RIP Jaimie Branch

Trumpeter and composer Jaimie Branch died on Monday, at the young age of 39: [pitchfork.com]. She recorded as a solo artist for the International Anthem label, but to me, her most exciting project was the duo Anteloper. Combining jazz with electronics and post-punk influences, Anteloper looked back at '70s Miles Davis and '80s bands like 23 Skidoo and Clock DVA but created something futuristic and genre-free. The cause of death has not been revealed yet, but she was touring just last month, and Anteloper's latest album PINK DOLPHINS came out this summer.

Here's Anteloper's video for "Earthling": [www.youtube.com]

A live set from last May: [www.youtube.com]

I saw that this morning. She was only 39, so it's a shock. I saw her at the Sonic Transmissions Festival here in Austin a few years ago - she did sets with both her Fly or Die band and with Anteloper. She was clearly a major talent, so what a shame. She was very close to her family, apparently, so I can only imagine how they're feeling right now.