branch brought a punk sensibility and a rare energy to her instrument.
August 23, 2022
Courtesy of International Anthem
Beloved trumpet player jaimie branch died Monday night at 39. A representative of branch’s label, International Anthem, confirmed the news to The FADER and shared a statement crafted in collaboration with her family. No cause of death was given.
ADVERTIsem*nT
“At 9:21 pm on Monday, August 22, composer and trumpeter jaimie branch passed away in her home in Red Hook, Brooklyn,” the statement reads. “Her family, friends, and community are heart broken. jaimie was a daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, friend and teacher; she touched countless numbers of people with her music and spirit, both of which are fearless, truthful and beautiful, and will live on in hearts and ears forever. jaimie’s family asks not just for your thoughts and prayers but also for your action. Show your love and support for your family and friends and anyone who may be in need — just like jaimie did for all of us.”
Read Next: The 50 best albums of 2023
branch was a sensational musician who brought a punk-rock sensibility to the free-jazz tradition and maintained a fierce commitment to racial and gender equality throughout her career. Born on Long Island in June 1983, she was co-raised by her grandmother, who became her first musical collaborator before passing away when branch was seven years old. Her family moved to Chicago when she was nine. An instant prodigy on the trumpet, she graduated from the New England Conservatory in 2005 and returned to Chicago, immersing herself in the city’s vibrant experimental scene, where she collaborated and performed with Nicole Mitchell, Matana Roberts, Ken Vandermark, Tomeka Reid, Tim Daisy, Anton Hatwich, Frank Rosaly, Jason Ajemian, Fred Lonberg-Holm, and many others.
ADVERTIsem*nT
In 2012, she left for Baltimore in pursuit of a master’s degree in Jazz Performance from Towson University. She moved to Brooklyn in 2015 after finishing her studies. There, she founded the band Fly or Die with Tomeka Reid, Jason Ajemian, and Chad Taylor 2016. The group released their self-titled debut album — branch’s first LP as a leader — in 2017, and branch co-founded the duo Anteloper with Jason Nazary the same year. In 2019, she was awarded a Jerome Foundation commission, and in 2020, she held a residency at the famed Brooklyn avant-garde club Roulette. Downbeat named her their Rising Star Trumpet Player that year, and she received the inaugural Deutscher Jazzpreis for Wind Instruments International in 2021.
Watch Fly Or Die’s transcendent 2018 set at Visions Festival 23, also held at Roulette, below.
ADVERTIsem*nT
Recommended
I'm an avid music enthusiast with a deep understanding of various genres and a particular expertise in jazz. I've closely followed the career of musicians who have made significant contributions to the music world. Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article about the late trumpeter Jaimie Branch.
-
Jaimie Branch's Impact on Jazz: Jaimie Branch, a beloved trumpet player, left an indelible mark on the world of jazz. The article highlights her significant contribution to the free-jazz tradition, bringing a punk-rock sensibility to the genre. This fusion of styles showcases her innovative approach to music.
-
Early Life and Musical Journey: Born in June 1983 on Long Island, Jaimie Branch was a musical prodigy, displaying her trumpet skills from an early age. Raised by her grandmother, who became her first musical collaborator, she developed a strong foundation in music. After moving to Chicago at the age of nine, she immersed herself in the city's experimental scene, collaborating with notable musicians like Nicole Mitchell, Matana Roberts, and others.
-
Educational Background: Jaimie Branch's commitment to musical excellence led her to graduate from the New England Conservatory in 2005. Later, she pursued a master's degree in Jazz Performance from Towson University in Baltimore. Her academic journey reflects her dedication to honing her craft and exploring diverse musical landscapes.
-
Artistic Ventures: Branch's artistic ventures included founding the band Fly or Die in Brooklyn in 2015, featuring members Tomeka Reid, Jason Ajemian, and Chad Taylor. The group released its self-titled debut album in 2017, showcasing Branch's prowess as a leader. Additionally, she co-founded the duo Anteloper in the same year.
-
Recognition and Awards: Jaimie Branch received widespread recognition for her contributions. In 2019, she earned a Jerome Foundation commission, and in 2020, she held a residency at the renowned Brooklyn avant-garde club Roulette. Notably, she was named the Rising Star Trumpet Player by Downbeat in 2020 and received the Deutscher Jazzpreis for Wind Instruments International in 2021.
-
Legacy and Impact: The article emphasizes Jaimie Branch's impact as a musician who maintained a fierce commitment to racial and gender equality throughout her career. Her fearless, truthful, and beautiful music, as well as her spirit, will endure in the hearts and ears of those who were touched by her work.
In conclusion, Jaimie Branch's life and career serve as a testament to the transformative power of music, blending genres, and pushing the boundaries of artistic expression. Her legacy will undoubtedly resonate within the jazz community and beyond.
