The jazz composer and trumpeter Jaimie Branch died unexpectedly on Monday night (August 22nd). This was confirmed by her label International Anthem on Tuesday (23 August). Branch was 39 years old. The cause of death initially remained unclear.
According to initial information, the musician died at her home in Red Hook, Brooklyn. “Her family, friends and acquaintances are heartbroken,” the statement said. “Jaimie was a daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, friend and teacher; she has touched countless people with her music and her spirit. Her music was fearless, true and beautiful and will live on in hearts and ears forever.”
In recent years, Branch has developed a reputation as a radical jazz innovator who doesn’t shy away from genre boundaries. After playing in numerous groups, she released her solo debut Fly or Die in 2017. Only on the follow-up “Fly or Die II: Bird Dogs of Paradise” did she also sing. Most recently, Branch released the album Pink Dolphins with her project Anteloper (along with Jason Nazary and Jeff Parker). In 2021 she was awarded the German Jazz Prize as a wind player.
In addition to her own work, Branch has been involved with numerous bands, collaborating with TV On The Radio, Spoon and Atlas Moth, among others.