Earth Wind and Wonder
Unique jazz arrangments of songs by Earth, Wind and Fire and Stevie Wonder.
Featuring:
Don on tenor sax, flute and alto flute
Brandon McCune and Art Hirahara on piano
Joris Teepe and Kenny Davis on bass
Cecil Brooks III and Jeremy Warren on drums
Kahlil Kwame Bell on percussion
Track Listing
1. Fantasy (EW&F)
2. Can't Hide Love (EW&F)
3. Visions (S. Wonder)
4. Getaway (EW&F)
5. I Can't Help It (S. Wonder)
6. The Elements (D. Braden)
7. After the Love Has Gone (EW&F)
8. Don't You Worry 'Bout a Thing (S. Wonder)
9. The Wonder of You (D. Braden)
10. Higher Ground (S. Wonder)
Don Braden and his groups explore this classic music in a truly modern jazz way: with creativity, passion and groove! This collection of tunes augments the “contemporary standards” repertoire Braden has built over the years -- jazz interpretations of the “American Songbook” of his generation. Check it out and hear these wonderful songs with "new ears"!
Check out the full CD liner note text here.
Listen and see Don's "Song of the Day" (July 4, 2018) at Jazziz Magazine's Site
Read the feature article about Don from the July 2018 Jazziz
Here's a feature article ("Overdue Ovation") about Don from the July 2018 Jazz Times
See the JazzWeek National Radio for 2018 chart, where Earth Wind and Wonder achieved #8 in national radio play for the year, after having peaked at #2 in the late summer.
Hear an interview about one of Don's recent tours here.
What People Are Saying
“...everyone is playing with love and respect for the material, swinging hard and spinning these classic songs into jazz gold. This goes beyond mere homage into real transformation.”
— Phil Freeman, The New York City Jazz Record (page 40)
“A wonderful groover throughout.”
“Performing new arrangements of Earth, Wind & Fire and Stevie Wonder’s notable hits is certainly not an easy task. However, Braden accomplishes this mission with his superb renditions, while staying true to the essence of their artistry. Earth Wind and Wonder is truly an artistic expression that will capture the hearts and minds of its listeners.”
— Jamaal Baptiste, Black Grooves (Archives of African American Music & Culture) at Indiana University
“Every cut on this recording is superbly produced and Braden’s exciting ensemble of memorable musicians do not disappoint.”
— Dee Dee McNeil, Musical Memoirs