As a composer, Jonathan has written music for orchestra, choir, various improvising ensembles, chamber groups, film, meditation instillations, and theatre.
“And I Think I” was initially composed by Pop*, an AI system that composes original music, created by Computer Scientist, Dr. Paul Bodily of Idaho State University. Jon Armstrong arranged, recorded, mixed, and mastered this production of the song with help from Dr Bodily and collaborator Dr. Dan Ventura of BYU. The song features Claire Smedley-Dye and Dr. Bodily on vocals. Armstrong plays all other instruments.
“A Little Bit Rich”, composed for the Idaho State University Chamber Choir conducted by Scott Anderson. Features Natalia Lauk on piano, Jesse Malloy on electric guitar, and Bradley Irvine on the opening vocal solo. This piece was composed based on a poem by Ford Swetnam.
An overview of scenes from Homo Economicus, a play by Billy Mark, scored by Jon Armstrong
"Cochlear Implant" is a piece I composed for a chamber septet. It is a 30 minute trance/meditative/just intonation listening experience.
I composed it to "bypass" our traditional sense of listening to music, and hopefully lull the listener into a deep conscious state by letting the frequencies and textures wash over them. Put on some headphones, or hook up some good speakers, lay down, and have fun!
"Cochlear Implant" was recorded live at the MorYork Art Gallery in the Highland Park neighborhood of Los Angeles on July 3rd 2015.
It features:
Christine Tavolacci – Flute, Erin Armstrong – Clarinet, Brian Walsh – Clarinet, Gavin Templeton – Alto Sax, Jon Armstrong – Tenor Sax, Eric Clark - Violin, and AJ Fanning - Cello