New Friend

We got a new friend in the house, a collie mix one-year-old pup we're calling Beau, who is redefining our daily life in new ways, and it makes me remember what joy is in new ways. It's amazing how pets can affect our demeanor. They are happy and sensitive and can take us back to the present moment all at once. It's wonderful and a delight to spend time with him - even now as he's pushing my iPad out of my hands. It makes me remember that it's the little things in life that are worthwhile. I always know this, but it's nice to have a reminder now and then. 

I'm keeping this short because we are in Nebraska going though more of my mom's house, and it's time to get to work today. 

What has happened since last I wrote?

Magpies was a blast last time! With the new album out I had a lot of folks come out to purchase it and share in the excitement of new creativity. I'm still not practiced up on the new tunes enough to run through more than a few, but I gave it a shot. The official album-release party won't be until the first Friday of May, so I'll be polished on them by then. 

What is up for this week?

Friday night will be Magpies 7-10, and I'll be rarin' to go after a week going through the house here, so expect some energy and fun if you make it out. Then Saturday I'm playing a private show of Song of Pueblo with the band and Daniel Valdez that will get us ready for our big shows in the middle of the month at Sangre de Cristo Arts Center. These will be big and exciting shows, and we are looking forward to them. Tickets are available at the Arts Center box office if you're interested. Shows are Friday night, Saturday afternoon, and Sunday afternoon and night. 

That's it for this week. Thank you for supporting my musical adventures. Now I have a little floppy-eared friend needing a walk. 

Best always,

Tom

Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch

What:  playing & singing

Where:  Magpies, 229 S. Union, Pueblo.  719-542-5522

When:  Friday, April 1, 7-10 pm

New Album is Ready

I wrote that my new album had arrived on Monday, and I have it set up now for ordering if you're interested in it.

-----

CD

I set up an easy PayPal link where you can buy from me directly by credit card or PayPal for the CD here:

https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=4XHTKKCFB2ZX6

Just click on the link and it will take you to a secure PayPal page with one CD already set up with shipping ($15 for the CD plus $1.50 shipping for a $16.50 total).  You just put in your address and credit card information, and it will send me an email with your info so I can send one out to you.  It's really simple, and it is working well so far.

-----

DOWNLOAD

If you'd rather download the album, it is available on CD Baby right now at this link:

http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/tommunch11

You can also buy the CD there if you'd rather not buy it directly from me.

It will be available on iTunes probably later today (the photo of the album is already showing up there) and on all other download sites this week or next.  I do get a bigger portion of the sale if you buy it from CD Baby.

-----

STREAMING

I expect it to be up on Apple Music, Spotify, and all other streaming services this week or next.  It may be up later today.

-----

ARTWORK AND LINER NOTES

If you DOWNLOAD or STREAM it you can still have all the liner notes and artwork from the CD at this link:

http://tommunch.com/Tom_Munch_Guitar_Liner_Notes_for_web.jpg

-----

RELEASE PARTY

I’ll be having an Album-Release party at Magpies in Pueblo on May 6 from 7-10.

-----

Thank you so much for your support and encouragement on this project.  I’ve really enjoyed doing it, and I hope you’ll enjoy the music that came from it.

Best always,

Tom

New Album and What It Means

My instrumental guitar album arrives today, and I’m contemplating what it means.  Every accomplishment signals a new chapter of some kind.  This album was an interesting project.  I approached it because I found that people really liked my instrumental songs in a different way than my vocal songs, and also because they allow the listener to interpret the song in whatever way strikes them.  I know what was in my mind when I wrote each one, but sometimes the song transforms when it’s played to a different emotion and message.  I originally intended to write songs akin to jazz standards, but my muse was more interested in pure folk melodies, and so I went with that.  When I sat down with the guitar to write I let my fingers and experience lead the way - occasionally giving a little nudge one way or another.  I have not always been confident of my guitar abilities, so I had to trust my intuition to get the songs right in the studio.  This means that I have to do a lot of rehearsing to play them live, and so you may see me have to concentrate a little harder than usual when I play them.  The album arrives in the middle of tax preparations, estate figuring, Song of Pueblo rehearsals, and thinking about a new pet, so there’s plenty of competition for attention.  As a result, I won’t really be promoting it until May when I’ll try to get some press and do my CD-release party.  The CD-release party will by May 6th at Magpies 7-10.  You’re welcome to purchase a CD before that, of course, and you can drop me a note where I can ship and bill you, or you can send me a PayPal to my regular email address - tom@tommunch.com.  It can also be purchased at cdbaby.com, and I hope to have it up on iTunes, Google Play, Spotify, and every other digital download and streaming service this week.  The CD will be $15 plus shipping, and the digital download will be $9.99.  I’m excited to have you hear it!

UPDATE - IT JUST ARRIVED!

What have I been up to?

Magpies was a blast the last time out.  It was packed, and everyone really contributed to making it fun.  I did a lot of Irish tunes, and snuck in a few cowboy songs too as promised.

On a sad note, the friend I wrote about last time who was going through a third bout with cancer passed.  Another friend who was a musician who played in Pueblo quite a bit, Gary Wickizer, aka Mo Kauffey, passed recently too.  It’s been a tough year on musicians so far.  I’ll miss these friends.

I also met the new owners of the La Veta Inn last Friday, and we’re trying to come up with some dates to play there this summer.

What am I doing this week?

Friday is Magpies again 7-10, and I haven’t thought about what songs I’m going to do at all yet.  If I feel ready I may do a few of my new instrumental songs.  Either way it will be a memorable evening as always, and I really love to play for you there.

That’s it for this week.  I’m back to all those things I wrote about that are competing for time.

Best always,

Tom

Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch
What:  playing & singing
Where:  Magpies, 229 S. Union, Pueblo.  719-542-5522
When:  Friday, March 18, 7-10 pm