Late last August, the music world was stunned and saddened when the heartbreaking news circulated of Jaimie Branch’s sudden passing. At that point, the adventurous trumpeter and composer was one of leading young artists among the jazz scene. On the one year anniversary of her death, International Anthem, which is responsible for all of her previous releases, has put out Jaimie’s final album with her Fly or Die quartet, titled Fly or Die Fly or Die Fly or Die ((world war)).

Building on the foundation of two superb studio albums, in 2017’s Fly or Die and 2019’s Fly or Die II: bird dogs of paradise, this posthumous release is arguably Branch’s greatest recording with her longtime ensemble. Brilliant from start to finish, the 9-track record blends together some stellar trumpet playing with driving percussion grooves, electronic effects, and some haunting cello-based textures and tones. This album also features Branch on vocals on a number of tracks, including “burning grey” and “take over the world”, along with the standout folk song “the mountain” with bassist Jason Ajemian, who also sings on the tune.

The album was recorded at Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts in Omaha, Nebraska during the week of April 25-29, 2022. Rounding out the Fly or Die quartet on this session is Lester St. Louis (cello, voice, flute, marimba, keyboard), Ajemian (double bass, electric bass, voice, marimba), and Chad Taylor (drums, mbira, timpani, bells, marimba). The recording also features a number of special guests, including trombonist Nick Broste, flautist and bass clarinetist Rob Frye, vocalist Akenya Seymour and Kuma Dog, and percussionist Daniel Villarreal.

The record’s stunning artwork was designed by John Herndon, Damon Locks, and Branch herself, and is available both on standard black and custom “Peacock Couture” color vinyl.

If this results in the final material we hear from Jaimie Branch, it is safe to say that she has departed this earth leaving the world with some timeless music, including the masterpiece that is Fly or Die Fly or Die Fly or Die ((world war)). Easily one of the best records to come out this year, and one of this generations greatest artists.

Jaimie Branch — ‘Fly or Die Fly or Die Fly or Die ((world war))’
(International Anthem)

1. aurora rising
2. borealis dancing
3. burning grey
4. the mountain
5. baba louie
6. bolinko bass
7. and kuma walks
8. take over the world
9. world war ((reprise))

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• Jazz
• Spiritual Jazz