Braxton Cook is a dynamic contemporary jazz musician known for his captivating fusion of jazz, R&B, soul, funk, and hip-hop. With a background steeped in musical heritage and a journey that includes collaborations with renowned artists, Cook continues to redefine the jazz landscape with his innovative sound and emotive performances.
Braxton Cook, born on March 27, 1991, in Boston, Massachusetts, is a celebrated contemporary jazz musician whose work smoothly blends elements of jazz, R&B, soul, funk, and hip-hop. Raised in a musically nurtured environment in Silver Spring, Maryland, Cook was destined for a life steeped in melodic exploration. His mother was a classical pianist and his father, a Georgetown professor, played saxophone, both significantly influencing his musical journey. At the tender age of five, he found inspiration to play the saxophone after hearing his father perform "Somewhere Over the Rainbow."
Braxton Cook’s formal journey into jazz began during his time at Springbrook High School where he played in jazz ensembles. He earned a spot in the illustrious 2009 Grammy Jazz Ensemble, reflecting his early promise. Initially a student at Georgetown University studying English and African American Studies, his path took a definitive turn when he transferred to the Juilliard School in 2011 to study jazz saxophone, graduating in 2015.
While pursuing his studies at Juilliard, Cook met trumpeter Christian Scott, becoming a long-term member of his touring band. This collaboration placed Cook firmly on the jazz map, subsequently being a semi-finalist in the 2013 Thelonious Monk International Jazz Saxophone Competition. His debut EP "Sketch" was released in 2014, introducing his unique sound that blends the intricate styles of jazz, soul, R&B, and hip-hop. Influenced by legends such as John Coltrane, Kenny Garrett, Grover Washington Jr., and contemporary artists like Frank Ocean, Cook is known for his virtuosic alto saxophone performances, as well as his soulful vocals and songwriting.
Braxton Cook’s discography highlights his evolution as an artist:
Throughout his career, Cook has collaborated and performed with some of the most respected artists and bands in the industry such as Christian Scott, Christian McBride, Marquis Hill, Jon Batiste, Tom Misch, Mac Miller, Rihanna, and Solange Knowles. His participation in Christian Scott’s Grammy-nominated album "Emancipation Procrastination" further pushed his prominence. His performances have captivated audiences at major festivals like Coachella, North Sea Jazz Festival, and Montreux Jazz Festival and included multiple shows on NPR's Tiny Desk Concert series.
Recognized as a "Jazz Marvel" by Fader Magazine and listed by Ebony as one of the "Top Five Jazz Artists to Watch," Cook continues to garner accolades for his innovative work. He also won an Emmy Award for his contributions to a Vox video on John Coltrane. Most recently, he released the album "Who Are You When No One Is Watching?" in 2023 and the EP "My Everything" in 2024, solidifying his status as an innovative voice in jazz’s new directions.
In his continuing artistic journey, Braxton Cook remains committed to pushing jazz into new, exhilarating territories, reaching younger and broader audiences with his genre-defining sound.
