The Braxton Brothers

The smooth jazz duo known as the Braxton Brothers consists of San Francisco-based twin siblings Nelson on bass and Wayne on saxophone. Their partnership originated in fourth grade upon both joining the school band. Each earned repeated inclusion in the California All-State Honor Band during high school. Wayne continued at Cal State Northridge as a member of the institution’s celebrated Jazz A Band, while Nelson studied tuba at San Francisco State University and later toured Europe with the San Francisco Symphony Youth Orchestra. The brothers reconvened at SFSU to perform together in a jazz quartet and were each selected for the Disney All-American collegiate band. After turning professional, Nelson toured with Najee and Wayne worked with Sheila E. The duo issued their debut album, Steppin’ Out, in 1996; originally released on the tiny Kokopelli label, it was later licensed for reissue by Windham Hill and spawned the NAC smash “When Love Comes Around.” Now and Forever followed in 1999.