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So how long have you been playing the sax? Right now, about two months, about two months.

But before I actually played when I was 14 years old, I was the least saxophoneist for the school that I was attending at the time.

So what happened between 14 and now? You didn't play sax during that whole time?

Actually I was at some of the prisons down south that didn't have a music program, level 4 prisons to hatch me, how I does it.

So I didn't get to practice music.

So you were in jail since you were 14? Yes.

How many years has that since you played the sax?

18. You know I can't get out right now but I'm slowly you know remembering, feeling the keys.

And when I have the saxophone in my hand I'm blowing in, you know I'm creating music.

I don't know how to explain it but it makes me feel comfortable.

Where I can just let go.

You were now tuned in to San Quentin's Ear Hustle from PRX's Radio Topia.

I am Rossan New York Thomas, a resident of San Quentin State Prison in California serving the life sentence.

And I'm Nigel Poor. I've been working with the guys at San Quentin for about eight years now.

And together we're going to take you inside and back outside and this time to a very surprising place.

On this episode we have a special treat.

We're putting the music center stage and we saved you a front row seat.

Today is all about the musicians of San Quentin and their songs.

From the yard to the tier and beyond.

And at the end of the episode you're going to hear about a super groovy Ear Hustle opportunity.

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