Jazz/R&B singer/songwriter Braxton Cook frequently features his vocal talents in his recordings, but there's something especially tranquil and magnetic about his instrumental work. An alto saxophonist who has studied the instrument since high school, the now 31-year-old Cook has garnered acclaim as a performer who blends genre lines and looks at new ways to embrace the jazz format.
In this episode of Positive Vibes Only, Cook delivers a simple, luminous performance of his unreleased song, "Indie." Accompanied only by an electric guitar, he lets his sax take the spotlight in this at-home performance. His instrument's tone is light and conversational, drawing from his skills as an improvisatory jazz performer and delivering elegant, effortless musical phrasing.
Cook's love for the saxophone is refreshingly apparent as he plays, and several homey touches within the living room setting lend intimacy to the performance — from a massive record collection to a colorful abstract painting.
Though "Indie" hasn't officially been released, Cook has put out a handful of music this year. Along with an EP titled Black Mona Lisa, Cook dropped one-off singles "Cryin' Heart" and, most recently, "U Already Know" and "Keep Moving" with fellow genre-bending jazz artist Kiefer.
Cook has also stayed busy playing shows around the U.S. this year, with a trio of shows coming up in California from Oct. 18-20 with Kiefer. Whether or not you'll be catching Cook's saxophone skills in person, press play on the video above to immerse yourself in his performance of "Indie," and keep checking back to GRAMMY.com every Sunday for more new episodes of Positive Vibes Only.