Give and Take

I’m doing a tribute to the Grateful Dead on Wednesday to honor the passing of Bob Weir, one of the founding members of the band who played with them as recently as last August. As I’ve been reading interviews and watching videos about the band and Bob Weir, I’ve been once again reminded of how much bands depend on the synergy that happens between band members - especially in performance. The give and take with dynamics, chord choices, licks, syncopation, and overall feel is apparent in the great bands and players. Sometimes it happens naturally, and sometimes it happens as the result of a lot of playing together. Many of the greatest bands like the Beatles and the Grateful Dead were not only great on recordings, they were also great live. That’s where the real genius is born out. Both of these bands came by it through not only the mystical 10,000-hour rule - playing together for that many hours, but they also were truly dedicated to finding the minute variances in their playing that made everything gel in a sum-is-greater-than-the-parts way. I’ve been in a few bands where we achieved something like this. It’s so rewarding when you can feel it happening - giving and taking with all the elements. It comes from staying out of each other’s way and also complementing each other without stepping on each other. It’s so much fun when it all comes together. You can truly feel the music together in a subconscious way that leads to the ability to improvise changes at the drop of a hat. Giving and taking - what a concept.

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What have I been up to?

I had 11 senior facilities last week, and I did hopeful songs for most of them. One of them even wanted to hear old cowboy songs which was a hoot. I love playing for these folks and providing encouragement.

My Wednesday online show was doing hopeful songs for a second week, and it was a good one. Sometimes I think I should just try to do hopeful and supportive songs all the time. It’s so worthwhile when you know you’re making a difference in other people’s lives.

My Sunday online show was favorites and requests as always, and it was a sweet night of new faces and old with some fine favorites and requests. I love these Sunday nights so much. 

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What am I up to this week?

I have 12 senior facilities this week, and I think I’ll try to do some of the Grateful Dead songs I’m doing for my Wednesday online show when they are appropriate. I like expanding the list sometimes if I think it will benefit folks to hear the music.

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be Grateful Dead and Bob Weir songs. I’ve been working hard to learn some new-to-me songs as well as old favorites. Bob had some interesting songs he did solo that I think folks will really enjoy, and everybody knows those key Grateful Dead songs like “Truckin’” and “Friend of the Devil”. Come on out if you like their music or would like to hear why I like them so much.

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always, and I’m always working on new requests for folks. Sometimes I think my brain will explode with all the new music I’m pumping into it all the time. Come on out!

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That’s it for this week. Best to you as you navigate this ever-changing world. Try to do it with a little give and take.

Best,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of Grateful Dead and Bob Weir songs

Where:  facebook.com/tom.munch and tommunch.com/online-concerts  

When:  Wednesday, January 21, 7-8:45 pm mountain time

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of favorites and requests 

Where:  facebook.com/tom.munch and tommunch.com/online-concerts  

When:  Sunday, January 25, 7-8:45 pm mountain time