James Deely — This Train is Running Out of Track
James Deely’s 8th record, This Train is Running Out of Track, is newly available on February 1st. The album was produced by Bruce Tunkel at Beanland Productions, in Branchburg NJ. This Train is Running Out of Track also features guest appearances by Eddie Manion (Springsteen/Southside Johnny/Little Steven) on saxophone, Lisa Lowell (Bruce Springsteen Band) on backing vocals, Eric “Roscoe” Ambel (Steve Earle/Sarah Borges/Del Lords) on guitar, and PK Lavengood (John Eddie Band) on guitar.
The album opens up with “Prisoners of Ourselves,” which exposes the confines we place around ourselves as artificial limits. This song sets the scene for the rest of the album, which highlights the passage of time, mortality, and living with sorrows.
“This Train Is Running Out of Track” next features Eric Ambel’s signature guitar melodies as Deely sings mournfully of mortality and those who have passed on. “Streets of Dublin” delves into the feeling of walking where your own ancestors stood, in a catchy tune with folk rock style. The Irish fiddle by Steve Morris is an original and highly memorable addition to this song of timeless poise.
“House Full of Memories” is delivered in a ballad style, with Jonathan Bird and John Waken adding rich layers of vocals and guitars. Eddie “Kingfish” Manion (Springsteen/Little Steven/Southside Johnny) plays sax on this one too. (Incidentally, Eddie starts the latest Springsteen tour in Tampa Wednesday, the same day this album is released.)
“American Heart” again includes Jonathan Byrd and John Waken on backing vocals and guitars as Deely delivers a mournful song of times that have slipped away. “This American heart is twisting in the wind, and the things we hold dear are on the line again.” This song builds up to a slow tempo heartland rock feel.
Overall this album has a Tom Petty-esque rock feel, with a mournful tone of grieving carried all throughout. Lots of musicians contributed layered musical swirls and pretty vocals. Find the music here: https://jamesdeelymusic.bandcamp.com
Additional musicians on the album are Bruce Tunkel on piano and organ; James Michael Devaney on drums and Chuck Manich bass. Hesh Inc. plays Hammond B-3 organ; Northern Ireland’s Steve Morris plays the Irish fiddle on “Streets of Dublin” and “American Heart.” Judy Tint contributes on backing vocals and tambourine; Northern Ireland’s Mickey Devlin adds vocals; Layonne Holmes add vocals; with additional drums by Joe Bellia. Also on the album are Johnny Waken, Jonathan Byrd, Steve Morris, Jim Stickley, Ivan “Funk-Boy” Bodley, Peter Barnett and Brother Paul Ford- (RIP).
The record deals a lot with the loss of people very close to me, and the endearing promise that in the wake of tremendous Loss, there must be something good coming in the brand new day. — James Deely – “This Train Is Running Out of Track”