…with PCJ since 2007! 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 nine 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 more recent release, The Next Chapter (2014), 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.
We’re happy to announce his latest release, The Other Side, a collaboration with Robert Sanae. Just like the perfect cup of coffee, Sanae and Braxton have brewed a delicious blend of contemporary, chill, and smooth jazz. Sanae’s nine originals and the Stylistic’s classic People Make the World Go ‘Round feature his mellow trumpet with Braxton’s complimentary soprano, alto, and tenor saxophones. Robert’s keyboards and production worked hand in hand with Tom’s ideas as they co-produced and added friends Al Turner (bassist from Earl Klugh) and flutist Bradley Leighton (Pacific Coast Jazz). Turner adds plenty of spice to Sanae’s take on People and the Wayman Tisdale tribute What’s Up Tis?
The first track rolling out to radio now is “People Make the World Go ‘Round” featuring Robert’s mellow trumpet with Braxton’s complimentary saxophones with Al Turner on bass and Chris Bowman on electric guiltars. Listen here:
With the bouncy, The Finer Things, Sanae, Braxton, and guitarist Chris Bowman trade melodic lines over a hypnotic groove. Robert’s haunting trumpet soars through the title track, The Other Side with Tom’s alto and tenor right by his side. Sanae’s production skills are showcased on Groovis as he gives himself and Braxton’s tenor a perfect place to share an energetic melody. Guitarist Chris Bowman shines again on Sanae’s dreamy City by Night which captures the mood of the urban landscape complete with street lights, neon signs, and moonlight. Sharolyn’s Eyes, written for a friend’s wife, spotlights Braxton’s smooth tenor with Robert’s melodic trumpet and keyboards as they all join the party in the grooving solo section. Castle is a nice change of pace for the romantics with its soothing acoustic guitar and catchy vocal phrases that whisk us away to a castle by the sea. The CD is completed by the Latin flavored Time for Tea which adds Bradley Leighton‘s flute to the recipe, and the ballad Infinitely You which features Tom’s lyrical soprano in an ‘unplugged’ setting. This collaboration marks a first for Sanae and Braxton and it is very comfortable and productive. There is a spark between these two that we certainly hope to see again down the road in their musical journeys.
Tom’s music can be heard on radio and television airwaves nationwide, and his albums have hit numerous jazz charts including Billboard, RadioWave, SmoothJazz.com, 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 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. 
Reviews:
Smooth Jazz Ride
For More info on Tom – please go to his fabulous website and catch up there!
click here: TomBraxton.com