Saxophonist Don Braden will perform with the Williams Jazz Ensemble, under the direction of Andy Jaffe on Sat. March 6, 2010 in Chapin Hall on the campus of Williams College, (see map) Williamstown, MA. The concert is free and open to the public.
video of Don Braden Jam Session at Mt.Fuji Jazz Festival with Blue Note 1989
Excerpt from the Williams College website:
“The next big event combines the soulful sound of the great Don Braden with the sublime experience that is big band. There are a lot of names to be dropped when considering Don Braden: Wynton Marsalis, Betty Carter, Freddie Hubbard and Roy Haynes, just to name a few. Mr. Braden has released his fourteenth CD as leader entitled “Gentle Storm”. Born in Cincinnati, raised in Louisville and schooled by among others the renowned Jamie Aebersold, he attended Harvard where he divided his time between studying engineering and performing at jazz clubs in Boston. At this time he began writing and arranging for dance, film and music projects as well as is own quartet. Among other high profile composing honors, was his work for four years as co-music supervisor/composer for Bill Cosby’s most recent CBS sitcom, “Cosby”.
The Williams Jazz Ensemble and local jazz lovers are lucky to have pulled Mr. Braden into their orbit. As a saxophonist, composer, arranger, and teacher, Don represents the highest levels of strength, creativity, discipline, joy, and soulfulness in his classic jazz journey. He expresses a contemporary point of view powerfully, spiritually, intelligently – and most important – with a tasty swinging jazz style. Don Braden and big band; now that is irresistible.
The flagship Williams Jazz Ensemble (big band) plays formal concerts on campus, and also travels each year, with performances ranging from the Boston area to New York as well as throughout the Western Mass. region. In January of ‘08 the Ensemble was in residence at the University of the Americas in Puebla, Mexico.”
Randy Weston at the Berkshire Museum May 29, 2010
About Randy Weston
Employed as a young cook in Lenox, Massachusetts, Weston would often walk over to the renowned jazz resort/retreat called Music Inn, where he would play the piano after hours. Proprietress Stephanie Barber encouraged the young Brooklynite to pursue a career in music, and pursue he did. With a jazz resume that spans some 55 years, Weston has dozens of recordings and compositions to his name.
His awards and distinctions are many, and were capped in 2001 with his designation as a Jazz Master by the National Endowment for the Arts. He reflects on his musical groundings in a special concert, accompanied by bassist Alex Blake, at the Berkshire Museum on Saturday, May 29.
Video: Randy Weston African Rhythm Trio