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Tom Braxton

Dynamic...Energetic...Charismatic...Warm-hearted...These are just a few adjectives that have been used to describe saxophonist Tom Braxton, whose distinct, melodic sound has been thrilling audiences of all ages from coast to coast and abroad for nearly two decades. This versatile instrumentalist and gifted composer is a seasoned performer who has the amazing ability to "grab the heart-strings" of the audience within the first few minutes of his show; engage them with his exceptional skill, wit, and charm; and leave them astounded, clapping, and on their feet screaming for more! That's why Jazz Review calls Braxton "one of smooth jazz's most prolific saxophonists...with all the required tools to become a major force." This native Texan has recorded eight albums including The Next Chapter (2014), Endless Highway (2009), and Imagine This (2007) on the Pacific Coast Jazz label and Bounce (2005) on the Rendezvous label. His latest release, The Next Chapter, features Grammy winners Bob James, Earl Klugh, and Ricky Lawson, as well as one of Smooth Jazz's most beloved guitarists, Peter White, who all lend their amazing talents to stellar duets with Tom's lyrical saxophone. His music can be heard on radio and television airwaves nationwide, and his albums have hit numerous jazz charts including Billboard, SmoothJazz.com, RadioWave, Groove Jazz Music, Capital Jazz Radio, and Amazon. Tom toured extensively with Wayman Tisdale for 17 years, also serving as Musical Director. He has been a featured performer and fan favorite on the Smooth Jazz Cruise since 2005. He has also garnered rave reviews overseas, performing as a headliner on the first Smooth Jazz Europe Festival in the Netherlands and the Nile Gold Jazz Safari in Uganda. He was also a featured performer on the Java Jazz Festival in Jakarta, Indonesia. Braxton has toured with Earl Klugh in South Africa, Malawi, Mozambique, and Japan, and he has also toured with Keiko Matsui in Russia, Eastern Europe, Malaysia, and Japan. Braxton has shared the stage with many great artists including Dave Koz, Rick Braun, Peter White, Brian Culbertson, Marcus Miller, Candy Dulfer, Warren Hill, Bob James, George Duke, Kirk Whalum, Jonathan Butler, Jeff Golub, Norman Brown, Sheila E., Aretha Franklin, Luther Vandross, and Phillip Bailey. He has been featured in media and publications such as JAZZIZ, Smooth Jazz News, The Saxophone Journal, CBS's The Saturday Early Show, Ugandan Television, and Daystar Television Network.

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337
Album Review

Endless Highway: Tom Braxton

Read "Tom Braxton" reviewed by Jerry D'Souza


Saxophonist Tom Braxton's music has been called “smooth jazz," which is somewhat unfortunate. Yes, he is a smooth jazz artist, but he also has the foresight to assimilate soul, funk and R&B into his compositions. In melding these forms he adds snap, crackle and drive, making the journey on his Endless Highway a highly enjoyable experience.

Braxton plays tenor, alto, and soprano saxophones, and he's at ease on all of them. The tenor gives him the greatest bite, and he ...

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2

Performance / Tour

Jazz This Week: Marcus Roberts Trio, Denise Thimes with Cyrus Chestnut and Tom Braxton, Pedrosaxo, and More

Jazz This Week: Marcus Roberts Trio, Denise Thimes with Cyrus Chestnut and Tom Braxton, Pedrosaxo, and More

Source: St. Louis Jazz Notes by Dean Minderman

Although it's getting to the end of the spring presenting season for jazz and creative music here in St. Louis, this Mother's Day weekend nevertheless offers plenty of options for your listening enjoyment. Let's go to the highlights... Tonight, pianist Marcus Roberts (pictured) and his trio will be the featured performers for the tenth annual “Evening of Hope" event benefiting the Hope Center for Neurological Disorders at the Sheldon Concert Hall. Roberts last played in St. Louis in November 2012 ...

15

Performance / Tour

Jazz This Week: Dafnis Prieto, Bobby Watson, New Music Circle Showcase, Denise Thimes with Tom Braxton, and More

Jazz This Week: Dafnis Prieto, Bobby Watson, New Music Circle Showcase, Denise Thimes with Tom Braxton, and More

Source: St. Louis Jazz Notes by Dean Minderman

There are several noteworthy jazz and creative music shows happening this weekend in St. Louis, and for once, the schedule lays out so that it's possible to hear all the touring musicians coming through town, provided you've got the stamina and the necessary funds to go out five nights this week. Let's go to the highlights... Tonight, drummer Dafnis Prieto (pictured) makes his St. Louis debut and opens a four-night engagement continuing through Saturday at Jazz at the Bistro. Prieto ...

249

Recording

Tom Braxton "Open Road" Single Hits Radio May 31st

Tom Braxton "Open Road" Single Hits Radio May 31st

Source: Sound Visions Media

"Open Road" is the perfect summer release for your vacation road trip or family get-a-way. And while you're listening you may even catch a concert as Tom Braxton hits the “open road" to perform at various venues around the country.

“Open Road" is one of the tracks from his latest release “Endless Highway" on the Pacific Coast Jazz label. Joined by an outstanding array of musicians, this recording is a toe-tapping, colorful, groove-oriented excursion with a sophisticated urban flavor that ...

85

Performance / Tour

Tom Braxton's Groundbreaking First European Tour as Ambassador of Smooth Jazz

Tom Braxton's Groundbreaking First European Tour as Ambassador of Smooth Jazz

Source: Sound Visions Media

Jazz saxophonist and composer, Tom Braxton recently made his first European appearance on a tour in the Netherlands, which kicked off on March 31st and wrapped up on April 4th. Smooth Jazz Europe organized and sponsored the groundbreaking tour that featured Braxton in concert in five different cities highlighting the music from his current CD release, Endless Highway, on the Pacific Coast Jazz label. “It was fantastic to have a great sax player like Tom Braxton come to the Netherlands," ...

174

TV / Film

Tom Braxton, Featured on KDAF TV DFW Close up Show and Home Grown Concert

Tom Braxton, Featured on KDAF TV DFW Close up Show and Home Grown Concert

Source: Sound Visions Media

San Diego, CA -- Saxophonist and composer Tom Braxton will be featured on KDAF-TV (The 33 CW), DFW Close Up Show, in Dallas, TX this Sunday, November 1st at 7:00 A.M. His latest CD, Endless Highway, has been getting recognition and airplay throughout the country with special attention to the single hit “That Wayman Smile." The song pays homage to his friend and mentor, professional basketball player and bass guitarist, Wayman Tisdale who recently lost his battle with cancer. “That ...

176

Performance / Tour

Saxophonist Tom Braxton Featured at Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame

Saxophonist Tom Braxton Featured at Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame

Source: Sound Visions Media

San Diego, CA - Saxophonist and composer Tom Braxton's song “That Wayman Smile" from his current release Endless Highway was chosen to honor the late Wayman Tisdale during the Annual Induction Banquet Gala for the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame. The event was held on Wednesday, October 21, 2009 also paying tribute to Bob Wills, Steve Pryor, Dr. Stephen Wiley, Olivia Duhon and John C. Wooley.

“That Wayman Smile" has been receiving a tremendous amount of airplay from radio across ...

169

Recording

Tom Braxton Releases Highly Anticipated CD "Endless Highway"

Tom Braxton Releases Highly Anticipated CD "Endless Highway"

Source: Sound Visions Media

Saxophonist and composer Tom Braxton's latest release, Endless Highway, takes you on the ride of your life.

Joined by an outstanding array of instrumentalists and vocalists, this recording is a toe-tapping, colorful, groove- oriented excursion with a sophisticated urban flavor that will make you feel like dancing and singing all day long. Endless Highway, his second release on the San Diego-based Pacific Coast Jazz label, lifts Braxton to a new level of artistry as he pays homage to his friend ...

131

Recording

Tom Braxton - "Let's Stay Together" Hits the Airwaves

Tom Braxton - "Let's Stay Together" Hits the Airwaves

Source: All About Jazz

Los Angeles, CA - March 9, 2006 - Rendezvous Music recording artist Tom Braxton is set to release “Let's Stay Together" from his fifth CD, Bounce, on March 13, 2006.

Invitingly sexy, this Al Green classic combines old-school vibes with Braxton's smoothly seamless sax work. Smooth jazz bassist and former NBA great Wayman Tisdale, proclaims, “I love that sweet sound he gets on the horn."

Produced by Wayman Tisdale, Bounce was released by the Dave Koz label, Rendezvous Music, in ...

"A truly revered saxophonist...Tom Braxton is highly respected by both the world-class artists he performs with and the fans that watch him play! With a tone that is rich and distinctive, there’s no wonder why this star player commands attention. Tom’s highly anticipated 8th solo release, THE NEXT CHAPTER, is a feel-good, body movin’, soulfully positive collection of tunes...a guaranteed chart topper!" ~ SmoothJazz.com

"Tom is back with a new album, and it sounds just right...I get a feeling of joy and positive energy from listening to it. Highly recommended." ~ SmoothJazz Europe

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Photos

Concerts

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Music

Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

Hope for Tomorrow...

Innervision Records
2021

buy

Lookin' Up

Innervision Records
2021

buy

Lookin' Up

Innervision Records
2020

buy

The Other Side

Pacific Coast Jazz
2016

buy

The Next Chapter

Pacific Coast Jazz
2014

buy

Endless Highway

Pacific Coast Jazz
2009

buy

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