The San Francisco-based smooth jazz duo of twin brothers Nelson (bass) and Wayne Braxton (saxophone) first took shape when both siblings joined the school band during the fourth grade. By high school, each was a perennial member of the California All-State Honor Band; while Wayne went on to Cal State Northridge, performing as a member of the school's celebrated Jazz A Band, Nelson instead studied tuba at San Francisco State University, later touring Europe as part of the San Francisco Symphony Youth Orchestra. The brothers were later reunited at SFSU, collaborating there in a jazz quartet; they were also both honored as selections to the Disney All-American collegiate band. Upon turning professional, Nelson toured with Najee, while Wayne worked with Sheila E.; as the Braxton Brothers, they debuted in 1996 with Steppin' Out, which was originally released on the tiny Kokopelli label but later licensed for reissue by Windham Hill, where it generated the NAC smash "When Love Comes Around." Now and Forever followed in 1999.