Our second Sunday SMARTBOMB takeover features saxophonist Braxton Cook with the Kiefer Trio in Miner Auditorium, and saxophonist and composer Josh Johnson with a solo set in the Joe Henderson Lab.

Called “a prominent voice for this generation of musicians” by DownBeat, alto saxophonist Braxton Cook has garnered worldwide acclaim for his solo artistry as well as his extensive sideman work with Chief Xian aTunde Adjuah, Marquis Hill, Christian McBride, and Robert Glasper. His most recent release is the Nettwerk EP My Everything. He performs with the acclaimed trio led by pianist Kiefer.

A virtuosic pianist who marries his jazz mastery with cutting edge beat-making and production, Los Angeles-based artist Kiefer is known for his series of wide-ranging releases and work with the likes of Drake and Anderson .Paak, His newest album is the 2024 Stones Throw release Something For Real.

A rising star whose resume includes work with Jeff Parker, Makaya McCraven, and Carlos Niño, GRAMMY-winning saxophonist and producer Josh Johnson produced and performed on Meshell Ndegeocello’s Omnichord Realbook and has released a pair of superlative albums including 2024’s Unusual Object.

Originally from Chicago, Johnson began playing saxophone at age ten, inspired by jazz legends like Lester Young, and later honed his craft at Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music. Now based in Los Angeles, he is recognized for blending electronic elements and modern composition with traditional jazz, creating a sound that is both futuristic and deeply personal.