With the Metropolitan Transportation Authority's recent announcement about vintage subway trains and buses from the early 1900's in store for New Yorkers looking for sentimental holiday rides, they also pulled out even more incredibleness just yesterday-- packed with wonderfully classic jazz music.

Whereas subway performers come in every shape, size, and sound, Sunday's performance was no accident, as it was a serendipitous experience of being next to perhaps some of the best musicians in New York City.

On Sunday, the MTA Music Under NY program, in conjunction with Jazz at Lincoln Center and the Transit Museum, brought one of Duke Ellington's signature tunes to life in the vintage subway cars to magical effect.

First recorded on February 15, 1941 by Duke Ellington for Victor Records, the famous tune was composed by Billy Strayhorn and was reanimated on the subway for what would have been Strayhorn's 100th birthday yesterday. 

The title of the song comes from directions Ellington wrote for Strayhorn upon his visit to New York City, which began with "Take the A Train." 

Later, a Detroit singer-songwriter Joya Sherrill, heard an instrumental version on the radio and wrote the lyrics, which made their way to Ellington who took her on as a vocalist. 

Now take a look at the video below of some of NYC's best recreating the song live on a vintage subway car just yesterday. 

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Check out MTA Just Announced Vintage Subways and Buses Will Run Over the Holidays in NYC. 

[via Gothamist]