The only items in my apartment were my audio system and the solitary foam mattress that lay in the corner of the room. Not even the mouse I just noticed scurrying across the floor could spoil my good mood. It did however signify the time to get going, so I locked up the caboose and took the number 7 train at the Vernon Boulevard and Jackson Avenue stop. It was only three stops to Times Square and just a few blocks to walk to a place dubbed

The Music Building

This unique building is located on Eighth Ave between 38th and 39th Street in the heart of the Garment District. The building was once rented by fabric merchants who would sell their cloths to the public and to wholesalers. It was eventually converted to rehearsal spaces and these fabric merchants fled as the musicians started to occupy the building.

You always knew you were getting close as a wild blend of chaotic musical sounds would echo in the evening breeze. I knew my friend would be there. Several musicians shared the space and I was familiar with his schedule … I always seemed to know somebody, so getting into the building was never a problem. I took the elevator up and banged on the door. The rooms were hardly sound proof, so it was best to keep playing so you could drown out the room next to you.

It was quiet and for a moment I didn’t think anyone was there. The metal door squeaked open and my friend greeted me along with the spunky looking young lady whom he shared the room with on off days.

I said hello as we met many times before. They were looking for some missing gear. She was from Detroit and had worked at different jobs like Dunkin Donuts and The Russian Tea Room just like everybody else who needed to find a way to survive. After finding what they were looking for, she mentioned she was working at Danceteria tonight and that we were welcome to come along.

DRUMMER: "No we have plans. We’re going to see Tony play tonight. Perhaps another time."

I caught myself staring as she picked up her gear and left the room ….

TBB: "I like her energy…"

DRUMMER: "Best we go."

And just like that we were off... We took the F train to the Village and eventually made our way to the club.