The kids are grown, living on their own, and there’s a fifth wheel parked in the driveaway. Relishing the freedom to hit the road to explore and take in nature is the inspiration for jazz fusion keyboardist Patrick Bradley’s new single, “Road Trippin’, which will begin collecting radio playlist adds and Spotify spins on March 11. Bradley wrote the song with 26-time Billboard chart-topper Darren Rahn, a multiple Grammy nominated producer, songwriter and saxophonist. Rahn produced the single previewing Bradley’s “Gratitude” album, which is slated to arrive later this year from the Patrick’s Song Factory label.
Beyond their shared musical connection, Bradley and Rahn are bonded by their devotion to their Christian faith. Blessed with a grateful heart, Bradley is thoroughly enjoying this chapter in his life after having raised two children. He and his wife of forty years, Lisa, decided to get the fifth wheel so they could travel freely and easily, enabling them to spend more time on their own in serene scenic outdoor settings. You can hear the sense of adventure on the rousing groove anchored by Rahn and Grammy-winning bassist Mel Brown on “Road Trippin’.” One can almost see the fifth wheel motoring along the open road against a majestic backdrop as Bradley’s piano issues melodic flourishes. Rahn texturizes the track with energizing harmonies via his Wurlitzer, synths and programming. Further embellishments come in the form of Joel Del Rosario’s funky guitar riffs, which are dispensed liberally throughout the cut.
“The inspiration of the song is really celebrating the freedom and the joys of a road trip. Ever since Lisa and I purchased the fifth wheel a couple of years ago, we’ve been enjoying the outdoors. We’re grateful to have the opportunity at this time in our lives when we have both the freedom and the means available to get out there. For us, it’s about exploring new destinations and visiting cherished places while enjoying the beauty of God’s creation,” said the Southern California-based Bradley, who will perform on July 28 at Spaghettini south of Los Angeles.
“Road Trippin’” provides a glimpse into what’s in store on Bradley’s upcoming sixth album, “Gratitude.” It’s his first outing since 2021’s “Exhale” album, which spawned four Billboard top 20 singles, including the title track that went No. 1 and the top 10 single, “Completely Yours.” Rahn was a big part of that project as was Grammy-winning jazz fusion keyboardist Jeff Lorber, a longtime collaborator who cowrote and produced two songs on the album after producing several of Bradley’s earlier albums. Bradley debuted in 2006 with the “Come Rain or Shine” album. Over the years, he’s collaborated with Grammy nominated saxophonists Dave Koz and Eric Marienthal, Billboard hitmakers Rick Braun and Adam Hawley, and legendary guitarist Paul Jackson Jr. (Michael Jackson, Natalie Cole, Luther Vandross, George Benson).
Patrick Bradley - Piano
Darren Rahn - Wurli, Synths, Programming
Joel Del Rosario - Guitar
Mel Brown - Bass