Black and White Photography Blog, Vol. I

II can’t believe the collection of instruments that I’m getting down in the subway. I was a ways off when I heard what sounded like a trombone. I used to play the trombone in high school but I was thinking maybe it was a baritone horn. Haven’t seen one of those yet anywhere down under. But as I approached, sure enough, pre-dawn, and here was a guy playing the trombone. Not bad either.

I told him that I used to play the trombone, but wasn’t very good at it. He told me that meant that I knew how hard an instrument it was to master. True. But my problem wasn’t a lack of musicality - I just never liked the instrument. Still don’t. But I will put it in my book of underground instruments; it’s going to be quite a mixed up band; something from a Tom Waits album maybe. Lot’s of clanking and banging, and a bunch of atonal wailing.

Two hours later, on my way back home - the trombonist was still at it. Still playing the same song. I think he only knows two songs. I should remember what it was but I don’t. It might have been, It Had To Be You. Lot’s of half-steps that were good for the slide trombone. Oh whatever. Who knows what instrument will show up next. I’ve seen a full harp played at the entrance of Central Park; too heavy to get down the stairs into the subway.