We happen to love instrumentalist and singer Braxton Cook in whatever form his talents tend to emerge. However, we are a bit partial to when he showcases his immaculate skills on his trusted saxophone. He’s back to it and showing off his chops with the release of his latest single “Zodiac.”
“Zodiac” begins with Braxton playing the song’s main saxophone riff against ticking drums and brushes. Soon, though, it all fleshes out to something more lush as the other instruments are layered into the mix. Once that section has been established, the music gets a bit more mystical as Braxton creates solo constellations of notes while the rest of the band fills in the atmosphere behind him. Ever gracious, though, he then allows for a guitar solo before bringing the song back on theme with the saxophone and then taking things on home.
“‘Zodiac’ started as a demo that I wrote back in 2020 off the heels of my album Fire Sign, which had a strong astrological theme,” he said about the song for Bandcamp. “The title is also inspired by the prolific jazz pianist Mary Lou Williams’s Zodiac Suite. I brought the demo to the recording session where we listened to it and learned the harmony and melody then made it our own.”
In addition to releasing the single, he has also released a live video for the song. This live take differs from the recorded single in quite a few ways. For one, his solo is lengthier and a bit meatier. Secondly, it’s a keys solo (played by the top-notch Julius Rodriguez) accompanied by drummer Jonathan Pinson instead of the track’s guitar. And lastly, the bass in the song gets a bit more showcase thanks to the skills of Jermaine Paul.
As you can see, our love for Braxton Cook isn’t only fated by the stars. The man’s just good! Listen to a stream of “Zodiac” right here and then head below to watch Braxton and his band work in the song’s live video. If you’re looking for more, then mark your calendars for Friday, November 1st as that’s when his new album My Everything is set to arrive.
