DukeBerryman
271 posts
Mar 24, 2014
7:46 AM
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OK, this post is about blues culture, and like a film critic, I'm just going to put my opinion out there. Here's a pic of my blues shoes - wear them to jams, shows, etc. Bought on Melrose Avenue in LA about 10 years ago, Italian leather, I've gotten them re-soled. I love them just as much as my harps. You need a good foundation on the stage.
If could pass a rule at jams and shows it would be no fucking white athletic socks, no fucking shorts, and no fucking "trainers" (athletic shoes). If I see you on stage dressed like a teenager, I'm instantly not going to take you seriously. I won't be able to hear what you're playing because I will be so annoyed with your amateur presentation.
It's entertainment, you're putting on a show. If you don't care how you look, then you don't care what the audience thinks of your product, your entertainment product.
Put on some long pants. Put on some black socks. Put on some real shoes. And put on a great blues show, and show your audience how much you care and respect them.
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The Iceman
1558 posts
Mar 24, 2014
7:58 AM
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Dennis Gruenling and Rick Estrin have the coolest shoes on the circuit.
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The Iceman
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DukeBerryman
273 posts
Mar 24, 2014
8:06 AM
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Rick even has a shoe pic on his site:
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sonny3
143 posts
Mar 24, 2014
8:19 AM
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My rule is I don't care what you wear if you sound good.But if you suck at least you've got some sweet shoes!
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1847
1622 posts
Mar 24, 2014
9:14 AM
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i saw rod piazza saturday he was dressed sharp
as for me, i dont have any black socks or cool shoes
if i see a performer wearing a costume, and it is not halloween they better be damn good.
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i get a lot of request when i play my harmonica
"but i play it anyway"
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DukeBerryman
274 posts
Mar 24, 2014
9:46 AM
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@1847 I saw your post on Craigslist - you look pretty bad ass in those shades
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1847
1625 posts
Mar 24, 2014
10:37 AM
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never been on craigslist
cant play with sunglasses on
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i get a lot of request when i play my harmonica
"but i play it anyway"
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DukeBerryman
275 posts
Mar 24, 2014
10:43 AM
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@1847 My mistake - thought that was you posting down in OC. Well, think about investing in some black socks. ;)
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Goldbrick
367 posts
Mar 24, 2014
12:31 PM
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Bought these Alligators in Atlantic City Florsheim 30 years ago and still going strong. First time I paid a Benjamin for a pair of kicks
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DukeBerryman
276 posts
Mar 24, 2014
1:09 PM
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@HarpBurn You're right - drummer must have parked it.
@GoldBrick Good looking everyday carry knife, too. PS: That's hiw much I paid, too.
Last Edited by DukeBerryman on Mar 24, 2014 1:11 PM
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DukeBerryman
277 posts
Mar 24, 2014
1:13 PM
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Here are my Duke Berryman knives - a couple of Kershaws:
You just leave these open on top of your harp case...
Last Edited by DukeBerryman on Mar 24, 2014 1:14 PM
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garry
507 posts
Mar 24, 2014
2:26 PM
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luckily, i haven't needed my mommie to tell me how to dress for many years now.
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nacoran
7652 posts
Mar 24, 2014
5:28 PM
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I've got heel spurs, so I'll wear whatever lets me stand, and I'd rather add a good amp before I shell out for orthotics and spiffy shoes, but...
I think it depends on the venue. I grew up on grunge, and those shoes would get you thrown into the mosh pit. I think dressy for grunge is basic hiking boots, maybe steel toed. For now I've peaked at open mic level, but as most of those people are college kids, I'd be wary, as someone who needs the lights low to pass as their peers, about wearing any shoes they might think make me look more mature. That said, I sure wish the running shoes I need to keep my feet breathing and standable came in basic black.
Of course, it may also depend on the stage angle. I was short a pair of black shoes once in choir in college. Black socks, I had, but no shoes. I didn't own a pair, and the choir took a couple day road trip to sing, up in the Toronto area, and I'm not sure why, whether it was the tight schedule or I was tight on cash, but I couldn't get any black shoes. Fortunately I was a bass, and basses stand in back. I went out in just my socks for the first show (well, and pants) and no one noticed. The choir director found out afterwards and was perturbed, but I pointed out he only noticed because someone ratted me out. He managed to track down a pair for me for the next show. Ah, memories...
We were told in no uncertain terms that we were not to take advantage of the lower drinking age in Canada. A group of us went out for pizza and I remember a couple of kids were going to try a glass of wine. Wouldn't you know it, of all the pizza places in all of the Canadian side of Niagara Falls, our professor walks into our joint... (We weren't even supposed to drink if we were over 21, but one kid who was over 21 turned in receipts for our meal allowances right from a liqour store.) Man I had a crush on this redhead on the trip...
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Nate
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Goldbrick
369 posts
Mar 24, 2014
6:27 PM
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I can tell you from experience -most women will tell you -they look at the shoes first when sizing up a guy.
Cheap shoes - cheap guy.
When sizing up women I take Peter Wolf's advice- first I look at the purse ;-)
Last Edited by Goldbrick on Mar 24, 2014 6:28 PM
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bluemoose
962 posts
Mar 24, 2014
7:27 PM
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@nate - yup, sigh...it's the red heads, eh?
MBH Webbrain - a GUI guide to Adam's Youtube vids
FerretCat Webbrain - Jason Ricci's vids (by hair colour!)
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DukeBerryman
278 posts
Mar 24, 2014
7:50 PM
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@Nate That's funny - I was in a show with a director and his only real rule was no white socks but I think it was because he (and the audience) was always at sock level, so it must have been too distracting. It was the 90's so a lot of guys did the white socks and Doc Martins (the shoe version).
Of course, boots are always acceptable and you don't have to wear socks at all. Add the cowboy hat, and you could be a member of the Brooks family band.
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DukeBerryman
279 posts
Mar 24, 2014
7:53 PM
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kudzurunner
4630 posts
Mar 24, 2014
8:02 PM
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Here's B. B. King in shorts and black socks. But nice shoes, and a great amp. (I've got that amp: 1 '54 Fender tweed Deluxe, if I'm not wrong):
http://www.flickr.com/photos/popkrazy/4414502597/
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kudzurunner
4631 posts
Mar 24, 2014
8:11 PM
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I bought these for gigs at Oak Hall in Memphis. The moment I saw them, I said, "There you go." Italian leather, butter-smooth, and expensive. Never complain, never explain. They feel great.
Last Edited by kudzurunner on Mar 24, 2014 8:18 PM
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DukeBerryman
280 posts
Mar 24, 2014
8:17 PM
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@Kudzu Great pic of BB, what a showman. Like an early Angus Young.
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Goldbrick
370 posts
Mar 24, 2014
8:37 PM
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Go B B -great shoes-back in the day no air conditioning where he was playing
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1847
1627 posts
Mar 24, 2014
8:58 PM
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i am playing the j geils track over and over
it sounds as good as the day it was released
only difference is now i can hear where some of their influences
john lee hooker jimmy rogers come to play
i like how they take that, then completely make it their own
full blown rock and roll.
is that a low F harp at the beginning?
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i get a lot of request when i play my harmonica
"but i play it anyway"
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Goldbrick
371 posts
Mar 24, 2014
9:30 PM
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Guess we need a shoes tune- dust my broom with changed lyrics
Slide guitar kicks ass-harp doesnt thrill me but cant go wrong with the old dust my broom riff
Last Edited by Goldbrick on Mar 24, 2014 9:36 PM
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DukeBerryman
281 posts
Mar 24, 2014
10:27 PM
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@Goldbrick LMAO - Love the name of the album, too.
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slackwater
37 posts
Mar 24, 2014
10:57 PM
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I walked into a venue once and the big bearded manager guy says,
" You must be the harp player."
I thought it was the aluminium brief case I was carrying that gave me away, maybe it was, but I asked,
" What makes you say that?'
He pointed down and said,
"The shoes!"
True story.
Yeah, I like nice shoes, or I wear none at all.
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capnj
218 posts
Mar 24, 2014
10:58 PM
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Yeah guys respect your taste for the nice shoes.As you get older invest in a good pair of sh%$ kickin cowboy boots.Forget the laces,walk taller,get some real support.Pressed jeans,western boots,hell wear a tuxedo with it,nough said,except don't go cheap,get a pair that feel as comfortable as indian women chewed moose moccasins,just believe it,nothing better.
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kudzurunner
4632 posts
Mar 25, 2014
5:07 AM
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@1847: And of course there's the J. Geils Band's main influence on this particular song: The Contours:
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colman
299 posts
Mar 25, 2014
8:51 AM
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comfortable shoes ,no matter the look are important.and any shoe works for me ,if it`s comfortable...but 50`s style bowling shirts, that i see on alot of harp players,bugs me...i`ll stop here...
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JustFuya
21 posts
Mar 25, 2014
9:15 AM
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The dog ate my sandals?
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2chops
228 posts
Mar 25, 2014
9:18 AM
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@goldbrick...I'm with you on the boots and non pressed jeans and the other items on your list. BUT, no mayo on a cheese steak? Man you're killin me. I live in cheese steak land. Mayo is da bomb.
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I'm workin on it. I'm workin on it.
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atty1chgo
888 posts
Mar 25, 2014
9:48 AM
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@DukeBerryman - The gentleman with the cowboy hat (alongside Ronnie Baker Brooks above) is Eddy "The Chief" Clearwater. But Lonnie Brooks DOES wear a cowboy hat.
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barbequebob
2505 posts
Mar 25, 2014
9:59 AM
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With just about every one of those old bluesmen I ever gigged with or met, having sharp shoes was an absolute MUST HAVE because, as one told me, anything less than that, you just look like an undignified drunk slob on the bandstand who has no pride about their appearance at all.
As an example, when I was gigging with Luther Guitar Junior Johnson, he had three different pairs of some of the most bad ass snakeskin shoes you ever saw in your life. And yes, they were definitely comfortable to him.
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Sincerely,
Barbeque Bob Maglinte
Boston, MA
http://www.barbequebob.com
CD available at http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/bbmaglinte
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Goldbrick
373 posts
Mar 25, 2014
10:22 AM
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I guess maybe you could do a little mayo with one a dose big cherry peppers from Steve's Prince of Steaks on the Blvd.
Thats Steve Guyger territory there
Last Edited by Goldbrick on Mar 25, 2014 10:23 AM
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1847
1631 posts
Mar 25, 2014
3:17 PM
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anything less than that, you just look like an undignified drunk slob on the bandstand
i say if the shoe fits wear it
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i get a lot of request when i play my harmonica
"but i play it anyway"
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i get a lot of request when i play my harmonica
"but i play it anyway"
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SuperBee
1817 posts
Mar 25, 2014
3:28 PM
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Amused.
Next time I'm drunk I'll make sure I'm wearing good shoes so no one notices
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blueswannabe
452 posts
Mar 25, 2014
4:24 PM
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I like this thread. My band mates and I were just discussing standing out from a crowd and looking like a band. Shirts and shoes were the topic of discussion. The italian leather two tone faux crocodile print black and white Oxford dress shoes. One got blue and white and one red and white. And BBQ you're right!
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DukeBerryman
290 posts
Mar 25, 2014
4:37 PM
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Thanks @atty1chgo ! Gotta give Lonnie his props:
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1847
1633 posts
Mar 25, 2014
4:40 PM
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the contours you got me there, first i heard that.
still i prefer the j geils version
the harmonica just grabs me, not so with the sax.
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i get a lot of request when i play my harmonica
"but i play it anyway"
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Goldbrick
374 posts
Mar 25, 2014
4:40 PM
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I guess now that Greg "Fingers" Taylor doesnt tour with the Coral Reefers anymore 1847's outfit could fit right in .
Hey go with what works for you. No dress code here.
But I do like a good pair of shoes
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Thievin' Heathen
304 posts
Mar 25, 2014
5:43 PM
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If I ride my bike to a biker bar , to play biker bar harp, can I wear my riding (Red Wing) boots or do I need to carry along some alligator loafers? What about the leather pants? What about the snakeskin amp?
I don't think I'll ever figure this out. I better hang on to my day job.
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Slimharp
265 posts
Mar 26, 2014
10:28 AM
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LOL 1847. My question : Can you fill them ? Depends on the venue for me. So Cal can be pretty lacks. When you have a size 16 foot like me, shoes are very valuable and hard to find. I have a pair of Allen Edmonds wing tips that you can puncture solid core doors with. Sharp shoes.
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MP
3127 posts
Mar 26, 2014
10:58 AM
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I dig comfortable shoes. When I could afford it Capezio, Bruno Magli, for leather.
Nowadays it's Chuck Taylors or serious cool leather ones I can't remember the name of. They look Italian.
If you want style look no further than John Hammond.
Now, bowling shirts and the hat and sunglasses just look silly to me
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Affordable Reed Replacement
Marks Harmonica Tune-up
Click user name MP for contact info
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robbert
295 posts
Mar 26, 2014
2:40 PM
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Whenever I go to see a band play, I've noticed that the experience is enhanced when the band is well dressed, even a little showy, so long as the music is good, also.
Also, from what I can tell, anyone who is making music on any kind of professional level, is usually well dressed, although styles vary of course.
My shoes aren't always the best, but I always reserve the best I have for gigs. And I try to dress like a performer. Not outlandishly, but some kind of style.
After all, the audience is looking at you at least some of the time, as well as hearing you, so you might as well give them a little something to look at.
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Slimharp
273 posts
Mar 27, 2014
10:32 PM
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@STME58 I know the feeling well. If I luck out I can get into a 15, narrow or medium with inserts. I sometimes score nice shoes at Nordstroms Rack at reasonable prices and good quality. Give them a try if there are any near you.
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blueswannabe
453 posts
Mar 28, 2014
7:58 AM
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Also, if you need to stomp your foot on stage, a leather sole is better than your nike's.
Vinny Gambini: My clients...
Judge Chamberlain Haller: What are you wearing?
Vinny Gambini: Huh?
Judge Chamberlain Haller: What are you wearing?
Vinny Gambini: [wearing a black leather jacket] Um... I'm wearing clothes.
[the Judge angrily stares ominously at Vinny]
Vinny Gambini: I... I don't get the question.
Judge Chamberlain Haller: When you come into my court looking like you do, you not only insult me, but you insult the integrity of this court!
Vinny Gambini: I apologise, sir, but, uh... this is how I dress.
Judge Chamberlain Haller: Fine. I'll let you off this one time. The next time you appear in my court, you will look lawyerly. And I mean you comb your hair, and wear a suit and tie. And that suit had better be made out of some sort of... cloth. You understand me?
Vinny Gambini: [not comprehending] Uh... yes. Fine, Judge, fine.
Ironically, Vinny Gambini was appropriately dressed as a potential blues musician.
Last Edited by blueswannabe on Mar 28, 2014 8:03 AM
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BC
30 posts
Mar 29, 2014
11:13 AM
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At first I thought this was an odd post. I did not think I would be so interested in what shoes I wore on stage. But man, this morning at the store I bought a new pair of black leather fashion loafers similar to the ones in the pictures. You guys are a bad influence on me. I will probably even wear a nice collared shirt. I better look cool at the jam next week to cover my mediocre playing. : )
BC.
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Frank
4089 posts
Mar 29, 2014
12:33 PM
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There is no excuse for not being able to afford looking like a high class pimp on the bandstand with goodwills all over the place - for 30 bucks you can get the whole 9 yards... shirt, pants, belt, jacket, tie, cuff pins, ring, hat, cane - clothes is the easy part, playin like you belong in them "priceless":)
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MP
3139 posts
Mar 29, 2014
2:38 PM
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I think like robbert. you should look good. A woman gave me this advice. Nice Shoes, Nice Shirt, Good Watch. Then take it from there. These are things people look at consciously or not.
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Affordable Reed Replacement
Marks Harmonica Tune-up
Click user name MP for contact info
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Hondo
289 posts
Mar 31, 2014
7:43 AM
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Any questions?
Last Edited by Hondo on Mar 31, 2014 8:16 AM
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Rhartt1234
123 posts
Mar 31, 2014
8:31 AM
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A little to much break over the shoes with the pants but I'll bring that up with my tailor.
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