Favorite Tracks on the CD
The CD kicks off with the reggae-flavored lead song “Missin Ur Lovin” where the creative channel separation is nicely noticeable. Brad mentioned that, “The vocal hook on "Missin Ur Lovin" is actually appropriated from an old Scientist dub record. Trying to clear the sample took too long so I just had a local reggae singer, Baba Baraka, come in and re-voice it. Now if that's not the reggae way to do it, I don't know what is!”“Morning Coffee” is the best track for dance club DJ use because of the consistant pumping disco/dance beat. Morning aerobics on the exercise step platform anyone? Electro purists will be able to “Cool Jets” to track five which contains those pulsating rhythmic beats a la Kraftwerk’s classic “Tour De France”. “Sleepy Candy” is my runner-up favorite because of its uplifting beat and smooth traveling music groove. I had the honor to pose a couple of questions to the composer himself.
Mini-Interview with BradElectro
JB: I noticed your press release mentioned your liking "Get Down On It"...ever get into any of their other, oldie stuff? Who are your other musical favorites that have influenced or motivated your sound?
BradElectro: I'm a huge funk, soul and jazz fan, and yes Kool & The Gang definitely did that fusion thing on their earlier releases. Along with their straight-forward material, I also like their weirder "Electric Frog" experiments, where you can tell they're trying out all the amazing new (at the time) analog synths that were coming out. I think the synth on that particular cut was an ARP 2600, but I'm too lazy to go look at the liner notes right now. Anyway, funk is huge for me, and I've noticed more and more than my DJ set is basically just new funk, ha ha! You know, I play slower dance-oriented stuff with lots of groove, melody and personality. And you can definitely hear the funk influence on Pinstripe Late Night. Almost every track has live drums and a distinct, memorable bassline! My other big musical influence would have to be reggae. From ska and rock steady to roots, lovers rock and 80's all the way to the newest dancehall. I'm a diehard reggae warrior. Dub reggae especially gave me insight beyond traditional pop song form, and helped me develop an ear for unorthodox, adventurous sounds.
JB: Can you think of a funny or amusing vignette that happened during the production of Pinstripe LateNite?
BradElectro: Funny you should mention the title. It came to me after one of those big crazy San Francisco party nights, as my wife and I stumbled through the door at some ungodly hour. My wife observed that even though we're both in our 30's, we still stay up late and have fun like we always did. I slurred, "Yeah but we got way more style now - I mean check out my stylin' pinstripe pants!" Then I probably tripped over my stylin' self and my wife had to help undress me and put me to bed, who knows! All I can say is it's never too late to have fun, heh.
Summary
He’s correct on that, but what does he mean “in our thirties [and] still stay up late...?” Yours truly is a score older and like fine vino, aged by the late night’s moons! I resemble that remark, but will not deduct style points for such an unintended faux pas; and thus and still bringing the late night pin stripers in for a solid 3.5 star landing. I’m hoping to hear a few more cuts on the next album.Released October 2008 on Tarantic Records.
