Talented London Underground (LU) busker John Albert has given in to demands from Underground commuters for him to release a CD of his well-loved Blues music.
The Album, Blue Notes from Underground, is a compilation of John's best-loved tracks, including Georgia by Willie Nelson, Whiskey by Champion Jack Dupree and Stormy Monday by T-Bone Walker.
The album also features John's own original tracks All You People and Blues Muse.
"You must get this stuff recorded," remarked independent producer Eddie Martin.
"You don't have a CD? Then you've got to make one," said Marcus Clark, proprietor of I&E Records.
Publisher Frances Quesnel remarked: "Brilliant, I love that bluesy quality in your voice, do you have a CD? You should do!"
These are only some of the expressions of appreciation John receives daily.
John has been an LU busker since March 2005, after successfully passing the challenging LU busking audition and being handed his official licence.
Unique platform
Commuters can often spot him at lunchtime playing his favourite pitch at Bank station.
LU Operations Manager Steve Charlick remarked: "John, like many Underground buskers, is a very talented artist whose music brightens commuters' journeys daily.
"He has been really successful playing on the Underground, which provides a unique platform for artists to showcase their talent in front of millions of commuters every week.
"We are really pleased with the release of Blue Notes from Underground and look forward to enjoying it here at London Underground."
Notes for editors
1. Blue Notes from Underground is available to buy online at www.theunknownblueswarrior.compriced £5
2. For more information on how to apply to become an LU busker, please visit: www.tfl.gov.uk/tube/arts/busking
3. Sponsored by Carling, the LU busking initiative was originally launched from 19 May 2003 to 6 June 2003 after LU won the right in 2001 to change National law and the local bylaws to legalise licensed busking
4. The scheme was developed as a response to customer demand for talented musicians being licensed to play at stations
5. Commercial backing from Carling helps fund the recruitment and auditioning of musicians, as well as the management of the scheme by professional artist management company, Automatic Management
6. Licensed buskers are chosen on the basis of talent, with emphasis strongly placed on meeting the wide-ranging musical tastes of Tube customers
7. Buskers are not paid by LU or Carling and rely on the generosity of Tube passengers
8. All buskers have to pass an audition in front of a judging panel and are vetted for any police convictions before they are issued a free London Underground Busking Licence
9. The scheme's overnight success resulted in its gradual expansion in the last two years: there are now 34 pitches throughout the network and 397 licensed buskers
10. Over 3,360 hours of live music are provided by buskers every week
