Andrae Van Buren

Andrae Van Buren

Forget any pretense concerning "mainstream" jazz, whatever that may be these days. Local saxophonist/arranger/producer Andrae Van Buren deals in slow, simmering, soulful moods that are ultra laid-back, the perfect soundtrack for your most imaginative after-hours escapades. Often known by the moniker "Nookie Coltrane," Van Buren complements his more renowned namesake only in the vaguest sense, in this case Trane's penchant for gentle balladry. There's no denying a heartfelt and genuine feeling here for a groove that comfortably encompasses jazz, soul, R&B, and hip-hop – sometimes in the same tune – as on "It Aint Me". A Memphis-to-Austin transplant who's paid his dues with local aggregations like Tunji, Hip-Hop Humpday, and D-Madness and is currently with San Antonio's MoJoe, Van Buren's playing recalls the tart, blues-inflected tones of fellow Memphis, Tenn.-born alto saxman Hank Crawford. If "Deep" ... Nough Said is any indication, he's someone to keep an eye on.