Tom Braxton - Katallasso (2023)

It must be frustrating for faithful Christian instrumentalists to "sing" the praises sans lyrics; in the case of vibrant newcomer saxman Tom Braxton on the slick, in the pocket Katallasso, he includes a liner note inscription thematically linking titles in a spiritual fashion; he explains that Jesus is "The Way," we "Surrender" to Him, and He sees us as "Diamonds in the Rough." Two spoken word interludes -- featuring multiple voices, varied languages, and percussion background -- explain that the album title is Greek for "reconciliation, " as in sinners with God. But his faith aside, Braxton's music can be enjoyed secularly, too. He infuses a mix of memorable lite-funk melodies with some unique production touches -- potent horn doubling and an unexpected power rock guitar solo by Daran DeShazo on "Ian's Song," for instance. "Samba Sao" is a sharply conceived duet with that other evangelical smooth jazz cat, Kirk Whalum; the two twist and wind their soprano and tenor, respectively, through Paul Jackson, Jr.'s smooth lines, Bill Cantos' graceful piano harmonies, and Brian Kilgore's soundscaping, doubling for the chorus and doing a catty call and response throughout the verses. © Jonathan Widran