Now, don't get me wrong, in my private life, I'm just as casual and relaxed in my dress as anyone else. Sometimes I would even classify my look at home as homeless chic". But once I step outside my house and venture into the world where simple minded people sometimes size you up immediately before you even have a chance to speak... well, let me just offer this to any of you who happen NOT to be a Black man who is always followed and eyed suspiciously whenever he decides to peruse the items in any retail establishment..if this was a constant part of your life that went back as far as you could remember, then you would understand why it is imperative to appear in public at all times as if you mean business. I certainly don't want to be mistaken for a thug, degenerate or anyone else who doesn't want to be taken seriously or respected. (Side note: Each and every time that I travel with casual wear , I am detained and searched thoroughly at airport security and customs. EVERY time.This is obvious character profiling, of course, but is definitely avoidable if my garb and external profile don't resemble that of a hellraiser.)
But where musical performances are concerned, jeans, baseball caps, sneakers and t-shirts and other extreme casual wear just doesn't cut it for me in terms of stage apparel. Not in my band, it doesn't. The exception, of course, would be some of the summer outdoor music festivals where we're often found performing in sweltering heat, or situations where we've had to rush to the bandstand directly form the airport after a day of hectic travel and near-missed flights. Sometimes there is absolutely no time that will allow for the band to get it together" and one must perform as is". But dressing as if you just woke up from falling asleep with your clothes on should not be an acceptable norm. I'm constantly surprised to find the number of Jazz musicians who feel that it's no big deal and argue that they're merely dressing for comfort". I doubt very seriously that any member of any philharmonic orchestra would agree, or think for one minute that their job would be secure if they didn't appear for work dressed appropriately.
Once in or around 1983 or '84, during a break on a gig at a location that I can't immediately remember, Dizzy Gillespie, complimented me on the sharpness of my suit and relayed to me some stories about how meticulous some of the musicians had been about their vines" (Jazzspeak for suits - hanging on your body like vines). He told me that a hip suit (and hat) were essential the look" and that they would have never even considered performing in anything less. He concluded his story with the same phrase that I've heard said countless times when referring to the audience: They SEE you before they HEAR you". I agree wholeheartedly with this and have to confess that I base my total enjoyment of any given performance on a multitude of factors - appearance and stage presence being two of them.
I would further contend that this slacker mode of dress has contributed to the devaluation of the music in terms of visual presentation and a steadily increasing lack of respect for an art form whose very participants sometimes don't appear to have much respect for anything other than subjecting their audiences to 10 chorus length solos and songs that last 30 minutes each - AND looking like derelicts while doing it!
In my own experience, I would have to admit that not only do I feel better about my presentation when I'm secure that everything is in place both with the music as well as with the business, but I also notice all too well how different I am treated and respected when I am dressed like a grown-ass-man". In music, as well as in every other aspect of life, respect for oneself and the rich lineage that we've inherited deserves ample consideration and attention to every facet of the art form - not just being a bad ass" on your instrument. So to those to whom this would apply: Clean up your act!
And for those of you who are members of Facebook, here's a link to trumpeter Sean Jones' online discussion that deals with the very same subject.
http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=7762506156&topic=12383
Perhaps it's time for musicians to, along with the refinement of their craft, begin to reinvestigate the value and immediate benefits (WINK!) of being clean" and sharp as a tack" once again. I know, quite personally, a number of people who would support the music with a bit more enthusiasm if the musicians themselves didn't appear so aloof and disheveled. It's not so much to ask.
Thanks,
GO