"As indigenous to New York City as subways, Central Park and the Statue of Liberty, those tireless performers known as buskers have become the unsung heroes of the city’s underground music scene. The Noise Beneath The Apple® finally gives these dedicated artists their due, turning the spotlight on a talented group of individuals usually hidden in the shadows, both literally and figuratively. For anyone interested in discovering the sounds that encompass the true heart and soul of the city, this is nothing less than an essential archival collection."

Lee Zimmerman, No Depression, Lee's Listening Stack

 

"The Noise Beneath The Apple® has everything we believe in at Innocent Words Magazine. With the NYC busking scene as its base, there is a plethora of fantastic music with enriching stories behind them and beautiful artwork to move you. Music, words, art = love."

Troy Michaels, Innocent Words Magazine

To Read our 4.5 Star Review of The Noise Beneath from The Apple® in the San Francisco Book Review, click HERE.

 

What a beautiful and insightful read...

I'd like to think of myself as knowledgeable about music but Heather and her book opened up a whole new way of thinking for me.
I never heard the term buskers and I thought I was pretty music savvy given my age and history.
I will never look at street performers the same way and the record is an added bonus, beautifully done, and also the photographer adds his perspective and makes it visually stimulating and so thoughtfully written.
The people in it are so unique and authentic.
I read a story a day so it wouldn't end so quickly and I will treasure it forever.
Thank you Heather Jacks.

Linda Simitz-Meckes, SanFrancisco, CA.

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We fell in love with the book ...

We fell in love with the book "The Noise Beneath the Apple" by Heather Jacks. As a fellow New Yorker, technically Hoboken, NJ but working in New York, I witnessed 25 years of hearing and seeing Musicians "busking" on the subways and streets. Sometimes I would hear someone off in the distance of the subway tunnels and change course and look for the source of the music. Heather Jacks as captured these artists forever in her fabulous book. I see faces I've seen and they all deserve to be preserved in time and recognized as true artists.

Thank you Heather.

 Laurel Brooks, Oceanside, CA.

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Heather Jack's has a rich and textured writing style! An enjoyable learning experience for even the seasoned musician!

The Noise Beneath The Apple® Book is SO MUCH MORE than an art-style, coffee table book! It's a deluxe collector's book and vinyl record showcasing 35 NYC Street Musicians!

Heather Jacks' is both our teacher and tour guide through the streets, parks, and subways of New York City bringing us the incredible stories of the musicians that only the fortunate have had the opportunity to experience live, but most haven't had time to fully contemplate and appreciate.

These artists are not homeless folks...on the contrary, and to my surprise, some of which have been classically trained at the finest of schools such as Juilliard, some are self-taught, one was the opener for an undiscovered Dave Matthews.

There's an electric violin (made of lucite) player who just happens to have performed at Carnegie Hall, Yankee Stadium, and with the Sheila E. Band, a well-known NY fashion photographer-turned-busker, and a beat-rhymer who has performed at Lincoln Center, Madison Square Garden, on the PBS series, The Electric Company, to name a few.

Linda Madeline, New Jersey

 

Gorgeous and Captivating!

I read it cover to cover. Not only is it beautiful, but the stories of the buskers are captivating.
A wonderful portrait of an alive, dynamic New York music scene that can rightfully be
called, "The soundtrack of the City." A dream gift for any music lover.

John & Noela, New York City

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Amazing!

Rarely has there been such an intimate glimpse into the life of subway performers. The writing is superb & insightful, the photos are beautiful, the album is incredible; in fact, I'm hard pressed, (no pun intended), to find anything I don't like about this book, record, tome,...Whatever it is it's awesome, and anyone I've showed it to feels the same way.

Gabriel Aldort, New York City

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A rare, beautiful, and intimate look into the world of busking​

Love this book; the art value alone is worth having, but even more valuable is the intimate look into the performers, their music, and their lives. So much creativity that is not recognized as it deserves, from each of these performers. Also loved the vinyl record, best sound and it's beautiful itself!! If you love music, you need to read and hear this work!

Cindy Nelson, Raleigh, NC

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Love Books, Love Music!

I absolutely love this book! I received it as a gift and it has become one of the favorites in my personal collection. It is rich in vivid encounters with music and the City. A must have for book lovers and music lovers alike.

Luis Quiroz, San Francisco, CA.

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Truly beautiful!​

As luxurious as this book is, it takes no pains in glossing over the honest and truly real experience these musicians offer. The writing is sensitive, the photographs expressive and true. Reading this gives insight to the world as the musicians see and feel it. The fight they face enduring their days doing their best, not for the money or the fame but, really, to give and so, to really live.
The stories remind me of the wonder I felt while reading Stud's Terkels 'working'. There's another world out there. You can find your introduction here.

Danny G., New York City

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A must have for the music lover!​

I had the opportunity to attend the launch of this incredible book in NY and it really opened my eyes to an entirely different culture. I have been a lover of music since I was born, have gone to shows, met bands but never have I been a part of something truly magical. The stories in the book, the photographs, the showcased artists really bring your love for music to an entirely new level. The book is not just about busking in NY but about living your dreams and doing what you love for all the right reasons. Thanks Heather for sharing it with us!

Carrie Biggar, Nashville, TN

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 Heather Jacks Being a part of this project gave me the confidence to continue on my journey. It solidified that this was what I wanted to do. It called me a "busker" before I was officially one. I felt a part of something amazing, and I still do. Heather, you should be proud of yourself for gathering everyone like you did, and creating this piece. And, it hasn't even reached it's full shine yet. The time and dedication you put into this, I really appreciate. That doesn't happen without passion, you believed in all of us. No one understood Claude Monet, but are his paintings now priceless? Absolutely. Keep painting your water lilies! In the words of my parents,"just keep being you".

Tara Hack, Featured NYC Street Performer

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I believe everything you do in life counts and life is about moments and nothing is ever wasted. I have always been a fan of you and your work Heather Jacks. Thank you for honoring me and all of us buskers in your amazing tributes, all of it - the live cabaret, the book, the signing, the recording. Very proud to have taken part in every bit of it, and also to say that you and Gaines are my friends.

Nicola V, Featured NYC Street Performer

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What an amazing journey this was! Heather Jacks, you are an incredible force!
Thanks again for the opportunity to be a part of something much bigger than ourselves .

Gabriel Aldort, Featured NYC Street Performer