I’m playing a show of blues this Wednesday evening, and my mind is on what blues is. We’ve all heard the story of how the blue notes were notes that black musicians over the past couple centuries were seeking to play from traditional melodies and scales brought over the sea from their homeland. European instruments were set up differently than African instruments, and the blue notes (typically the minor 3rd) were the closest tone to what they played in Africa. Of course the blue notes and blues scales are closer to a minor key, and so the songs with them sound a little darker and a little sadder - as songs in minor keys do. That fits the lyrics of many blues songs as well. So blues became a staple in the black community through the first half of the 1900s. It offered an outlet for black musicians to express the hard times that they were going through in so many ways. But that music was mostly unknown to white folks other than the blues songs that popped up in jazz occasionally. It definitely was present in early rock and roll too. But the blues didn’t really become popular here in the U.S. until kids in Britain got it - probably because they had so much hardship from World War II and were looking for music that expressed their angst. When they started to play it then the kids in America got turned on to it. It honestly takes a while to learn to play the blues. There is a feeling and a rhythm that is not intuitive - at least it wasn’t to me as a white kid from Nebraska. And there is a satisfaction and an addictive quality to the blues sound and feel. Some of it is just because it is so cool and full of authentic emotion. Some of it is because it digs so deeply into your soul when you play it well. So I’ll play the blues on Wednesday to celebrate Independence Day. It doesn’t get more American than that.
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What have I been up to?
I had 10 senior facilities last week, and they all went so well. It is a joy to get to serve these people with love and to encourage them with music.
My Wednesday online show was the music of Sly Stone and other R&B classics. It was so much fun, and it was so good to explore the rhythms and the lyrics of Sly’s music. He was a stellar songwriter.
Thursday I played the Yellow Pine Barbecue to a good group of folks and friends. This place is home in so many ways, and the folks of Cuchara feel it.
I played a private house concert on Saturday night that went very well. I don’t get the chance to do many house concerts, and I enjoy them so much. They are intimate and let me shine. I’m so grateful to get to do them.
Sunday brunch at the Garden of the Gods Club went well too. It was a beautiful day with just a few sprinkles, and everyone was really enjoying the day. I even played the Fender Acoustasonic guitar so I could get some electric guitar tones.
My Sunday online show went well too. I had a mix of great requests from so many folks.
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What am I up to this week?
I have 9 senior facilities this week, and as always I’m looking forward to them all. It’s so good to see their familiar faces when I roll in to each facility. Of course there is a sad side too in that I lose someone every so often, but that makes each time more special.
My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be playing the blues for Independence Day week. It should be a really fun show with a variety of blues. Come on out!
Thursday 6:30-8 I’m back at Yellow Pine Guest Ranch for the weekly barbecue. We haven’t had a packed full week yet, so there should be room if you want to come. This should be the busiest week of the summer with Independence Day being the very next day. Call 719-742-3528 to make a reservation now. Deadline for reservations is Tuesday at noon.
Friday 6-9 I’m back at the Garden of the Gods Club in the Grand View Restaurant playing instrumental guitar tunes for Independence Day. I don’t know if I’ll play the Acoustasonic again Friday, but I may if I get a wild hair. I’d love to see you there if you don’t have 4th of July plans.
Saturday 11-2 I’m playing in La Veta, Colorado, at Railroad Park for the Art in the Park event. I’ve played for this for many summers on the weekend of Independence Day, and it’s always so good to see all my friends and fans in the La Veta. Come up early for the parade and stay for the music, food, and art. It’s a wonderful event, and I’d love to have you there!
My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always. I’m going down to our family cabins in New Mexico after my show in La Veta, so I’ll be coming back home for the show with some good mountain energy. Come on out and see!
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That’s it for this week. The next few weeks are crazy busy, and it’s always like surfing a wave. Woo hoo!
Best always,
Tom
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Details this week:
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing and singing an online concert of Red, Hot, and Blues
Where: facebook.com/tom.munch and tommunch.com/online-concerts
When: Wednesday, July 2, 7-8:45 pm mountain time
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing & singing at the barbeque
Where: Yellow Pine Guest Ranch, Cuchara. 719-742-3528
When: Thursday, July 3, 6:30-8 pm
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing instrumental guitar tunes
Where: Garden of the Gods Resort and Club in the Grand View Restaurant. 888-994-3156
When: Friday, July 4, 6-9 pm
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing and singing for SPACe Art in the Park
Where: Ryus Ave as you enter on the right - just across the tracks in La Veta
When: Saturday, July 5, 11 am - 2 pm
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, July 6, 7-8:45 pm mountain time