Although he is a Juilliard graduate, alto saxophonist, composer, and vocalist, Braxton Cook is a progressive jazz musician whose recordings synthesize blues, gospel, soul, funk, and rap. A native of Washington, D.C., Cook was drawn to his instrument at the age of five through his father, and the records in his house factored in his development as a listener and player. A major turning point for him came when he started a lengthy association with trumpeter Christian Scott, including studio sessions and extensive touring. As a leader, Cook has issued a handful of his own works. After the self-released Sketch (2014) and Braxton Cook Meets Butcher Brown (2015), he joined the Fresh Selects label for Somewhere in Between (2017). He signed to Nettwerk in 2022; they reissued Fire Sign in September and released 2023's Who Are You When No One Is Watching? in February.
Influenced by Braxton CookBraxton Cook has influenced the music of Peela, Marco Menchise, Eric Parmelee and more.