The Uniform, Part 1

The uniform.  Everybody has one.  I have one.  I don't care to admit it, but I definitely do.

Contrary to popular belief, there is no one single "uniform" for men.  The uniform is a combination that for some reason or another, the wearer has decided has worked, works, and will continue to work for them until the end of time.  And in many cases, this is completely true.

However, a quickly thrown-together uniform that lacks cohesion is almost as bad as leaving in sweats and a tee shirt.  So I'm going to give you a few tips on how to refine your uniform!

Take for example, a very basic and popular uniform for clubs, bars, and casual social events.  Dark dress shoes such as Oxfords, dark wash jeans and a button-up shirt.  This is an ensemble that looks good as well as being safe, quick and easy.

Refining this uniform:

-Okay, you've got the shoes.  Take a moment to make sure you have on the right socks!  Nothing looks goofier than white, athletic ankle socks with dress shoes.  I personally like to make a statement with my socks, so I frequently go with patterned argyle socks with a dominant color that coordinates with my outfit, but with enough pattern that it breaks up monotony.

-Dark wash jeans?  Check.  I know you're not planning on leaving the house without a belt, right?  Right.  Also, think about what you need when you're out, and figure out slimmer ways to carry it in your pockets.  Consider a money clip with just your essentials as an alternative to a bulky wallet.

-Finally, we're at the shirt.  This is where I see a lot of people go wrong.  First, the shirt doesn't need to be pressed and creased, but it shouldn't be wrinkly, unless it's linen.  In which case, bold choice, I approve.  Don't tuck your shirt into jeans; you've already made the choice to go casual, so opt for a fitted shirt that can be worn untucked.  An age old question regards how many buttons to undo.  The correct answer is almost always "two".  If you're wearing a tie, make sure it's loose, and only undo the top button.  Undershirts are a tricky area, and in my opinion, are unnecessary, unless you're wearing a thin, lightweight white shirt.  Which is a poor choice to begin with.  Thankfully, we live in a day and age where no matter what your chest situation is, it's probably fine.  Tan or no, hairy or shaved, forgoing the undershirt and letting a little bit of chest show is always acceptable, unless you're a veritable Sasquatch.  Then consider going with the aforementioned loose tie with one button.

Next post: The Uniform, Part 2

My thoughts on musical prejudice.

As difficult as it is sometimes to summon enthusiasm for something you've been doing for years, I'm finding myself continuing to be moved and in awe of all genres of music.  And it is in this scope of appreciation that I find myself writing this.

In all professional fields, people who are competent practitioners of one technique or study claim that theirs is the best.  Sometimes this happens in the open, with insults, slights and challenges directed specifically and with intent.  Sometimes it is incredibly subtle.

Hearing a suspension hang on till the last moment, experiencing that perfect chord tune, being enveloped in lush harmony, feeling that primal moment when rhythm and movement meet seamlessly, hearing the melody in a single voice soar over the twisting harmonies...none of that is unique to a single genre.

There is no single high art in music.  Opera and classical singing is striking, and the singers must be technically talented.  Choir requires every member to be individually competent and complete a beautiful whole.  A Capella music relies on tight harmonies and soloists who share something special with the audience.  A solo recording artist has the pressures of being completely exposed to people the artist will never meet.

Who are we, any of us, to say which is better, or as is more common, which is inferior?  We cannot possibly know everything, and by a corollary, we cannot possibly feel everything, or know what others must feel and what moves them.  And if what we practice as musicians is art, is it not our responsibility to express ourselves and move people, and therefore be encouraging of any expression that has the capability to move an individual?

As musicians, as a whole, we claim to be a part of the artistic, enlightened liberal elite, without prejudice and accepting of any person or lifestyle.  We claim to respect the earth, all of its inhabitants, and make great efforts to shape the world into a greater place through our art.

So why so much prejudice and flippant disregard towards other genres that lie outside of our own?