1965

This Wednesday I’m doing an online show of music for 1965 again, and I wanted to talk about 1965 a bit. I see 1965 as a transitional year - especially in popular music. The Beatles had been introduced to America in 1964 but in 1965 they came out with their “Help!” and “Rubber Soul”  albums which took a harder edge and more introspective and creative writing. Groups like the Rolling Stones with their blues-influenced sound began to have more hits. Of course, the United States was embroiled in the Vietnam War and the civil rights movement, and this had included an escalation of the war and the Voting Rights Act in 1965. More unrest in the country was reflected in the music including songs like “Eve of Destruction” by Barry McGuire and “Universal Soldier” by Donovan. There were still soft pop hits like “Hang on Sloopy “ and “Game of Love”, but increasingly there was more use of dirty and distorted guitar and organ sounds that more closely represented the feelings of the country. We just weren’t as innocent anymore. I was too young to remember much about this year other than what was on the radio and what my older siblings were listening to. I heard lots of Beatles and Motown and even 45s like “This Diamond Ring” by Gary Lewis and the Playboys spun on our little portable “suitcase” record players. I liked what I heard, and I’m sure it led me to become a musician even though it took me another 8 years before I got my first stringed instrument and started to play this music. I never would have thought that I would be playing it 60 years later with such fervor. How about you? What are your recollections of 1965?

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What have I been up to?

I had 9 senior facilities to play for last week, and they were all such a joy. I played a lot of Spring songs, but also there were many who wanted to hear some of the songs from 1965 that I was playing for my online shows. I love playing for these folks.

My Wednesday online show was 1965 songs as I wrote above, and it was just what I had hoped for - lots of reminiscence and great tunes. The audience really got into it as well.

Friday night I played instrumental guitar tunes for the Garden of the Gods Club in the Grand View restaurant, and it was kind of a laid-back crowd this time. I threw in some rock numbers, but they didn’t respond as much as some nights. I mainly played Spring songs. It was a beautiful and warm evening with the big glass-wall doors wide open to enjoy the beautiful view.

My Sunday online show was favorites and requests, and the group was into a wide variety of tunes including John Denver, Bob Dylan, Glenn Miller, and Chuck Pyle - pretty diverse. Everyone seemed to enjoy it even though we were missing some regulars due to lack of sleep or work. I even had 4 new tunes I’d never played before. I love these folks.

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What am I up to this week?

I have 11 senior facilities this week, and I’ll continue to play some Spring songs and also Easter songs although I have only have a few of those. It’s always a thrill to set up and play for my seniors.

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be 1965 songs again as I wrote above. I have a list of 75 or so songs from that year, so there are plenty of good ones left to celebrate and enjoy. Come on out if you’d like to hear them and join in!

Friday night 6-9 I’m back at the Garden of the Gods Club playing instrumental guitar tunes in the Grand View restaurant. I’m sure I’ll have fun pulling out some surprises and maybe a couple Easter tunes. Come on out if you’d like a great meal and view with some guitar noodling on my part. Reservations are at 888-994-3156 or you can usually sit at the bar or the small table near me in the bar.

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always, and I seem to have a renewed energy for these Sunday shows that I can’t explain. I’m diving in with gusto! Come on out if you can.

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That’s it for this week. We’ve had a little bit of a heat wave so we’re working on the yard more to get ready for summer. There’s never a dull moment in this life when you’re engaged in it. I hope you’re enjoying it and are healthy and happy.

Best always,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of 1965 songs

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

When:  Wednesday, April 16, 7-8:45 pm mountain time

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, April 18, 6-9 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, April 20, 7-8:45 pm mountain time