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Jaimie Branch: Fly Or Die
By
Tim Daisy
drumsb.1976

Ken Vandermark
saxophoneb.1964
Musically, Branch has worked not only with Daisy and Vandermark but also with avant-garde cellist

Fred Lonberg-Holm
cellob.1962

William Parker
bassb.1952

Matana Roberts
saxophone, alto
Chad Taylor
drumsb.1973

Chicago Underground Duo
band / ensemble / orchestra
Rob Mazurek
trumpetb.1965

Jason Ajemian
bass, acoustic
Marc Ribot
guitarb.1954

Matt Bauder
saxophone, tenorb.1976

Tomeka Reid
cello
Anthony Braxton
woodwindsb.1945

Nicole Mitchell
fluteb.1967

George Lewis
tromboneb.1952

Roscoe Mitchell
saxophoneb.1940
A harrowing, sixteen-second sonic intro, "Jump Off" is in stark contrast to guitarist Matt Schneider's opening of "Meanwhile." His acoustic, folk-like mode is soon joined by Branch's buzzing, extended technique that goes well beyond the recognizable parameters of the trumpet. Taylor supplies a backdrop independent of his bandmates, even while providing a loose platform from which both work. "Theme 002" is only slightly more straight-ahead owing to its Latin theme while "Leaves of Glass" continues to embellish the theme with cornetists Ben Lamar Gay and Josh Berman adding an orchestral feel. "The Storm" bears its title with a swirling Reid cello and Taylor's thundering drums. "Theme Nothing" is an appealingly exotic and somewhat more conventional composition, bringing the core group into unison.
Branch is a solid and creative trumpeter as evidenced on the solo title track. Her range of material is equally impressive as she moves in and out of free jazz to near noise and more refined settings while maintaining coherence throughout Fly or Die. Despite being surrounded by top-tier improvisers, she stands out as an individual and unique voice with a promising future as a leader. ">
Track Listing
Jump Off; Theme 001; Meanwhile; Theme 002; Leaves of Glass; The Storm; Waltzer; Fly or Die; Theme Nothing; …Back At the Ranch.
Personnel
Jaimie Branch
trumpetJaimie Branch: trumpet; Tomeka Reid: cello; Jason Ajemian: bass; Chad Taylor: drums; Matt Schneider: guitar; Ben Lamar Gay: cornet; Josh Berman: cornet.
Album information
Title: Fly Or Die | Year Released: 2017 | Record Label: International Anthem Recording Company
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