The year may be winding down, but Braxton Cook isn't slowing his pace one bit. After making us say "Ooooo," he and Butcher Brown dropped the long awaited collabo project Braxton Cook Meets Butcher Brown in August. A couple of weeks later, he was on the road as a part of Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah's Stretch Music tour (they'll be headed to Europe at the end of the month), further impressing us with an amazing NPR Tiny Desk performance. Did we mention he's still perfecting his craft through private studies at Julliard? Talk about putting in work!
Well, it seems Mr. Cook still has a lot left to give as he's recently announced a follow-up to his 2014 EP, Sketch. Naturally, he decided to give a preview of what's to come by releasing a video of the recording session for album teaser "I Can't." Now, we've seen Braxton perform before, but never like this. The acclaimed sax man blesses the track with his vocal debut and our jaws are still sore from hitting the floor so hard. With a tenor voice that's equally sweet and sensual, he treats the listener to a personal serenade, tenderly revealing "I can't go on without you by my side." He's so good, we almost forgot he played the saxophone. Backed by the phenomenal Braxton Cook Quartet, the intimacy is felt throughout the jazzy arrangement as well. The ensemble now features Andrew Renfroe (guitar) Joshua Crumbly (bass) and Jonathan Pinson (drums), and though the line-up has changed since the last album, the musicianship is still top-notch.
Brighten up your Monday (or any day for that matter) with the captivating preview below. While we wait for the new album to drop, get caught up with Braxton's previous work via iTunes and follow him on Twitter for the latest updates.
