Jaimie Branch – Fly Or Die Fly Or Die Fly Or Die ((World War))

Released posthumously on August 25, 2023, Fly Or Die Fly Or Die Fly Or Die ((World War)) stands as the final testament to Jaimie Branch's innovative spirit and genre-defying artistry. Recorded in April 2022 during a residency at the Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts in Omaha, Nebraska, the album was nearly complete at the time of her untimely passing in August 2022. Her bandmates and family finalized the mixes, ensuring her vision was fully realized. The album showcases Branch's fearless fusion of jazz with punk, Latin rhythms, calypso, and folk, creating a vibrant and politically charged soundscape that challenges and invigorates listeners.

Critics have universally acclaimed the album, highlighting its dynamic compositions and Branch's impassioned performances. Tracks like "baba louie" and "burning grey" exemplify her ability to blend complex rhythms with emotive melodies, while "the mountain," a reimagining of the Meat Puppets' "Comin' Down," reveals a more introspective side. The album's closing piece, "world war ((reprise))," serves as a poignant finale, encapsulating the themes of resistance and unity that permeate the record. Fly Or Die Fly Or Die Fly Or Die ((World War)) not only cements Jaimie Branch's legacy as a trailblazing musician but also serves as a powerful call to action and a celebration of artistic freedom.

Reviews

"Branch's rough, impassioned vocals and inventive compositions spotlight her exceptional technical prowess and raw passion." — Pitchfork

"Fly or Die Fly or Die Fly or Die ((World War)), is both the best work of Branch’s career and the most fitting send-off one could imagine for the late trumpeter." — Paste Magazine

"Branch guides the listener through a captivating musical landscape that seamlessly melds avant-garde innovation with deep-rooted jazz tradition." — The Fire Note

"Fly Or Die Fly Or Die Fly Or Die ((World War)) offers a final glimpse of Jaimie Branch's meteoric talent." — Chicago Reader