The 52nd Episode : Street musicians
[April, 1991 Amsterdam, The Netherlands]
At Amsterdam Central Station around 5:00 p.m. There were many people going back home due to the evening rush hour. And many musicians gathered for them. Some were setting up the musical equipment and some were already playing the music. A guitar trio rock band was playing a little far from the wayout of the station due to the sound was loud? The drummer was good at its rhythm! Cool! I wanted to see/listen but was with my boss. He walked without taking notice of them. I was obliged to follow… feeling like having my hair pulled from behind.
When I passed by the trio band, unexperienced strange smell was flowing. It was marihuana, wasn’t it? Some people say marihuana is legal in the Netherlands, but don’t misunderstand. It’s illegal. Then, why do people misunderstand? Because they have no penalty even if the rule is broken. All what police can do is to give attention. So, they break without hesitating and it is rampant. Be careful!
The number of street musicians have been increased in Japan these day even a little though, but the country still seems to have strict regulations. Most of the street musicians sing songs playing the guitar or keyboards. Band style groups play but still very few. It is hard to carry the equipment and to set up and sound volume causes also problem. The category is mostly pops and rock.
Various categories of music were played in Europe not only in the Netherlands. A sound of violin came into my ears on walking in the shopping street in the evening. A woman played a slow tune under the eaves in the little rain outside. No song. The tone, the sorrowful melody, the drizzle, in the twilight… every condition made a splendid atmosphere as if it was calculated. Awesome. I saw a flute soloist as well. Many category and musical instrumentals, they play.
