Bassist Ron The Ever “Dressed to the Nines” Carter
Ron Carter Photo: Laura Manchinu (aka La Manchù), CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
When Harlem was jumping and cats would rather “go to Harlem than to Heaven,” Jazz musicians performed there, more often than not, “dressed to the nines.” It was the epoch of Duke Ellington, Billie Holiday and Miles Davis. A time when dressing sharp was the rule not the exception. From the bandstand to the casual lover’s stroll, men wore suits or sports jackets, Stacey Adams shoes, silk ties and mean hats then called brims or lids.
Whatever happened to that fashion sense, that hipness, that cool look: shined shoes, a suit and the fashionable brim?
The 1960s rebellious fever “the revolution will not be televised,” “the screw the man”, and, “later for Mr. Charlie” — perhaps they all contributed to elimination of the so-called “establishment dress code”. It was dumped for fatigues, black berets and combat boots. Tie-dye tee shirts, big afros and dashikis became the new hipness. Shined shoes, suits and the brim, be damned!
During this storm of rebellion: burning bras, bell-bottom jeans and leather jackets, Ron Carter, a native of Michigan, arrived in New York City with his dapperness well intact and he wasn’t about to let it go on a whim or some fad.
Clothes may make the man, but Carter is a man of distinctive tastes which he expresses as bassist, composer, educator and role model on and off the bandstand. He is an NEA Jazz Master, the highest honor that our nation bestows on jazz musicians. While conscientious jazz heads savor his contribution to the second famed Miles Davis Quintet, others celebrate his recordings with the Classical Jazz Quartet or Ron Carter’s Great Big Band. Carter’s musical influence expands beyond the shores of jazz, as was noted when he earned his 2015 Guinness World Records title as the Most Recorded Jazz Bassist in history — he’s played on 2,221 recordings and counting.
“In a distant way music and fashion are individual arts. It’s the personality that is different from others in the crowd,” mused Carter. “Many people dress up, but few are dressers making that fashion statement. Monk dressed for Monk but he was not a dresser.”
In Ron’s opinion, “Drummer Max Roach and Miles Davis made fashion statements. Miles encouraged me to dress what I felt.” To Ron, the fit of the garment is extremely important and if the suit is too large or too small it just doesn’t work. That meant buying clothes off the rack was not an option. That’s, of course, unless it was to one of Carter’s haunts like Paul Stuart or Bloomingdale’s — there excellent tailors are available for alterations.
Exclusive stores aside, Carter has access to an incredible tailor, his wife Quintell Williams-Carter. She, on occasion, makes his suits, ties and shirts. “My wife, a fashion designer, is really good with fabric and knows how to put it all together,” said Carter. “It doesn’t get better than that. I remember, too, when my uncle used to make my suits and sports jackets — it made all the difference.”
Let’s face it, Carter stands out in a crowd, and that’s not just due to his height of 6’4”. He takes fashion curves, like wearing a dark plaid suit maybe with a striped tie or shirt. And, of course, the right shoes, Brooks Brothers or Churches, to go with his ensemble. Carter and those individuals making fashion statements never apologize for their outfits. And why should they? The onlookers generally express their approvals orally or signify it by a nod and a smile.
Paul Stuart is on Carter’s list when he’s looking for bow ties. He’s dedicated the album Mr. Bow Tie (Blue Note, 1995) to his father, who was the person to introduced him to the distinguished little accessory. Hats also spark the bassist’s wardrobe. Historically, during the 1930-60 periods, many men wouldn’t be seen in public without donning a hat. Ironically, it’s been African-American men who have continued the tradition. Carter’s favorite brim is the Borsalino made in Italy. “The hat is lightweight, easy to pack and it retains its shape when it is unpacked,” says Carter.
A pocket square is another spark for the well-dressed man. After observing Carter sporting pocket squares, I revisited sporting pocket squares too. At Ron’s 75th birthday celebration, I told him how much I liked his pocket square. Flashing that unassuming Carter smile, he yanked the square from his jacket pocket then handed it to me. I was shocked and pleasantly surprised.
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The bassist, has confided that he is by no means a fashionista, however, he feels some musicians are terrible dressers and much too casual on the bandstand. Carter’s band members are required to wear suits — a few complain; and no sign of liquids is allowed on stage, since the audience may think the liquid is alcoholic.
Ron Carter’s final words of wisdom “Appearances matter. When I perform, I am at work. I have to look good and set the mood for the evening.”
Michael Evert, the noted sculptor was so impressed with a 2007 performance by Ron, he asked the bassist if he would consider sitting for a sculptured portrait. “I was thrilled when Ron agreed to sit for the portrait,” Michael confessed, “and, I already knew that I wanted him in a suit since he is renown for being a fashionable dresser.”
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Something we have in common Mr Carter Fashion & Music. I told lats week at Birdland you had a nice linen coat on.Stay Blessed & Sharp . By the way I worked for Neiman Marcus and Saks 5th Ave NY.Brother I know clothes -from neck down to toes – like nobody else business.