Braxton Cook shares the bittersweet new jazz instrumental song “Not Everyone Can Go”
May 2, 2025 BY Emma Orland
After the success of his NPR Tiny Desk Concert and first taste of new music in 2025 with “We’ve Come So Far,” the award-winning, Juilliard-trained singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer Braxton Cook shares the progressive jazz instrumental “Not Everyone Can Go.” One of the most melodic saxophone players of his generation of jazz players, Braxton shows why he’s an award-winning artist and an in-demand musician-producer. Blistering drums, mesmerizing saxophone harmonies, and atmospheric guitars build the world for Braxton’s new era.
“Not Everyone Can Go is about letting go of what no longer serves me during this stage of life…” says Braxton. “Friends, relationships, partnerships, behaviours conscious and unconscious that I need to break free from in order to go to this next phase.”
It’s a difficult realization to make, but ultimately a freeing one, and on “Not Everyone Can Go,” there’s an airy quality to the playing. An almost nervous energy pulses through as if the musician is embracing change with open arms despite any bittersweet reservations. The song follows his more R&B-leaning “We’ve Come So Far,” which first debuted on NPR’s Tiny Desk.
Catch Braxton Cook on tour throughout California this Summer! He’ll support IDK at his Los Angeles performance at the El Rey Theatre on May 13th before bringing his captivating live band to the San Francisco Jazz Festival, the Kuumbwa Jazz Center in Santa Cruz, and the Blue Note Napa in June. Find the complete list of tour dates below, and for more information, visit www.braxtoncook.com.
WATCH & SHARE BRAXTON COOK’S NPR TINY DESK CONCERT:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7OtKIZE7tE
Braxton Cook is an Emmy Award-winning, NAACP Image Award-nominated artist known for his world-class skills as an alto saxophonist, vocalist, songwriter, producer, and composer. With a blend of jazz, soul, and alt-R&B, he has carved out a unique, melodic sound that has made him one of the most exciting voices of his generation. Raised in Maryland, Braxton studied saxophone under the renowned Paul Carr before attending Georgetown University and later transferring to The Juilliard School. By 18, he was already performing in iconic D.C. jazz venues, and soon after, he became a regular member of trumpeter Christian Scott’s band, gaining exposure on several of his albums. He also toured and performed with Christian McBride Big Band, Tom Misch, and Marquis Hill. During this time, Braxton was selected as a semi-finalist in the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Saxophone Competition.
Braxton’s solo career took off with the release of his debut EP Sketch and the subsequent album Somewhere In Between, which earned widespread acclaim and millions of streams. He has performed on major stages around the world, from Coachella to international jazz festivals, and collaborated with GRAMMY-winning artists like Rihanna, Solange, and Jon Batiste, performing on his soundtrack for Pixar’s Oscar-winning film, Soul. Braxton’s versatility in both the studio and live performances made him both a sought-after performer and producer/songwriter, including contributions to Taylor Swift’s GRAMMY-winning song “Lavender Haze” and Giveon’s alt-R&B cut “Tryina Be.”
In 2022, Braxton signed to Nettwerk and released Black Mona Lisa, an EP that reflects on themes of Black love, excellence, and social justice, particularly addressing the tragic death of Ma’Khia Bryant. His 2023 album Who Are You When No One is Watching? expanded on these ideas, blending emotional depth with social commentary on race, love, and fatherhood. The album garnered critical acclaim from outlets like Billboard, BET, NPR Music, FORBES, and The Washington Post, cementing Braxton as both a “jazz marvel” and a cultural influencer shaping modern music.
Last year, Braxton returned with My Everything. These four beautifully composed tracks present us with a dynamic, spiritually uplifting reflection on hope, family, and the things that give our lives meaning. That isn’t to say they aren’t without tension. Cook spends time ruminating on his highs and lows, perhaps paying extra attention to the darker moments to truly find gratitude somewhere in the middle.
Thematically, My Everything brings us up to speed with where Cook is as a person. We get a firsthand look at how Cook navigates the triumphs and trials of family life. The spiritual heart of the project, the title track, finds Cook delving into the confusion and strife that come along with life’s growing pains.
“I really hope that people can connect with the record and that they can better connect with me personally. This project speaks to the importance of having faith in the midst of adversity and having belief that when times are tough, things will ultimately turn around for the better. I believe My Everything captures that essence and hope that it inspires people to push through the dark times until they reach the light on the other side.”
BRAXTON COOK 2025 TOUR DATES:
May 13th – Los Angeles, CA @ El Rey Theatre | supporting IDK
June 13th – San Francisco, CA @ San Francisco Jazz Festival
June 19th – Santa Cruz, CA @ Kuumbwa Jazz Center
June 20th – Napa, CA @ Blue Note Napa (early and late show)
Media Praise for Braxton Cook:
“…a refreshing jazz-R&B take on Black love…”
– Billboard
“genre-jumping artist whose music feels both contemporary and timeless”
– NPR Music
“…powerful… rich… avant-garde…”
– PAPER Magazine
“Cook’s soulful sound seamlessly intertwines jazz with funk, soul, and gospel, a testament to the passionate and thoughtful work he puts out”
– OkayPlayer
“Jazz prodigy…with his alto saxophone and other acoustic instruments, the album uses electronic textures, hip-hop- and trap-inspired beats, plus Cook’s own vocal…”
– The Washington Post
“Braxton Cook had us in a trance with his new single, “Weekend, featuring Swiss soul singer, NNAVY. Collectively, the two singers embrace a push-pull tension of balancing work, life and love.”
– VIBE
