Jazz composer, saxophonist, clarinettist, flautist, pianist, and philosopher Anthony Braxton was born on June 4, 1945, in Chicago, Illinois. Critic Chris Kelsey claims that Braxton "might very well be jazz's last bona fide genius" and notes that "His self-invented (yet heavily theoretical) approach to playing and composing jazz seemed to have as much in common with late 20th century classical music as it did jazz."
In his book, The 101 Best Jazz Albums, Len Lyons recommends Braxton's album, The Montreux/Berlin Concerts (Arista), which he calls "the most manageable, dependable vehicle for Braxton's adventurous spirit." This album is available on CD from Amazon.com.
Braxton and his quartet play "You Stepped Out Of a Dream" from a 1975 album, Five Pieces, here:
