Anthony Braxton

Anthony Braxton is an influential experimental composer and saxophonist, born on 4 June 1945 in Chicago, Illinois, USA. He was a member of the AACM where he was influenced by mentors Muhal Richard Abrams and Roscoe Mitchell, as well as friends Joseph Jarman, Wadada Leo Smith, and Leroy Jenkins. Braxton recorded the first full-length album for unaccompanied saxophone in 1969. He has composed over 350 compositions to date, many titled with diagrams rather than words.

Braxton is known for his mastery of various saxophones including sopranino, soprano, C-melody, F mezzo-soprano, E-flat alto, baritone, bass, and contrabass. He also plays the E-flat clarinet clarinets; and the piano. Additionally,
Braxton holds the position of John Spencer Camp Professor of Music Emeritus at Wesleyan University in Middletown CT.
In recognition of his exceptional talent,
he received a MacArthur Foundation "genius grant" in 1994
and was named a 2014 National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master.

Anthony Braxton is also known as the father of Tyondai Braxton.