Songs of J. Jasmine

Description:

Jacqueline Humbert performed work from her avant-garde cabaret album J. Jasmine: My New Music (1978), written in collaboration with George Manupelli and David Rosenboom.

Accompanied by Rosenboom on piano, Humbert’s first set featured songs dedicated to activist figures Fidel Castro and Margo St. James that dealt with personal narratives, private desires, androgyny, feminism, and sexual autonomy. With each track, Humbert removed an article of clothing, allowing her costume to evolve across the evening. She began the concert wearing a conservative black suit, a shepard’s headscarf, and dark sunglasses, and ended the set wearing a lace dress and nylon stockings. 

Following an intermission, Humbert and Rosenboom returned to the stage with accompaniment from vocalist Sam Ashely. Their second set opened with a viola solo by Rosenboom, ushering in an Americana theme to the performance. This was also reflected in the costuming, with Humbert dressed in a pair of riding breeches, knee high boots, derby gloves, and a wide brimmed hat, and Ashely in a white cowboy-esque suit decorated with rainbow stripes. 

Program:

Solo improvisation by David Rosenboom
“Wild about the Lady”
“Clear Light”
“Androgyny” 
“Younger Lady” 

Intermission

“Oasis in the Air” 
“Broke and Blue” 
“Grand Canyon Heartache”
“Rented Car” 
“Painted Woman”
“Borrowed Time” 
“Androgyny (return)”
“Strong Arms”

Audio and video documentation is available upon request.