Close your eyes for five minutes and escape your reality to be transposed to a completely different place, with a completely different pace. It’s a five minute getaway.

When the Train Left

While in NYC we traveled by subway a lot, as most do.
In this maze we witnessed many performers and buskers, some better than others.
After one long exhausting day of running errands, we ran into a wonderful Bluegrass Duo in the Nassau Subway Station.

I immediately pulled out my phone to start recording, hoping to ask for their information between songs. However, the train pulled up just as they finished a very interesting cover of a mix of Jimmie Rodgers tunes: The Brakeman’s Blues and a verse from Yodel No. 1, modified. It’s hard to hear from the recording, so I added the lyrics here.

[Brakeman’s Blues]
Portland main is just the same as sunny Tennessee
Portland main is just the same as sunny Tennessee
Any old place I hang my hat is, home sweet home to me

Went down to the depot and I looked up on the board
I went down to the depot and I looked up on the board
It’s good times here, but better on down the road

Eat my breakfast here, get my dinner in New Orleans
Eat my breakfast here, get my dinner in New Orleans
I’m going to get me a momma, Lord, I ain’t never seen

[insert from Blue Yodel No. 1]
Every time I need you, I always find you’re gone
Every time I need you, I always find you’re gone
Nesxt time I see her, I’m gonna put your air brakes on

[back to Brakeman’s Blues]
Where was you momma, when the train left the shed?
Where was you momma, when the train left the shed?
Standin’ in my front door, wishin’ to God, I was dead

The train left and I never got their info, so if you know who these two are, please let us know so we can properly accredit their work.

It’s a gorgeous sunny day above ground, but down here it’s all dark and grime. Folks are waiting for the train looking gloom, but these two are breaking up the routine. Blending eras, blending climates, blending paces, blending cultures. You’re in the New York City Subway. You’re waiting for your train.

Put on your headphones. Close your eyes. Press play.

[powerpress]

Come back every other Monday for another, completely different, Minute Escape.