For the past two years, Subplay has been a labor of love. Adam and I have spent time with dozens of musicians, in the subways, on street corners, at clubs, in their homes meeting their families and friends and in our studio. We'd like to set the record straight once and for all by telling you that these musicians are not homeless. Most have families or significant others. They are individuals dedicated to their art, who derive endless pleasure playing for you day after day. Many also have other passions and careers. Some are students. Some have high profile gigs with well known groups.
The one thing all subway performers have in common is that they are compelled to pack up their gear, find an empty platform and pour out their souls for your kind contributions. Whether you feel their music is worth five dollars, a few pennies or nothing at all, they perform for you all the same. Some make eye contact and exchange smiles. Some exchange phone numbers and get hired to perform professionally. Tourists love snapping pictures and taking videos. These public performances are a part of New York City and greatly enhance the ambience and perception of the New York underground. Gina and Tim Higgenbotham, who run Performing In Public Spaces, hold auditions once a year for the MTA-sponsored Music Under New York Program (MUNY). If accepted, a musician is given a MUNY banner (those black and orange signs you see hanging behind many musicians) and a bi-monthly schedule card with designated times and locations at which to perform. This allows the well-trafficked spots to be fairly divided amongst the musicians in the program. However, musicians who miss the annual auditions or are not accepted into MUNY find their own locations and manage to make it on their own. The most important characteristics that a subway performer must have to succeed are good attitude, lots of talent and the ability to transport a listener away from the hustle and bustle of city life into tranquility -- even if it's just until the next train arrives.
The musicians that we selected to perform on SUBPLAY all share these qualities in common. Just like a trip through the subways, there are new sounds at each stop. Beautiful sounds from all parts of the world. Keep an open mind as you let the music move you. Push play, sit back, relax and enjoy the ride.
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Jamie Propp & Adam Chalk, Producers
May 1996