R.I.P. jazz artist jaimie branch
Jazz trumpeter and composer jaimie branch has died. Her label, International Anthem, posted the news that branch died Monday night in her home in Brooklyn. She was 39.
A statement from the label 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.“
A fixture in music scenes in Chicago and Baltimore, Branch released her first solo album Fly or Die in 2017, which was followed by Fly or Die II: Bird Dog of Paradise in 2019, as well as this year’s debut as one half of the duo Anteloper. She also was a member of the group Mofaya! and collaborated with artists such as Spoon and TV on the Radio.
A message on her website offers some insight into her perspective on music: “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.”