Ealing busker spotted by producers

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John Albert records album, Blue Notes from the Underground

Talented London Underground Busker and Ealing borough resident 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 Uncle receives daily.

John has been a LU busker since March 2005 after successfully passing the challenging LU busking audition and being handed his official licence. Commuters can often spot him at lunch time 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."

Sponsored by Carling, the LU busking initiative was originally launched in 2003 after LU won the right to change National law and the local bylaws to legalise licensed busking.  The scheme was developed as a response to customer demand for talented musicians being licensed to play at stations. Licensed buskers are chosen on talent, with emphasis strongly placed on meeting the wide-ranging musical tastes of Tube customers.  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. The scheme's overnight success resulted in its gradual expansion in the last 2 years: there are now 34 pitches throughout the network and 397 licensed buskers.

Nov 26 2005