Bay Area beginnings
Born in San Francisco and raised in Fairfield, California, Nelson and Wayne grew up surrounded by their father’s record collection and DJ work. Public school music programs gave them their first instrumental foundation in fourth grade. Their musical education later included California State University, Northridge for Wayne and San Francisco State University for Nelson. Both were selected for the Disney All-American College Band. Nelson’s early training included tuba and the San Francisco Symphony Youth Orchestra before bass became his principal instrument.
The radio breakthrough
Their first radio breakthrough came close to home. After the brothers began sending their independently recorded music to Bay Area stations, San Francisco’s KKSF put “When Love Comes Around” on the air. That exposure helped lead to their first recording contract. Steppin’ Out was released on Kokopelli on December 3, 1996, and reached No. 1 on Gavin’s Smooth Jazz & Vocals chart in March 1997. “Sunset Bay” and “When Love Comes Around” remain signature recordings from that debut.
Six albums, a continuing catalog
Windham Hill reissued Steppin’ Out in 1998, followed by Now & Forever in 1999. The brothers joined Peak Records for Both Sides (2002) and Rollin’ (2004), extending their blend of melodic bass, saxophone, and rhythm-driven arrangements. True Love (2013) and Higher (2018) continued the catalog through Braxton Productions. Across these six studio albums, the brothers remained directly involved as writers and producers.
In the studio
Nelson leads production on the duo’s recent recordings, extending a studio career that also includes work for other artists. He produced Paula Atherton’s “Moonlight Drive” and “Summer Daze,” and produced and mixed Spontaneous Groovin’ Combustion’s “Toast of the Town.” His mixing credits also include Ledisi’s Soulsinger. Wayne’s contributions across The Braxton Brothers’ catalog include saxophones and keyboards, with drum programming and production on earlier recordings.
New music, lasting connections
New recordings have kept that catalog moving forward. “Catalina Nights” reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Smooth Jazz Airplay chart in 2022. Later singles include “Let’s Have a Good Time,” “Forever Together,” “Groovin’ at the Symphony Hall,” “Tonight (2024),” and “Inside Your Heart.” Their new single, “Still Yours,” celebrates faithful, lasting love. For the brothers, its title also acknowledges the smooth jazz audience that has supported their music over the years.
Onstage
Their individual careers bring further range to the partnership. Nelson’s work includes touring with Michael Bolton and Najee; Wayne’s performance history includes Sheila E. Together, they have brought their music to stages including Yoshi’s in Oakland, the Greater Hartford Jazz Festival, and the Dave Koz Cruise. The exchange between saxophone and bass that defines the recordings also gives their live performances their character.
Selected historical references
