Johnny Sincerely is the showman in all of us. Although there are dire extremes in this, most notably with a former president, Johnny Sincerely is the charismatic side that you can’t help smiling at. Yes, he uses the 3rd person, called illeism, a lot. Yes, that can easily come off as being self-obsessed and comically narcissistic. But Johnny Sincerely artfully engages in this characteristic, presenting stories and style in a renewed modern day Screamin’ Jay Hawkins in a Tom Waits frame. This brash, lovable leader fronts The Traveling Blues Orchestra in a throwback style of black formal suits, ties, and slacks. There’s incredible intention of image coinciding with their music.
The history of musicians, specifically orchestras, dates back to the 15th and 16th centuries when small orchestras entertained guest of high nobility in their homes. The 17th century expanded with the opera companies that emerged in Europe. This setup the first 200 years where orchestras were associated exclusively with the upper class and all the formal occasions that came along with it. It make seem dull and boring, but black and white attire comes off as smart and classic, and most importantly, doesn’t draw unnecessary attention to the musicians. That is, unless it’s Johnny Sincerely.
“I was asked to come play drums for the first rehearsal and listened to the music. I said, this guy is either an egomaniac or this is some kind of bit, because it’s all about him.”
-Aaron Isakson “The Mad Professor”
The Traveling Blues Orchestra is made up of “Smokey” Joe Clark (bass), Linnea “Mixolydian” Brashears (viola), “Cosmopolitan” Sean Cosgrove (guitar), John “Johnny Bones” Baumgartner (trombone), and “The Mad Professor” Aaron Isakson (percussion). Together they represent the uniformity of that traditional orchestra, while each stylistically making it their own. They are there to draw attention to the music and allow the black clothing to further open up the center for the frontman.
Originally I wanted to do more costumey stuff, but upon further consideration wanted everybody to be comfortable on stage. Not everybody has the flare that I have for theatrics. It became more like it’s the Johnny show,” shares Johnny Sincerely.
The overall aesthetic is describes as a bourbon-soaked blues carnival where comfort comes first. This allows the group to have fun and move around. The life of the jacket is also an example of each of their preferences. Aaron wears his jacket only through the first song. Joe wears it on stage then immediately takes it off. Linnea will wear it halfway through the set, while Sean lives up his moniker and wears it the whole night. Don’t forget about Johnny, who uses it as a moment to dramatically strip it off for the audience.
“I always love watching old YouTube clips of Miles Davis Quartet or Howling Wolf and they all just look tailored. I’m surprised more bands don’t put more consideration into their aesthetic because it’s an element of the show. You don’t say, I’m going to go hear a concert. You say, I’m going to see a concert.”
-Johnnny Sincerely
Before the pandemic Johnny Sincerely spent a decade in burlesque and cabaret hosting and producing the theatrics. This experience and focus on drawing the eye through style seeps its way into his entire outfit.
His white linen pants, faux loafers, and linen jacket all came from K&G’s. The vest is there to show off the tattoos and provide that contrast of using the suit, but not having a shirt.
The hat was an Amazon find, while the “laugh now, cry later” rings on his pinkies were purchased from an Instagram pop-up ad. When he received the rings the mailing address was only listed as a coordinate in China.
His faux retro watch and lots of silver accessories are designed to catch the light, glimmer, and lure that attention to him. The large ram necklace reveals his sign, although he doesn’t care too much about astrology.
Johnny is drawn to the classy kind of professional musicians mixed with the carnival barker. A barker attempted to lure patrons to entertainment events by announcing attractions and emphasizing variety, novelty, and beauty. In watching him perform, you see that character trait loudly, drawing people closer to the stage, urging them to dance, and then engaging with a variety of tempos, genres, and instruments.
Sean purchased his suit at Macy’s for a wedding he attended in Boston. The black dress shoes and wool tie were thrift store finds at St. Vincent de Paul. As a chef when he’s not gigging, he doesn’t like bracelets and rings on his hands as they get in the way.
His main piece attached to the head of the guitar is a Devil’s Claw. He received this at the funeral for a close friend that hosted a lot of different shows and was very well known at the Heart of the Beast Theater. He plays with it as a tribute and inspiration to his friend.
Linnea aims for an androgynous aesthetic with nothing being too flashy. She wears one earring due to the viola being played on the left side. Her boots and jacket are thrifted with her pants and tops coming from Target and JC Penny.
Joe took the advice from Johnny and found most of his outfit at K&G’s. The vest is an add-on to tighten up his look and the bracelets are borrowed from Johnny. He doesn’t typically wear jewelry, but it’s all about having fun and finding the right props.
Aaron wears a suit jacket everyday as he’s a Professor of Music and directs orchestras and other ensembles. He owns 10 different black jackets that have mostly been donated from his students’ parents. The tie is loosely done up, walking the line between formal and functional.
His tie belonged to someone that he spoke about at their funeral. As a classical musician for the past 20 years, he asks to wear something from the loved one, signifying that respect and wearing it for conserve their memory.
John Baumgartner is the newest member to the team and immediate jumped onboard the dress code. His black button up shift came from Kohl’s and the black denim from the Lee jeans website.
The 2021 debut album Yours Truly, Johnny Sincerely is the first direct step in taking in the musk and persona from the front man. The music and visual side of the band is a near mirror to their fashion. An immediate example is their 2022 Tiny Desk submission for “When I Die.” Done in black and white, with oldstyle font, and am almost AM radio sound, the visuals pull the eye. The use of Johnny’s burlesque-fueled past also influences his music videos, which feature dancers and grainy an old-timey film vibe. Musically The Traveling Blues Orchestra provides a swaggy blues groove and rockabilly tint to each song. It’s a tight backdrop for Johnny to perform in front of.
In uncovering Johnny Sincerely, especially after seeing him perform, you understand the marriage of visuals and sound. He uses both to work congruently towards his persona. The theatrics ooze out his limbs, he sings with a smirk, and the lyrics that are so directly driven inward hit you in the center. Johnny’s egocentric charm resonates with our own social media aspirations. Our inflated personas becoming soundtracks online for people to view.
“Especially when we play smaller venues where there isn’t a green room, walking around pre-show creates interest. I think it grabs peoples attention and starts them imagining what we’re going to sound like.”
-Johnny Sincerely
Johnny Sincerely has been a barker the past month at White Squirrel every Saturday evening in July. Catch his last residency date there on July 30th. Then continue the summer of Johnny at 331 Club every Tuesday in August.
Check out the links below for ways to follow Johnny Sincerely and all the things we mentioned above.
Johnny Sincerely website - YouTube Videos - Shows - Devil’s Claw - K&G - St. Vincent de Paul -
