Although the groove-oriented electronic outfit known as the Baldwin Brothers shares its name with a celebrated Hollywood acting family, the moniker actually originated from an inside joke between drummer/programmer Jason Hinkle and keyboardist T.J. Widner during their Kokomo, Indiana, childhood, when they used “Baldwin” to describe anyone considered “in-the-know.” Both musicians had started performing early: Hinkle took up the guitar at eight, while Widner began piano lessons at six. After participating in numerous bands during high school and college, the pair reconnected in Chicago during the mid-’90s and resumed performing and recording under the Baldwin Brothers name. Their sound blended Widner’s vintage Fender Rhodes with lounge, funk, jazz, and dance elements; over time the group gained local recognition through appearances on compilations and the regional club scene. The Baldwin Brothers issued their first EP, Funk Shui, in 2001. Following the addition of bassist Jimmy Deer and turntablist JB Royal, they delivered the full-length Cooking With Lasers in 2002, which included contributions from the Pulsars’ Dave Trumfio, Gorillaz, Cibo Matto vocalist Miho Hatori, and Frente!’s Angie Hart. After an extended stretch of touring and studio work, the duo resurfaced in 2006 with their second TVT release, Return of the Golden Rhodes, featuring guest spots from Mark Lanegan, Wrekked Train of Lo Fidelity Allstars, and Lisa Kekaula of the BellRays.
