jaimie branch, the jazz composer and trumpeter who released music through US label International Anthem, has died, aged 39.
In a statement confirming the news of her passing, International Anthem said: "At 9.21 pm on Monday, August 22, composer and trumpeter jaimie branch passed away in her home in Red Hook, Brooklyn. 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."
Famed for her improvisation skills, branch played as part of a number of band projects, such as Anteloper, Mofaya! and Galactic Unity Ensemble. She released her debut solo album, Fly Or Die, through International Anthem in 2017, following it in 2019 with Fly Or Die II: Bird Dogs Of Paradise. A live album, Fly Or Die Live, was also released last year.
In addition to her solo work and band projects, branch recorded and played live with a number of other bands, including Spoon, TV On The Radio and Atlas Moth. She also contributed to Eli Winter’s self-titled debut album, which came out earlier this month.
Speaking to tQ contributor Stewart Smith last year, branch said of her politically-charged raps that featured on Fly Or Die Live: "There are probably problems everywhere. Racism didn’t start in America, you know, because we weren’t invented yet. I’m sure if we were invented, it would have been there too. And so I had to reach out and talk to the audiences and just make sure that they realise that I’m not talking about just at home, I’m talking about everywhere. Yeah, I’m talking about you guys too. People really need to feel that, because if it’s a passive thing – an abstract idea about a place like America – it’s a lot easier to ignore it."
