By: Richard Harvey

I’ve been playing at blues jams for more than three decades, and let me tell you something they don’t teach you in music school: how you dress matters. Not because blues musicians are superficial—quite the opposite. It’s because when I look cool, I play cool. It’s as simple as that.

Getting ready for a jam is almost as fun as the jam itself. My ritual usually starts about an hour before I need to leave. I’ll put on some Howlin’ Wolf or Little Walter – something to get me in the right headspace – and open my closet to survey the options.

Stetson Stratoliner fedora in midnight blue

For tonight’s jam, I’m starting with my lucky Stetson Stratoliner fedora in midnight blue. This vintage beauty has seen more blues jams than most of my harmonicas, and the slight wear on the brim tells stories of late nights and soulful solos. There’s something about the weight of a proper hat that centers you, grounds your presence on stage.

Deer Lady Bowling Shirt

The vintage bowling shirt has become my signature look over the years. There’s something about those retro patterns and colors that just screams “blues harp comin’ atchya”. Last week, I found myself in quite the predicament, torn between two shirts I’d recently picked up. The Mato & Hash in black with red breast panels was calling my name – classic, bold, with just enough flair to catch the eye under stage lights. But then there was this Deer Lady Bowling Shirt in blue, black and cream that had these incredible retro patterns running down the sides.

I must have switched between them four or five times, checking myself in the mirror, wondering which one would best complement my playing style for the night. The Deer Lady won out in the end – something about those cream accents just felt right for a summer blues jam

For pants, nothing beats a pair of black, well-worn Levi’s 501s. Mine have faded perfectly at the knees and thighs after years of stomping and swaying to the rhythm. I’ve had bandmates try to convince me to upgrade to designer jeans, but there’s an authenticity to classic American denim that just feels right for playing American music.

Stacy Adams Madison Spat Anaconda Boots

The real statement piece, though, is always the footwear. Tonight I’m breaking out my Stacy Adams Madison Spat Anaconda boots, tan over teal. . These beauties have leather soles that make the perfect sound when you’re tapping along to a slow blues. I’ve played in everything from vintage Florsheims to custom-made Luccheses, but there’s something about a well-polished boot that makes you stand taller at the microphone.

My harmonica case—an ancient black crocodile-scale tolex briefcase that bought at a pawn shop in Chicago—completes the look. It holds my mics and my Hohner Special 20s and my prized vintage Marine Bands arranged by key, and is worn smooth from decades of playing.

Is all this necessary? Strictly speaking, no. I’ve seen phenomenal players show up in t-shirts and sneakers. But for me, dressing for a blues jam is part of the mental preparation. It’s a ritual that helps me transition from Rick Harvey, everyday guy, to Richard Harvey, killer blues harp player. When I catch my reflection in the bar mirror, hat perched at a rakish angle, boots gleaming under the stage lights, I stand a little straighter, blow a little stronger, and feel the connection to every sharply-dressed bluesman who came before me.

Because in the blues, tradition matters. And looking good to play good? That’s a tradition I’m happy to keep alive.