B Top 10 hit as previously mentioned. Hips were set into motion by the triggered snare, tom tom fills, handclaps, and kick drum via the Oberheim DM-X drum machine. The often used sampled orchestra hits of that time period of the mid '80's were carefully placed where it musically made sense. The funky and cat scatty guitar licks are abound with it's feel good pizazz , thanks to either Doc Powell or the late great Hiram Bullock.

The live percussions played throughout gave the programmed percussion parts an even balance in that they worked together. Once again, James' lead and overdubbed background parts, and at times, sampled and triggered, all possessed the characteristics of a classic D Train performance, gutsy, funky, and 'holy ghosted'.

"Let Me Love You" ~ Thou FUNK runneth amok on this mid ranged eq'd, 'stabby effect', Mini-Moog bass synthesizer driven slammer ! Hubert pushed the Oberheim DMX drum machine to the max with it's obvious sounding programmed hand claps, along with the kick drum that, literally, POUNDS YOU IN THE CHEST ! Don't worry though, the snare drum does it's part to keep the HUMAN hands clapped ! The stereo panned tom tom fills round out the percussion ladened paradiso !

Clifford Adams, trombonist for Kool & The Gang during that band's '80's Gold/Platinum heyday, throws down a funky and scintillating solo. Huberts various layered synthesizer tracks ala Prophet 5, Oberheim OBX-a, Dyno-My-Piano module's, and Fender Rhodes kept the electo funk at it's maximum level. Of course, James' fiery charged lead vocal performance is second to none.

"I Got Your Number" ~ This Gary Bartz alto sax featured fueled track is a fun, happy themed, quasi psuedo pop tune, that is among my favorites on this fantastic long player. Electric bass guitar plucks and all around funkiness, coupled with the rhythm guitar cool plucks and strums, and live drums this time around featuring session stalwart, Buddy Williams (no relation).

The aforementioned background vocalists, with the addition of another session powerhouse, Curtis King, Jr. sound off their heavenly harmonic blend to compliment James' perfectly timed and pitched lead/overdubbed background vocal parts. It's a song with a great sing along hook, a great melody to play in the car as you're getting your cruise on ! Top notch tune ! Radio, I strongly advise you to add this song to your playlists.

"Stand Up And Fight" ~ Is another song that lyrically falls in the same line as his 1981 Prelude hit, "Keep On". The bass synth, once again, holds center stage with an organ chordal accompaniment that's very danceable and upbeat. The electric bass guitar with it's usual funk infused plucks, chugs alongside the drum machine programmed kick drum, snare, hi hat, and cymbal crashes.

The tried and true vocals of James' lead and background vocals tells the tale of how we should not depend on no one else for one's own survival. The occasional tambourine shakings with Hubert's multi layered synthesizer parts all culminates to a funk deluxe journey. This song is the perfect ending to an exceptional, and well recorded masterpiece.

D Train recorded one more album for Columbia Records in 1988, the equally brilliant "In Your Eyes", which yours truly will be reviewing. This album, too, is another Special Expanded Edition remastered for CD on Funkytown Grooves.

On this expanded edition of "Miracles Of The Heart" are various mixes of 3 of the album's original 8 selections. To preview these selections, and those original 8 selections, and to place your pre- order please refer to the following link :

www.funkytowngrooves.com/Pre-Order-CDs_PRICES-AUTO-REDUCED-BY-15-PERCENT/58/James-%22D-Train%22-Williams-Miracles-Of-The-Heart/3247

    Here's the logo of the NYC Transit System's D Line

Here's a video of the NYC Transit D Line in Brooklyn in action.

An Eramus Hall Dutchmen Football T Shirt

{This is the high school football team James "D Train" Williams played on }

This is the actual high school D Train attended. The school is located in the Flatbush section of Brooklyn, New York