Tom Braxton

Tom Braxton is a contemporary jazz saxophonist from Lubbock, Texas, who plays alto, tenor and soprano. Piano came first, and he picked up the alto in sixth grade before earning a music performance degree at Texas Tech University. During his college years his fusion band No Compromise opened shows for Joe Sample and Stanley Clarke. He made his solo debut with Your Move, and in 1992 he joined Wayman Tisdale’s band, going on to serve as its musical director.

His albums include Bounce, produced by Tisdale, Imagine This, Endless Highway and The Next Chapter, with guests Bob James, Earl Klugh and Peter White. The singles “Lookin’ Up” and “Hope For Tomorrow”, featuring Bob James, both made Billboard’s smooth jazz chart, and “Hub City Jam” (2023), with Rick Braun, is a nod to his home town. He has toured with Earl Klugh, and the West Texas Walk of Fame honoured him in 2017. His 2026 album Flashback looks back at his early years on the Great Plains.