jaimie branch’s final missive on Earth ‘Fly or Die Fly or Die Fly or Die ((world war))’ makes clear that our world is worse off because she’s no longer in it.

Sprung from the prolific mind of Rob Mazurek, the Exploding Star Orchestra started out in 2007 reaching toward towering heights of artistry and attaining them. Most amazingly, they still manage to do that today with ‘Lightning Dreamers.’

Mind-altering music is usually about textures; Jaimie Branch and Jason Nazary do that part well while also bringing their improvising gifts to the table.

Dave Gisler’s highly improvisational trio is a natural in a live setting. Add the like-minded trumpeter Jaimie Branch to the mix, and those qualities are taken up a couple of notches.

Here is the streaming premiere of “Peaceable” by Quin Kirchner, Daniel Van Duerm, Matthew Lux w/guest Jaimie Branch.

Divergent, fearless, unpredictable and vulnerable, Jaimie Branch has made good on the great promise of ‘Fly or Die’ by soaring again on ‘Fly or Die II: bird dogs of paradise.’

James Brandon Lewis summons the ghosts of Ornette Coleman and Charlie Haden to inspire him to think differently about his art.

Anteloper’s ‘Kudu’ suggests that there is so much art waiting to be tapped with only a trumpet, drums and a little bit of circuitry.

Here’s the part of the annual Best of 2017 lists that’s the most fun to pull together.