The Busker Factor

A few blogs ago I mentioned how buskers in Paris ought to receive more plaudits than the Metro-going public currently dish out. Well, I mentioned this to a friend who informed me that the Mairie de Paris actually currently audition those musicians who seek to play the tile-lined corridors.

At first I was sceptical. I knew they were good, but I just couldn't imagine a firing squad of sharp-suited, dagger-heeled mayoral staff inviting prospective talent into the corridors of power. Well, maybe, just to be vindictive. I could certainly hear the Cowell-like crushing blows:

"Sorry mate, your smell's got more of a chance of getting a reaction than your music."
or perhaps,
"The only audience you're going to get is from the pest-control team."

Even so, there is no doubt that the Parisian street musician is a class above, anything I've heard before.

I've even compiled my Top Three, based on quality of song (and a little personal taste):

3. Buddy Holly Junior with a wonderfully whiney rendition of Jeff Buckley's "Violet Wine"

2. The "Invisible Rocker" (I only heard it while walking the other way) rocking the corridors with Metallica's "Nothing Else Matters"

and finally,

1. The Angel of Nation (so called for the station I saw her at and for a voice I would have paid much more to hear for a great deal longer) with a soulful folk song that I am embarrassed to say I couldn't place.

Before signing off though, I have to mention the weathered hispanic troubador who, this morning, brought joy to a thoroughly dismal commute and a smile to my otherwise miserable visage: "Venga, venga la camissa negra!" Your morning coffee's on me my friend!