Mark Green is Solo One, a name he took when breaking from his duo and performing alone on New York's subway trains.
He tells of the homeless man who inspired him out of his shyness, and about the little looks and comments that keep him going.
But it's sometimes tempting to give up.
Once, a man picked out all the nickels, dimes and quarters from his pocket, and gave Solo One a handful of pennies. Then he asked "how much would it take to get you to shut up?"
"A lot more than this, Brother," Solo One answered, and poured the pennies onto the seat next to the man. Then he kept singing.
All subway musicians have courage and endurance, but not all are as talented and engaging as Solo One.
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Piece Description
Mark Green is Solo One, a name he took when breaking from his duo and performing alone on New York's subway trains. He tells of the homeless man who inspired him out of his shyness, and about the little looks and comments that keep him going. But it's sometimes tempting to give up. Once, a man picked out all the nickels, dimes and quarters from his pocket, and gave Solo One a handful of pennies. Then he asked "how much would it take to get you to shut up?" "A lot more than this, Brother," Solo One answered, and poured the pennies onto the seat next to the man. Then he kept singing. All subway musicians have courage and endurance, but not all are as talented and engaging as Solo One.
Broadcast History
Debut!!
Bill Palladino
Posted on December 13, 2004 at 05:51 PM | Permalink
Review of Solo One
Surprisingly quiet piece, (considering it was recorded on a New York subway.) First person story punctuated with sounds of the subway, the subject singing, and clear thought provoking moments. Somewhat in the TAL narrative style with the subject telling his own story.
There's an anachronistic quality of singing gospel on today's subway car. The subject singing, and sliding into the middle of If I Ever Knew The Lord Before the words "thank you," as someone gives him a buck.
Heavy use of stereo production techniques to provide a realistic image of subway travel. Maybe I'll see this guy next time I'm in the Big Apple.
Nice longer piece for a morning's listening.