After nine weeks on the JazzWeek charts, Don Braden’s Creative Perspective album, Earth Wind and Wonder Volume 2, has reached Number 1.
In his review for AllAboutJazz, Jack Bowers pointed out that Braden played tenor saxophone most of the way, except for flute and alto flute on two Stevie Wonder compositions, “Bird of Beauty” and “Creepin.'” Bowers added that Braden, “is superb on every instrument, summoning his many years of experience to enrich each song . . . Those who have followed Braden’s long and rewarding career will know pretty much what to expect—tasteful music adeptly performed by an outstanding tenor saxophonist and his able supporting cast.”
In addition to four compositions by Wonder and three by Earth, Wind & Fire, the album contains two Braden originals: “Profusion” and “Arise”. The supporting cast is: pianists Miki Hayama and Art Hirahara, bassist Kenny Davis, drummer Jeremy Warren, and percussionist Kahlil Kwame Bell. Braden’s first Earth Wind and Wonder album was released in August 2018.
Upcoming area performances of the album’s music by the Don Braden Quartet are: September 30 at Shanghai Jazz in Madison; October 13 at the Rahway Public Library; October 14 at Chris’ Jazz Café in Philadelphia; and a 60th Birthday Celebration on November 20 at Dizzy’s Club in New York.
Braden is a New Jersey Jazz Society Advisor and a member of the panel of judges for NJJS’ annual Juried Scholarship Competition.