A pronounced marching beat breaks down into frenetic free jazz, churning up an urgent blend of drum taps and loud horns-the sound of the sky falling. The theme continues on “twenty-three n me, jupiter redux,” a moody, shape-shifting composition that conjures doom and panic through dark synth chords, crashing cymbals, and sporadic trumpet blasts. Louis, double bassist Jason Ajemian, and drummer Chad Taylor-the song lumbers toward you, as if the border agents were coming for you next. “Now her mother and brothers are safe in Chicago and she’s all alone.” Coupled with a surging instrumental-courtesy of Branch, cellist Lester St.
“She was only 19, they crossed over at dawn,” Branch sings. once again, only to be held in a cage in Texas.
Three years later, she seeks asylum in the U.S. Liner notes detail her journey: She’s separated from her family at the border and deported to El Salvador, where she’s beaten and sexually assaulted. In the second half of “prayer for amerikkka,” after the beat quickens to a stampeding mix of Spanish jazz, Branch tells the story of a teenaged Central American girl who seeks asylum in the United States. In keeping with the album’s theme, its sarcastic ode to “assholes and clowns” appears aimed at apathetic politicians, though Branch keeps the lyrics open-ended enough to apply to pretty much anyone worthy of such distinction.įly or Die II is expressly influenced by the political climate. She’s a gifted trumpet player who doesn’t need vocals to convey strong emotions, and to fans of her previous work, a track like “love song,” which concludes Fly or Die II, can feel weird on first pass. Don’t expect her to start singing old Nancy Wilson covers her voice-part raspy alto, part full-throated wail-is best suited for punk rock and takes some getting used to. While Fly or Die II is darker, denser, and more experimental than its predecessor, it’s no less resonant.īranch sings on this record-on “prayer for amerikkka pt 1 & 2” and “love song”-marking the first time she’s used her actual voice on her solo music. Centered on triumphant, hard-charging backbeats that oscillated between Chicago- and New Orleans-style jazz, it was a far brighter album than this one. Released through International Anthem (the same label that’s put out stellar projects from Makaya McCraven, Irreversible Entanglements, Damon Locks’ Black Monument Ensemble, Angel Bat Dawid, and Ben LaMar Gay), Fly or Die arrived seemingly out of nowhere and became one of 2017’s most acclaimed jazz albums. Image: FLY OR DIE Photo: Peter Gannushkin Courtesy of the artists.With thunderous trumpet wails and airy, sometimes deconstructed arrangements, Fly or Die introduced Branch as a powerful bandleader in the New York and Chicago avant-jazz scenes. and has performed live all over North America, Europe, and The United Kingdom at events and venues such as The Chicago Jazz Festival, Berlin Jazz Festival, Vancouver International Jazz Festival, BOZAR Center for Fine Arts, The Kennedy Center, Bimhuis, Lollapalooza, and more. The quartet has been met with critical acclaim by The New York Times, The Wire, NPR, Sterogum, The Guardian, etc. FLY or DIE has released two full-length albums along with a double LP live release on the International Anthem label. The longest and current lineup of FLY or DIE consists of Chad Tayler, Jason Ajemian, and Lester St. In 2016, the Brooklyn-based improviser, trumpeter, composer, and visual artist jaimie branch founded the quartet FLY or DIE. Jaimie branch returns with her band FLY or DIE to perform jazz and improvised music. The performance will also stream live at /bemiscenter and /bemiscenter. Read more about our COVID Safety Policy at /visit. Face coverings are recommended, not required. Proof of COVID-19 vaccination or negative COVID-19 test is required for in-person attendance. This event will take place indoors with limited capacity.
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