[Dixielandjazz] dressing up

[Jim Kashishian]

I knew what I was doing when I introduced the "dressing up" theme here!   :>
I was pretty sure it would open up a can of worms!  
 
I think, though, that everyone agrees that there is a place for practically
everything.  We dress cleanly but normally for club gigs...everyone in what
they want.  A concert hall calls for dark suits, again each to his own.  A
party, the vests!  They're not striped, rather just multicolored.  They were
a gift from a whiskey company, and we put our own band patch over the brand
name on the chest.
 
The fact that Count Basie was seen on stage in shorts has little to do with
us "normal" folks.  When you're that big, you can come on stage however you
like.  The audience is already there because of who you are.  If you're a
normal type of talent, then you usually have to win your audience.  The
audience sees you even before they hear you, so the first impression is
important.
 
Anyway, this is sort of preaching to the already converted.  Everyone on
this list that performs will already know what works for their band....
 
Jim