Tom Braxton
-
Imagine This
Tom
Braxton started his musical career with
the jazz fusion band No Compromise.
After his college years Braxton launched his solo course. His debut
album Your Move (1992) was the first opportunity to record a
duet with long-time friend Kirk Whalum on the song Peacemaker.
His sophomore album Katalasso (1998) was his second smooth jazz
album, followed by Face to Face (1999) an instrumental praise
and worship CD. His next album Comfort and Joy (2001) was a
Christmas album. His fifth release, Bounce (2005), was
produced by Wayman Tisdale for Dave Koz’s label, Rendezvous
Entertainment. “Wayman approached me with the idea of doing a project
together,” recalls Braxton. “I was very excited and the creative
juices began to flow."
His newest album is
Imagine This
(2007). “The title of the CD has a lot of personal meaning to me. It
is a positive statement that all things are possible and dreams can
and really do come true. Through this music, I want to inspire the
listener to look beyond the ordinary and aim for the extraordinary,”
comments Braxton. The album is published by Pacific Coast Jazz,
founded in 2003, a label that also offers artist management services.
Kirk and Kevin Whalum, Kirks brother, Tim Bowman and Brian Simpson are
among those musicians participating Braxton's new success.
Steely Dan's Peg,
the first tune on Braxton's album, was released by Becker and Fagan on
their groundbreaking album Aja (1977). This fascinating song
hasn't lost its glamour and is a good choice for cover. Excellent
Kevin's scatting jazz at the end of the tune. Braxton selected this
song as first for smooth radio play.
Escape is
featuring stellar keyboardist Brian Simpson this time on piano. The
song was written and co-produced by keyboardist Joe Ninowski. Joe is
known for his work in Gospel and Pop music (Wiley Brooks-Martin, Steve
Flanigan, Marilyn McCoo). Braxton comments: “My good
friend, Joe Ninowski, wrote this tune with me in mind. When I heard
it, I immediately thought of asking Brian to add his special touch to
this track.”
The title song
Imagine This is featuring Kirk Whalum (tenor sax) in duet with Tom
Braxton (soprano sax). The song has a strong spiritual touch; both sax
players are known for their religious engagement.
Kaanapali Beach
is one of the best beaches on
Maui. The song encompass the spirit of surf and sun. Daran DeShazo's
romantic acoustic guitar, Jorge Ginorio's spicy percussion, the
awesome horn arrangement, there is so much sunny flavor in this song.
With Good to Go
Eric Willis brings his own signature of keyboard sounds and drum
programming into Braxton's musical world. As a songwriter, Eric has
over 100 titles in his catalog, many which have been performed by
local churches and community choirs including the DFW Mass Choir. He
also performed with Braxton on his albums
Katalasso and Bounce.
Haven't You
Heard? is one of Patricia Rushen's top ten hits in the R&B charts
of the 70's. Braxton's cover is certainly a bow to Patricia's
original. The old stomping beat and Andrea Wallace's vocals have a
flabbergasting similarity to Patricia's version.
Evening Drive is featuring Tim Bowman on guitar. He always
shines as special guest musician.
There is a time when
we rest for recreation and relaxation. It's Downtime. This is
Braxton's musical expression of this relaxing period of day. So chill
out and enjoy this song. On 1 a.m. Tom Braxton's underlines that mood
with a horn section of Pete Branham (tenor sax), Don Bozman (trombone)
and Larry Spencer (trumpet).
Rest Assured
is a song expanding the space for Tom Braxton sax solo. Great support
by keyboardists Eric Willis and Arlington Jones.
The curtain falls
down softly with Revelation Song, food for dreaming, thought
and contemplation.
Replacing hustle and
bustle with calm, this spiritual understanding is taught by Braxton's
music. Besides these soulful sax improvisations is enough space for
stimulating music power. Ying and Yang for body and soul.
