“And then I’ll come over here and do this.”
“And then I’ll come over here and do this.”
On Friday, Linda Austin and JP Jenkins traversed the mezzanine of the Armory in a performance of Mark Applebaum’s visual score “The Metaphysics of Notation” that was loose, wacky, and charming. In paper jumpsuits, with a truckload of inspired props from vases of tired flowers to piles of clothes (robe/disrobe), a slinky and a couple of ping pong balls, Austin and Jenkins scrolled through movements best described as serious play. I’d expected Austin simply to improvise a solo to the graphic score (which I was really looking forward to). What I got instead was a series of delightful surprises that made my day.
Jenkins scored the piece with vocal improvisations (any/everything but singing), guitar, hitting and or trailing a big fake gem ring along the railing and a metal panel wired with contact mics, oh and a Linda Austin solo for piano and toy keyboard.
This was the last of four noontime performances at the Gerding Theater at the Armory co-sponsored by Portland Center Stage and Third Angle New Music Ensemble, which will perform “Metaphysics” in a program of other adventurous music on March 5 at Hollywood Theater.
