Musical Statements

This Wednesday I’m doing a show of Sly and the Family Stone songs and other songs of his genre and time, and it has me thinking of what statements people try to make with their music. Sly died at the age of 82 on June 9th. He was generally hopeful with his writing, and he encouraged his audience to stand for what they knew to be right with some songs, and with others there was just pure fun or dancing. That’s the reason I wanted to feature him this week. His writing had some real depth and scope. And on a broader note, it makes me think of what songwriters are trying to say in their music. For myself I’ve usually just written personal reflection on life with a lot of emphasis on nature since that has been a big part of my life, but I see writers choose all kinds of topics - from love to causes. I’ve written a few love songs, but I don’t usually get into causes in my writing. I did delve into spirituality a bit with the project I started in 2019, but I only got a single out of that called “Part of All” before I realized I didn’t have enough material for a whole album and then used that studio time to record my old country album. I wrote an instrumental album with my “Guitar” album 10 years ago where I think my purpose was to create pure emotion that was devoid of any direct statement. Instrumental music can do that. There is a running joke among instrumental musicians that they name their songs with frivolous names when a song wasn’t written with anything in mind. My instrumental songs each had a feeling I was trying to capture in music, so I wasn’t trying to be as random with my song names. Every songwriter approaches writing with a different purpose. That’s not something I think of when I listen to a song, but I think I’ll try doing that a bit more now. Seeing if a song is created for art, for dancing, for comfort, for opinion, or for so many other reasons is fascinating. Every song makes some sort of statement even if it’s just for fun.

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What have I been up to?

I had 14 senior facilities last week, and I enjoyed every one. Even on the busier weeks I get a charge out of everyone I get to see and interact with.

My Wednesday online show was doing Beach Boys and other surf songs to honor the life of Brian Wilson who recently passed. It was a really fun show with lots of memories. I think the audience really got into it - even singing harmonies on their end even though I couldn’t hear them.

Thursday was the first night of the Yellow Pine Barbecue for the season, and it was a beautiful night with so many familiar faces and big smiles. The food from the new barbecue place was top notch too. I love this gig and these folks.

Friday night I played the Garden of the Gods Club in the restaurant with lots of summer songs. It was a hot night, and folks were very receptive to my music.

Sunday I also played the Garden of the Gods Club for brunch, and it was another nice group of folks and a pretty day with a little wind.

My Sunday online show was favorites and requests, and it was very far-ranging with a lot of different requests for different styles. I think everyone had a splendid time.

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What am I up to this week?

I have 10 senior facilities this week, and it should be a good time at every one. It’s not supposed to be so hot, so that should make it a little easier to get around and play for them.

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be the music of Sly Stone and other musicians and groups of his day and genre. That’ll be a sweet night of great tunes. I’m still putting together the list. Come on out and join in!

Thursday 6:30-8 I’ll be back at the barbecue at the Yellow Pine Guest Ranch in Cuchara. This is such a good time in this historical and cozy old barn, and the food is just as good as ever. If you like barbecue with all the fixings and my music, then this is for you. Call 719-742-3528 to make a reservation now. 

Saturday night I’ll be playing a private house concert for a second time in a beautiful garage in Pueblo West. It’s a great group of folks, and I get the chance to really shine at a house concert. Last year there was a big thunderstorm and I performed mostly acoustic to avoid getting a shock through the mic. This year I’ll bring a battery-powered speaker so I can be off the electric grid in case it storms again.

Sunday brunch 11-2 I’ll be at the Garden of the Gods Club in the Grand View Restaurant again. I’d love to have you come out if you’re in the area. The view from this place is something you’ve gotta see with a pond, green lawn, and bushes leading to Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak beyond. 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 is favorites and requests as always, and I know it’ll be a fine show with lots of great tunes and friends. You’re always welcome to tune in.

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That’s it for this week. I can’t believe we’re already at the end of June.

Best always,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of Sly Stone and more

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

When:  Wednesday, June 25, 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, June 26, 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:  Sunday, June 29, 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, June 29, 7-8:45 pm mountain time