Don Braden
Soulful Standards Master
World-class tenor saxophonist and flutist specializing in modern jazz interpretations of contemporary standards with 40+ years of touring and recording.
About
Don Braden is a tenor saxophonist, flutist, composer and educator born in Cincinnati, Ohio and raised in Louisville, Kentucky. He has toured internationally with jazz legends Betty Carter, Wynton Marsalis, Freddie Hubbard, Roy Haynes, and Tony Williams, while leading his own ensembles since the early 1990s. Known for his accessible, soulful approach to modern jazz and contemporary standards, he has released 25 albums as a leader and performed on over 100 as a sideman.
Music Style
Braden's music combines strong grooves and creative arrangements with harmonic sophistication and a beautiful, swinging tone. His approach emphasizes accessibility and emotional honesty, often featuring modern jazz interpretations of popular songs by artists like Earth, Wind & Fire and Stevie Wonder.
Background
- Hometown
- Cincinnati, Ohio (born); Louisville, Kentucky (raised)
- Education
- Harvard University
- Instruments
- saxophone (tenor), flute, saxophone (alto)
- Active
- 1978-present
Similar Artists
If you like Wynton Marsalis, Roy Haynes, and Herbie Hancock — you'll love this artist