Hearing

I finally got a 12 string guitar last week. It’s a thing that I’ve been meaning to do for 40 years. I would have bought one 40 years ago if I could have afforded the used Taylor guitar that my local music shop had (back before Taylor was a known brand). That guitar played like a dream, but I couldn’t afford the $185 they were asking - which was cheap at the time. I’ve played several other 12 string guitars over the years, but I honestly never found one that played as easily as that first one. And so I never bought one. But several people over the years have mentioned that they’d like to hear me play one, so I finally started looking a year or so ago. In the end I bought a very inexpensive low-line Martin that actually plays and sounds really good. And that brings me to my topic of Hearing. You see, there are different things to hear and different patterns to find with a 12 string guitar. There were different things to hear and on the ukuleles I picked up over the last year too, and with different instruments I find that it stimulates my brain to find new inspiration and emotions in the music. That’s always a good thing, and many musicians and songwriters remark how different instruments drive them to new songs and new heights. And it’s a good workout for the brain too. When a familiar picking pattern lends to notes that are unexpected it challenges me to map new ways to get to the sound I want. I honestly wonder sometimes how long I can challenge my brain to these new paths, but in the end it’s always beneficial and fun even if it’s frustrating at first. So I hope you can find new ways of challenging yourself in your patterns every day too. And tune in and listen to the new 12 string!

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What have I been up to?

I forgot to mention my senior facilities last week because I was intent on telling you about the memorial I played last Wednesday. The senior facilities were wonderful. I had 11 of them even with taking off Wednesday for the memorial. 

The memorial on Wednesday for Lodzia Jordan was very sweet. I spent the better part of the day with her family - from the service to the cemetery to a reception where we sang songs into the evening. They are such special people, and Lodzia was a big part of that. She will be missed.

My Thursday online show doing “songs that shaped me” was very special too. I don’t like to toot my own horn, but sometimes it’s okay to do a little autobiography with the songs and stories of ourselves. Some of the audience doesn’t know me all that well, and this was a good opportunity to paint the picture of my life for them.

My Sunday online show was a blast. I played the new 12 string for most of the night, and everyone was really in the flow. We have such a fine group of friends. 

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What am I up to this week?

I have 10 senior facilities this week, and I m looking forward to all of them. A couple of them had active COVID cases in the building, so we were more cautious. It’s a good reminder that there is still a great need for caution.

Tuesday I will be doing a special sponsored online show 7-8:30 mountain time called “Rick’s Choice” that will be a playlist of songs chosen by my friend and regular concert-goer, Rick Myers. Rick basically wanted a show of his favorite songs that I do in an order that he can play whenever he wants like a favorite album. It’ll be full of some of the favorite songs of the Group as well. Come on by and watch and listen.

Thursday my online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be One Hit Wonders of the ’70s. We did one hit wonders of the ‘60s a couple weeks ago, and I really wanted to do the ‘70s soon after. There are some great songs here, and I know you’ll enjoy it if you liked the ‘70s sound.

Sunday my online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be the favorites and requests that we always love. I never know quite what I’ll do for these shows, but everyone is so giving, and the spirit always carries us to some fine evenings. Come on out if you can.

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That’s it for this week. I hope you’re happy and well. We had a bit of a scare last week when a wildfire in New Mexico threatened Philmont Scout Ranch where I’ve played concerts and where I worked in high school and college and where our family cabins are not that far away. It is tamed down with cooler weather and some moisture, but it is still a danger.

Best always,

Tom

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Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of songs of Rick’s Choice

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

When:  Tuesday, April 26, 7-8:30 pm mountain time 

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of ’70s one hit wonders

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

When:  Thursday, April 28, 7-8:30 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, May 1, 7-8:30 pm mountain time

Shaping

I’m doing an online show Thursday featuring different songs that established my musical tastes and guided me into who I became as an adult and as a person. I’m sure we can all look back to the songs we heard and enjoyed in our lives. Music has quite a bit of power to influence our emotions and our aspirations. Look at the songs that inflamed people to revolution and love. The music I heard and liked was pretty varied. My dad really liked jazz standards and songs from musicals as well as classical music. I had four older siblings who listened to the popular music of the day including rock and folk and Motown. When I finally started listening to my own choices it was the early '70s when music was reflecting the singer/songwriter and folksy music that was often centered around “back-to-nature” concepts with the rise of Earth Day and the conservation movement. Our family spent at least a couple weeks each summer in the mountains which went along with this. I also liked the introspective approach to this music since I was kind of a “deep-thinker” kid. Playing ukulele and later acoustic guitar was definitely leading in this direction as well. I’m sure if I had taken up electric guitar earlier I might have gone more to the rock end of the spectrum. I did play in a band in high school that did a lot of rock music, but I only played acoustic guitar so I was the one who played all the acoustic guitar parts in those rock songs. As I became a young adult I was influenced by the places I worked and the people I knew. I worked summers in the mountains of northern New Mexico in high school and starting college, so of course I was learning mountain songs, and the music that was played around town was often Texas-style dance music for the tourists and visitors. The people I worked with were usually acoustic musicians since we didn’t have power in the mountains for amps and such, and they also came from folksy places like Arkansas and Tennessee, so you can guess what kind of music they were playing. At this summer job I was talented enough that I often performed at campfires and shows, so you can see that I already had the experience I needed to launch me into a music career. Still I didn’t jump into a music career even after my folks helped me get my first PA system and I played my first gigs during college and in the summers. I launched my career when the computer jobs I was seeking after graduation didn’t happen fast enough. The one kind of music I really didn’t get thoroughly acquainted with was country music until the mid-‘80s when country music became more like the singer/songwriter music of the ‘70s. After that I joined a country band and also fell in love with the older country songs and even the blues. Throughout this time I was also playing the music of my dad’s era including those old standards and show tunes because I had an outlet for that music in the senior homes that I had played in since high school. In the last 30 years I’ve mainly stayed to these styles of music - concentrating on music that is more folksy although you must know how much I love to play almost all styles of music. My own songs reflect all of these influences as well. So that’s the music that shaped who I am today as a musician and a person. Of course there’s much more I could say, but you’ll have to tune in Thursday to hear more!

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What have I been up to?

My senior facilities went very well last week. We’ve been doing a lot of Spring songs and Easter songs. I love these folks.

My Thursday online show of songs about memory was a blast! We had so many people tune in and contribute to the spirit. I had several new favorite songs.

My Sunday show of favorites and requests went well too. As always there were a bunch of new songs, and the enthusiasm and love that everyone shows is just phenomenal. I can’t say enough about the wonderful folks who join me online.

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What am I up to this week?

Wednesday will be the memorial service for one of my good friends and concert-goers, Lodzia Jordan. You are invited to go if you are in the area. It’s kind of a mini-reunion of Munch Bunchers as well. Here are the details again from Lodzia’s widow, Edward:

SERVICES FOR LODZIA JORDAN

Dear Munch Bunch Friends, Funeral services for my dearest wife, Leokadia Irena (Lodzia) Jordan will be held in Colorado Springs on Wednesday, 20 April, 2022.  Lodzia, our family, and I would be honored by your attendance.  Funeral Mass will be at 11AM in Corpus Christi Catholic Church, 2318 N. Cascade Ave (just north of downtown, across street from Penrose Hospital).  Tom will be singing some of Lodzia's favorite hymns.  Interment will follow at the AF Academy Cemetery; we will proceed in a group through the North Gate - driver will need to show license and that should be it.

Immediately following, the family will host a reception for all our guests at the Cliff House, 306 Canon Ave., Manitou Springs, so we may meet you and you may have something good to eat before the drive home.  Our Granddaughters are preparing a video for the reception to remember Lodzia's life, so you will have a chance to know her better, even while saying goodbye.  

Lodzia told me she wanted people to wear cheerful colors, so please do.  Black suits will be just for the priest and myself.  If you like, we invite you to wear something with a bit of purple, lavender or lilac, which were Lodzia's favorites.

I need an approximate count for the reception.  If you think you might attend, please text me at 805-300-1166.  Again, that's just to get an approximate count and not a "commitment". 

Thank you, 

Edward Jordan

Thursday my online show 7-8:30 mountain time will feature the aforementioned songs that shaped me. I’m really looking forward to sharing this collection of songs and stories that I hope will entertain and tell folks about why I play the music I do and how it made me who I am. You’re always welcome to my shows.

Sunday my online show 7-8:30 mountain time is the favorites and requests that so many people love to hear with our great group of concert-goers. These nights are always very special.

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Next week special show

I want to remind you that I will be doing a special sponsored online show on Tuesday, April 26th , from 7 to 8:30 of favorites as picked out by my friend Rick Myers. This is a show called “Rick’s Choice” that he set up with me. Basically he wanted a playlist of his favorite songs that I play in the order he likes that he can use as a personal album that he can play whenever he wants to. I’m happy to do this for anyone who’d like such an album. Just contact me, and we can work out the details. Everyone is welcome, and it will broadcast on my Facebook page as always.

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That’s it for this week. I hope you are doing well. The virus still seems to be less of a threat currently although we are watching it vigilantly. Jen and I even got our second boosters last week with very little ill effect. Take care, and I hope to see you soon.

Best always,

Tom

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Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of songs that shaped me

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

When:  Thursday, April 21, 7-8:30 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, April 24, 7-8:30 pm mountain time

I try to make my emails interesting and informative, but if you ever want to be removed from my mailing list, just reply and ask to be removed - no worries.

Memory

I got a request from one of our newer friends on the concert group, Tressa, for songs about memory for a Thursday theme. I was intrigued by where that theme could lead, so that’s what we’re doing this week. And it has me thinking about memory in myself and in those around me. We often ask each other what our first memory in life is. I usually say I can remember swinging on a swingset when I was maybe three years old, but I honestly don't have any recollection of that anymore. Most of my memories of early childhood are tied up in family pictures and Super 8 movies that reinforce what I think I remember. I can definitely remember sitting in class in Kindergarten and playing with friends. Then I think I can remember most of the milestones that happened throughout my life, but when I compare that to what my wife Jen remembers or what my siblings remember there are often discrepancies. When my mom was alive she would often comment on one of the memories that I would share onstage that, "That never happened." I think sometimes she would just be kidding, but it gave me pause. I think if I had to write a memoir it would be mostly spun memories. I think that is normal. It's quite common for us to craft our life and our story the way we want it to be, and if it doesn't harm anyone I think that's okay. Like everyone my memory is getting a little worse year by year. I always say, "If I don't write it down it will be forgotten within a couple minutes." And that is often true. That can be a very good thing to guard us from worry and grief. So this week we will delve into some songs about memory for the Thursday online show. I don't think we'll get too moody or nostalgic. This will be a fun exploration! 

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What have I been up to?

My senior facilities went very well last week. The one facility that I had not been back to since before COVID still had many of the folks I remembered, and it was so good to see them.

My Thursday online show of Spring songs was very sweet with a bunch of friends and some really great songs from all over the spectrum. It was a hoot!

My Sunday online show of favorites was a blast too with lots of good folks and a wide variety of songs. Every week is an adventure on Sunday nights. I never know quite where it will go, but it never disappoints!

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What am I up to this week?

I have nine senior facilties this week, and I'm looking forward to every one. I love serving others in this way.

My Thursday online show 7-8:30 will be memory songs as I spoke of above. I've had a lot of good requests, and I have a good list of ideas that truly will explore the idea of memory. There are lots of little gems to take out and wonder at this week. Come on out and see where it leads!

My Sunday online show 7-8:30 will be favorites and requests as always. We have such a lovely group of folks who support each and other and the music, and you're always welcome to join in!

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Colorado Springs next week

If you will be in the Colorado Springs area next week I'll be playing for a memorial service next Wednesday for a good friend and frequent member of my online audience, Lodzia Jordan. I met Lodzia and her husband Edward 20 years ago in Canon City, CO, when I was playing at the St. Cloud Hotel. They stayed in touch with me over the years from California, and Lodzia was always a bright presence with fun letters and even favorite treats from her homeland of Poland. She will be missed. Any and all of our Munch Bunch family are welcome at her service. Here are the details from Edward.

SERVICES FOR LODZIA JORDAN

Dear Munch Bunch Friends, Funeral services for my dearest wife, Leokadia Irena (Lodzia) Jordan will be held in Colorado Springs on Wednesday, 20 April, 2022.  Lodzia, our family, and I would be honored by your attendance.  Funeral Mass will be at 11AM in Corpus Christi Catholic Church, 2318 N. Cascade Ave (just north of downtown, across street from Penrose Hospital).  Tom will be singing some of Lodzia's favorite hymns.  Interment will follow at the AF Academy Cemetery; we will proceed in a group through the North Gate - driver will need to show license and that should be it.

Immediately following, the family will host a reception for all our guests at the Cliff House, 306 Canon Ave., Manitou Springs, so we may meet you and you may have something good to eat before the drive home.  Our Granddaughters are preparing a video for the reception to remember Lodzia's life, so you will have a chance to know her better, even while saying goodbye.  

Lodzia told me she wanted people to wear cheerful colors, so please do.  Black suits will be just for the priest and myself.  If you like, we invite you to wear something with a bit of purple, lavender or lilac, which were Lodzia's favorites.

I need an approximate count for the reception.  If you think you might attend, please text me at 805-300-1166.  Again, that's just to get an approximate count and not a "commitment". 

Thank you, 

Edward Jordan

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That's it for this week. Life continues to be interesting, and we build new memories every day.

Best always,

Tom

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Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of memory songs

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

When:  Thursday, April 14, 7-8:30 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, April 18, 7-8:30 pm mountain time

I try to make my emails interesting and informative, but if you ever want to be removed from my mailing list, just reply and ask to be removed - no worries.

Perspective

I’m not sure what to write about today. Each day I try to assess where I am personally in relation to my home and my community and the world. Every day we make choices of when to look inward and when to look outward. I’ve written about this before, but our approach changes over time as our situation and our personal philosophy morphs. I try not to let others tell me what to think or how to feel. I’ve always felt an inner stillness and knowing that I try to listen to. There’s also a lot of joy there that buoys me up. Getting some space around my thoughts helps. There are lots of rabbit holes I can go down with projects and interests, but that doesn’t make me present to those around me. Getting lost in music is certainly helpful - especially when I’m entertaining and encouraging others. I know that’s one of the best uses of time in the world - giving to others. Often it’s the best way to get out of yourself. Balancing that with self-care can’t be overlooked either. But I’m just rambling now. I guess my message today is to give yourself some space and some time to find peace and perspective. We’re here for such a short time, and finding yourself in each moment really is what matters.

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What have I been up to?

My senior facilities went very well without any cancellations last week. I still haven’t gotten back in the swing of bookkeeping and scheduling that I need to do to keep all of these facilities on track. It’s hopefully getting smoother though. I love these folks and the opportunity to be of service to them.

My Thursday online show of one hit wonders from the ‘60s was certainly fun. You forget how many memories are wrapped up in these familiar songs.

My Sunday online show of favorites was also a good time although I stressed myself out over all the requests I was trying to learn, and then I couldn’t keep up with everyone on the chat during the show. Sometimes it just happens that way.

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What am I up to this week?

I have eight senior facilities this week, and I’m looking forward to each one. One of them I haven’t been to since before COVID, so I’m really anxious to see everyone. Even though I form limited relationships with these folks they all seem like family.

My Thursday online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be Spring songs. There are so many wonderful songs about the springtime, and I’ve already had some great requests that weren’t on my Spring list. Come on out and celebrate the season with us!

My Sunday online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always. I’m not finding as much time to work on requests as I did before during the pandemic, so I’m trying to find new ways to keep up with all the requests I’m getting. I try to make a playlist I can listen to of all the requests so at least I can be imprinting the melodies and rhythms in my head during the week since I don’t write out the physical notes for each song. (I normally only have the words and chords with a few notations for specific licks and chords.) I may have to reduce the number of songs I’m trying to learn. I just don’t find that I can remember them as well as I need to perform them well. It’s embarrassing to have a train wreck in a song when I forget the melody or changes. I know my audience finds that entertaining to see, but it’s unsettling for me when it happens. It’s like trying to drive a car with the seat back too far. It’s all good though, and I love the opportunity to share with everyone at these shows!

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That’s it for this week. Forgive my rambling, and I hope you got something out of it. Sometimes we need that too!

Best always,

Tom

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Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of one hit wonders from the 1960s

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

When:  Thursday, April 7, 7-8:30 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, April 11, 7-8:30 pm mountain time