Portrait of a Musician, in Midtown

Photo by myself on Broadway around 36th Street.

I was drawn to the distinctive mellow sound of a trombone, Tuesday night.

Tim Perryman, above, confessed that the life of a street musician is not an easy one. 'The true street musician', he said, 'plays outside everyday, rain or shine'. Tim plays on the subway platforms only at the height of winter.

A New Yorker since 1995, Tim plays on the street by himself and in a big band. You can see him perform Monday nights at The Moldy Fig, a jazz club on the Lower East Side. The Wade Barnes Big Band plays there from 8 to midnight.

Tim told me he started life as a visual artist, then discovered he had a talent for music. He had only started to play for the night, and already had several contributions. The amount one earns from playing on the street varies, day to day.

Tim was friendly and a joy to speak to. His shirt reads: 'Jazz washes away the dust of everyday life. - Art Blakely.'



For the Moldy Fig website, click here.

The Portrait Series is a once-in-a-while installment, featuring New Yorkers encountered on the street.

Related posts: Portrait of a Film Shoot, in Brooklyn Heights, Portrait of a Young Man, Without a Home and Portrait of FIve New Yorkers, on the Upper East Side.