Braxton Cook

Braxton Cook is an Emmy Award-winning, two time GRAMMY Award winning, NAACP Image Award-nominated artist, known for his world-class skills as an alto saxophonist, vocalist, songwriter, producer and composer. With a blend of jazz, soul, and alt-R&B, he has carved out a unique, melodic sound that has made him one of the most exciting voices of his generation. Raised in Maryland, Braxton studied saxophone under the renowned Paul Carr before attending Georgetown University and later transferring to The Juilliard School. By 18, he was already performing in iconic D.C. jazz venues, and soon after, he became a regular member of trumpeter Christian Scott's band, gaining exposure on several of his albums. He also toured and performed with Christian McBride Big Band, Tom Misch, and Marquis Hill. During this time, Braxton was selected as a semi-finalist in the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Saxophone Competition.

Braxton's solo career took off with the release of his debut EP Sketch and the subsequent album Somewhere In Between, which earned widespread acclaim and millions of streams. He has performed on major stages around the world, from Coachella to international jazz festivals, and collaborated with GRAMMY-winning artists like Rihanna, Solange, and Jon Batiste, performing on his soundtrack for Pixar’s Oscar-winning film, Soul.

In 2022, Braxton signed to Nettwerk and released Black Mona Lisa, an EP that reflects on themes of Black love, excellence, and social justice, particularly addressing the tragic death of Ma’Khia Bryant. His 2023 album Who Are You When No One is Watching? expanded on these ideas, blending emotional depth with social commentary on race, love, and fatherhood. The album garnered critical acclaim from outlets like Billboard, BET, NPR Music, FORBES, and The Washington Post, cementing Braxton as both a "jazz marvel" and a cultural influencer shaping modern music.

As a composer, Braxton has worked alongside Jon Batiste on the Academy Award Winning Pixar film “Soul” and also worked alongside Juilliard classmate and longtime friend Kris Bower’s on Justin Simien’s “Bad Hair” for Hulu. He has also scored a handful of independent short films and even ESPN’s 30 for 30 Podcast series called “Bag Game.”

Last year, Braxton returned with My Everything. These four beautifully composed tracks present us with a dynamic, spiritually uplifting reflection on hope, family, and the things that give our lives meaning. That isn’t to say they aren’t without tension. Cook spends time ruminating on his highs and lows, perhaps paying extra attention to the darker moments to truly find gratitude somewhere in the middle.

Thematically, My Everything brings us up to speed with where Cook is as a person. We get a firsthand look at how Cook navigates the triumphs and trials of family life. The spiritual heart of the project, the title track, finds Cook delving into the confusion and strife that come along with life’s growing pains.

You can hear Braxton’s live arrangement of MB, My Everything, Zodiac and We’ve Come So Far during his stellar NPR Tiny Desk performance! His most recent release is a track called Not Everyone Can Go and is the 2nd single from his forthcoming album slated to drop late Summer 2025.