Jaimie Branch

The Profile

Jaimie Branch was an American trumpeter and composer associated with creative and experimental jazz. She emerged from the Chicago scene and recorded her debut album Fly or Die (2017). The DeBaser review notes her Chicago roots and that Fly or Die was recorded while she was based in New York.

Fly or Die (2017) is Branch's debut as a leader; the album was released on International Anthem Recording Company. She collaborated with members of the Chicago creative-jazz community (names mentioned in the review include Ken Vandermark, Tim Daisy, Dave Rempis, Chad Taylor, Jason Ajemian and Tomeka Reid). Jaimie Branch died in 2022.

DeBaser hosts a close, appreciative review of Jaimie Branch's debut Fly or Die. The review highlights her trumpet-led writing, Chicago roots and New York recording context. It emphasizes ensemble interplay (notably Tomeka Reid's cello) and the album's suite-like flow. Overdubs by additional cornet and guitar players are noted.