Getting 'N Tune' At 77th

N Tune

On this Monday morning, commuters scurry down the steps of the 77th Street subway platform, swipe their metro cards in the turnstile and file to the platform. It's July and it's hot. A thermometer on a nearby bank's window reads 85, but down here, it's easily 10 degrees warmer. Probably more. People are sweating. People are annoyed. People are waiting.

And as morning commuters eye their watches, tap their feet, read newspapers, and in general do anything they can to pass the time until the next subway screeches down the rail, Alphonso McGruder gently noodles the opening bars from "My Girl" on his keyboard.

From the reaction of the commuters, the 1965 classic from the Temptations is the last thing they expected to hear while waiting for the train. Smiles crack. Heads turn.

I've got sunshine on a cloudy day

When it's cold outside, I've got the month of May

McGruder is joined at the chorus by two gents helping out with the vocals.

My girl, my girl, my girl

Talkin' 'bout, my girl

"We've been playing together for years and years," he said when asked how long his group, "N Tune" has been together. Specializing in classic R&B and soul - a point he accentuates by drawing out the one syllable in "soul" - the band seems to be a bright spot for the Upper East Side crowd fanning themselves with magazines.

His keyboard case lies on the platform next to him, open and ready to accept anything people want throw in as a tip. It's filled with a smattering of one and five dollar bills and some change.

McGruder makes it clear that he's there to play, not to talk, and says people should reach out to him if they like what they hear.

"We play all the time, man. People can call me if they want more," he said.

If you're interested in hearing more or booking the band for a performance, McGruder can be reached at 917-660-0357.