Jaimie Branch – Fly or Die II: Bird Dogs of Paradise (2019)
Listening to trumpet player and multi-instrumentalist Jaimie Branch’s newest release, Fly or Die II: Bird Dogs of Paradise is like making an investment in the visionaries, believers and dreamers of tomorrow. It’s the discovery of music this inspiring and important which makes all this music collecting a worthwhile endeavour.
Fly or Die II functions at the social-political cross-section of jazz, hip-hop, and psychedelic folk. Light as a breeze one moment, heavy shit the next. That may seem an inarticulate description, but it’s the only one that works here. This is such a potentially volatile mixture of avant-garde musical ideas and bold political dissent, that with less capable talent the brew could become a toxic mess. Fortunately for us, Branch weaves together the bold political spirit of a track like Prayer for Amerikkka with an intoxicating musical flow that is so righteous it’s damn near addictive. As I said, heavy shit indeed.
The musicians here provide each song with its own individual move, groove and voice. Taking inspiration from across the globe; mixing together the funky acoustic soul of Norman Connors with hints of gospel and their own, homemade beatnik-folk. It is always tempting to make these comparisons, but make no mistake- this is not the music of orthodoxy or conformity. No retro copy or tribute. This album is far too fresh, original and progressive for those old descriptions.
Fly or Die II is a modern look into the possibilities of what music can become when it rejects the limitations of the commercial marketplace and embraces and satisfies its own headspace. Jaimie Branch clearly views music organically – as a living, breathing creation- and uses each instrument to build layers of sound that then burst with exploration and adventure. This is music that conveys the full spectrum of color and emotions; anger, joy, loss, beauty, and regret of every woman and man.
Percussion is central to this point-of-view: Drummer Chad Taylor, Bass Player Jason Ajemian and Cellist Lester St. Louis all help propelling the music forward by emphasizing the beat and rhythm. Sometimes with the use of traditional instruments, but more often through unidentified yelps, bleps and screams of joyous noise. Its all comes together with a wonderfully frantic junkyard-orchestra of sounds.
Fly or Die II: Bird Dogs of Paradise breaks the rules of the purist and gives a rebirth to the true spirt of avant-garde and improvisational music. This is the time to rekindle the soul of experimentation within a style that had (temporarily) lost the plot.
Ready for the strange, groovy trip into the future? Heavy shit.
by Shawn Ciavattone
Shawn,
You continue to share bands and records that are experimental (especially with an emphasis on experimental jazz) and under the radar that sound intriguing.
Maybe it’s overkill but the New York and London jazz scenes have been full of albums worth hearing. And maybe it’s heresy but they are more fun then a warehouse full of….of….”classics”.
Detailed, insightful and carefully written review. You have developed your own style, Shawn. Can’t believe that this one just got out. You have a great critical ear, you can easily identify this mixture of complex sounds (Black Flowet, Pere Ubu, The Comet is Coming, Daniel Janin). I see bright future inside avant-garde and experimental bands/artists that are fusing this genres (Death Grips, Tim Hecker, FKA Twigs). Another great and challenging recommendation, nice job!.
Your comments mean more than you know. Not just because you have great taste and thoughts in film and music. You are an insightful and intelligent person. And that is a rare gift in our world today. You never settle for mediocrity – always finding a way to raising the standard. Of course, we can thank Saliha for her boldness in creating this chance to “dream a little” as she says so often. Thank you, friend.
Saw them last week, it was absolutely great. Great album, got my copy signed!
A signed copy? Congratulations. Seeing this band live is the way to go.
Awesome record and review. The record starts with ‘Love Song’ , and she had me within a minute when she sings about “clowns and assholes… yeah, we know who they are “. Combined with the music, awesome and unique indeed .
Love Song had me hooked. And I love the mix of politics, dark and intense topics and and a colorful, almost playful punk voice. She brings it all to together. The first Fly or Die is great too. But this really hits the spot.
Intruiging review and sounds, thanks for the recommendation.
Thank you for the comments. Try the first Fly or Die by Jaimie too. All instrumental but so good.
An album that got overlooked in 2019 for to many people. It remains a colorful vibrant experience and one of my favorite records to surprise you with. Hope this turns a few more people onto the psychedelic, folk-jazz of Fly or Die.