Anthony Braxton is an avant-garde composer, musician, and educator whose experimental approach to jazz has made him a pivotal figure in modern music. Born on June 4, 1945, in Chicago, Illinois, Braxton has forged a remarkable career that spans over five decades, marked by a prolific output and an unceasing quest for musical innovation. Braxton’s works often transcend traditional boundaries, drawing from a spectrum of genres including jazz, classical, and electronic music, showcasing his mastery in a variety of wind instruments, most notably the saxophone.

Anthony Braxton’s discography showcases not only his versatility but also his willingness to explore and reinterpret the vast landscape of musical possibilities. With recent releases like "Four Compositions (Wesleyan - 2013)," "12 Comp (Zim) 2017," and "Duo (Bologna) 2018," Braxton continues to push the envelope, combining structured compositional elements with the liberation of improvisation. His recordings "Solo in Peitz" and "Solo (Victoriaville) 2017" capture the raw and intimate energy of his solo performances, while ensemble works like "Quartet (New Haven) 2014" and the archived performances in "Quartet (Santa Cruz) 1993 - 1st Set" and "Quartet (Santa Cruz) 1993 - 2nd Set" delve into the collaborative dynamics of group improvisation. As a testament to his lasting influence and contribution to music, "The Essential Anthony Braxton - The Arista Years" serves as an accessible entry point to his extensive body of work. Braxton's role as an educator has also been significant, molding young minds through his tenure at institutions like Wesleyan University. Unconventional, fearless, and ever-evolving, Anthony Braxton's legacy straddles the realms of the avant-garde and the scholarly, securing his place as a true innovator in the world of music.

Genres

African-american Classical

Avant-garde Jazz

Free Improvisation

Free Jazz

Jazz Saxophone

Latest Release

Four Compositions (Wesleyan - 2013)

Anthony Braxton•

Hildegard Kleeb

Ep - 4 Tracks - Released September 22, 2023