Underground Economy is the latest in Jaffe's series of works for the Radio Drum, in which the soloist interacts with a custom software environment, giving him the freedom to explore and express his virtuosity in a manner that would not be possible with a conventionally notated score. The computer program functions in tandem with the score to define the frontiers within which improvisation can occur. In Underground Economy, this process is extended to include the acoustic piano and violin, which are fitted with physical and electronic sensing devices. The result is an enabling of "underground" transactions between the performers, as they negotiate, trade, con and steal musical currency, ranging from individual parameters to entire textures. The piece was commissioned by Andrew Schloss with support from the Social Science and Humanities Research Council of Canada. The piece was premiered by the electronic Afro-Cuban jazz ensemble, Duran/Schloss/Mitri Trio, at Judson Church in New York City, February 4, 2007, at a concert sponsored by the Electronic Music Foundation.