Subway Series: West Fourth Trio Plays Live in Studio 5

This episode of All of It on WNYC features the West Fourth Trio—Alex Feldman on drums, Billy Edwards on bass, and Danny Raycraft on tenor sax—performing live in Studio 5 as part of a series spotlighting musicians in the MTA Music Program. The trio shares their journey from subway and park performances to building a cohesive group through shared experiences and mentorship, including connections with legendary figures like Uros Markovich and Ben Frank. They reflect on the challenges and rewards of busking in New York City, emphasizing the importance of persistence, adaptability, and the unique energy of playing for transient audiences. The conversation delves into the cultural significance of jazz in public spaces, the emotional and artistic highs of 'touching the electricity' during a performance, and the vital role busking plays in sustaining musicians’ livelihoods and craft in a competitive city. The episode closes with a final performance of Wayne Shorter’s 'Night Dreamer,' underscoring the trio’s deep connection to their music and audience.