When, in January 2007, I witnessed Tom Braxton play his solo gig as part of the Smooth Jazz Cruise it was in the low key atmosphere of the Ocean Bar where he had only a pre-recorded backing track for support. Twelve months on and he was back in that same intimate venue but this time with the backing of Andre Berry on bass, Dave Hooper on drums and Arlington Jones on keys. Also different was the fact he also has a brand new CD on release and although he delved back to his previous album, ‘Bounce’, for his excellent interpretation of Al Green’s ‘Lets Stay Together’ and the equally exquisite ‘Bermuda Nights’ he gave over much of the set to gems from the new ‘Imagine This’.
Of Course Braxton’s primary gig is as sax-man for Wayman Tisdale. It’s a partnership that dates back to 1992 and the time Tisdale needed a sax player for a show he was booked to play at the Red Lion Hotel, Sacramento. Braxton flew from his home town of Lubbock Texas to join him and, except for the few years he took off during the births of his sons, has been an integral part of Tisdale’s band ever since. His input to Wayman’s band on the 2008 Smooth Jazz Cruise was perhaps more significant than ever as given the unfortunate circumstances of Tisdale’s less than perfect health it fell to the supporting artists to help bring the big bass player through. However despite the fact of the obvious struggle he had to make it through the week Tisdale’s generosity remained immense and it was no surprise when, wheelchair bound, he made the effort to contribute to Braxton’s own Friday night show.
Other cameo performances came from Jeff Golub who offered up a blues guitar backing to a sax solo from Braxton’s eighty eight year old father and the always excellent Lynn Fiddmont who was one of the stars of the entire week. This ensemble approach did nothing to dim Braxton’s growing maturity as a solo artist and impeccable renditions of new tracks such as ‘Kaanapail Beach’ and the Steely Dan classic ‘Peg’ were highlights of the entire show. Just as good was ‘Escape’. On the album this melodic tune features the piano of Brian Simpson and although Simpson was on the ship he was, at that time, otherwise engaged. Truth to tell he was hardly missed as the superb Arlington Jones went some way to making the track completely his own.
The confident and relaxed Braxton provided a show that delighted the packed late night audience and which served as the perfect showcase for ‘Imagine This’. Currently available on the Pacific Coast Jazz label it is Braxton’s sixth release and comes highly recommended.
For more on Tom Braxton go to www.tombraxton.com
Check back here often for more insights from the 2008 Smooth Jazz Cruise.
