Donald Kirk Braden (born November 20, 1963) is an American jazz tenor saxophonist and flautist.

Career

Braden was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on November 20, 1963, and raised in Louisville, Kentucky. He began playing tenor sax at age 13 and started playing professionally at 15. In high school, he played in the McDonald's All-American High School Jazz Band. He attended Harvard University from 1981 to 1984, studied engineering, and played in the school's jazz ensemble. He moved to New York City in 1984, where he played with The Harper Brothers, Lonnie Smith, and Betty Carter. In 1986–87 he toured with Wynton Marsalis. In the late 1980s and early 1990s he toured internationally with Freddie Hubbard. He also played with Roy Haynes, Tony Williams, J.J. Johnson, Tom Harrell, Art Farmer, and the Mingus Big Band. Braden led his own bands from the early 1990s, while also recording as a freelancer.

Discography

As leader

As sideman

With Art Farmer With Freddie Hubbard With Jimmy Ponder With Roseanna Vitro