If you happen to catch this guy at the 178th Street station (A-train in NYC) this Friday, December 18th, please wish him a happy birthday. I never asked his name, but he did thank me for giving him two dollars and graciously agreed to have his picture taken.

I've seen this guy many times on my way to and from a session or audition, but never paid much attention to him or what he was playing; That is, until yesterday.

Yesterday morning, as I was checking my email, Alicia Keys was on The View singing her rendition of "Empire State of Mind" sans Jay-Z. It was beautiful and inspiring.

Later, that day I received a last minute call from my agent asking if I can make it into the City by 5PM. I was already waiting for copy for another session, but that wrapped in 6 minutes. So, I was off in the freezing cold to invest three hours (travel plus recording time) for a shot at a national network TV spot (wouldn't do that in this cold for a shot at a Spanish PSA radio spot - that's for sure.) I arrived at the George Washington Bridge bus terminal and headed down toward the A-train.

That's when I met Mr. Sax-Man. Guess what he was playing? For the first time ever, I listened to his music. For the first time, I actually slowed down on my way to catch a train. He was playing "Empire State of Mind." I smiled. Gave him two dollars. He smiled back a genuine "thank you" and told me his birthday is this Friday.

I believe in these little "coincidences" as God winks:
http://AnthonyMendez.com/recommends/GodWinks

Those Winks let us know that we're on the right track. We just have to slow down and listen to the music. It's beautiful.

Happy Birthday, Mr. Sax-Man!