Jazz trumpeter and composer jaimie branch has died.
The news was confirmed by her label International Anthem in a statement, which spoke of her “fearless, truthful and beautiful” spirit.
The trumpeter came up in Chicago and Baltimore’s experimental scenes, and helped to empower those around her with her continual creativity. Working on a raft of projects as a band leader, composer, and contributor, jaimie branch was a key part of the nexus around International Anthem, arguably one of the principle jazz and left-field labels on the planet.
Solo album ‘Fly Or Die’ landed in 2017, followed by a 2019 sequel; the politicised concert album ‘Fly Or Die Live’ was released in 2021.
A note on her website describes her artistic practice: “All the music that ever was and ever will be is here now. It exists in a cloud just above our heads and when we play, we pluck it out of the ether for a lil while before sending it back up.”
The loss of jaimie branch sparked tributes on both sides of the Atlantic:
You are a legend and a star @jaimiebranch will never forget our interactions and conversations, so sad right now pic.twitter.com/7C8Qx1ZZb2
— The Comet is Coming (@cometcoming) August 23, 2022
The note in full from International Anthem reads:
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.
