What Is Music?

 I had an interesting conversation with my friend Shaun McGill from England last week about music for his podcast “McGST”. It was the third conversation we’ve had covering a bunch of questions about what music really is and how it affects us. I have been so blessed to be involved in music for my whole life. I know that it is a gift that is meant to be shared and used to give joy and meaning to the world. I have read many books about music theory and physical relationships with the world as well as its affect on the brain and our moods, and even with all I’ve read I know that its true substance and significance eludes us. It is a magical and spiritual force in our world that is wrapped up in mathematics and physics and emotion and creativity in ways that is truly astounding. It just shows me that our world and universe is such an interesting place, and I think all our problems would be ended if we just realized it and lived in awe of what it and we are. Here are links to all three conversations I’ve had with Shaun about music. You can also find them on most podcast apps if you search for “McGST”. 

Most recent: 

https://mcgst.com/2021/03/29/mcgst-podcast-episode-57-what-is-music-part-3-with-tom-munch/

Previous two:

https://mcgst.com/2020/12/12/mcgst-podcast-episode-38-what-is-music-to-different-people-with-tom-munch/

https://mcgst.com/2020/12/22/mcgst-podcast-episode-40-what-is-music-part-two-with-tom-munch/

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What have I been up to?

I had one senior show last week that had to be online instead of outside because of inclement weather. I did a bunch of spring songs and western tunes.

My Thursday show online was 60’s Motown songs, and it was one of the most fun shows I’ve ever done. All of the music is so danceable and engaging, and you wouldn’t think that they would sound good on one guitar and one voice, but somehow they come to life even with a sparse arrangement. I was dancing to many tunes throughout the evening as I played and sang.

My Sunday show was a huge variety of songs as always with such a wonderful group of folks. I can’t say enough about how sweet it is to have such good folks and energy to support and be a part of.

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What am I up to this week?

I have a couple senior shows to do this week, and I think one will be indoors with full masks. I ordered new masks made especially for singers that should protect me and my audience better. The masks offer better coverage that allows more jaw movement and harder breathing that are both needed for singing. Here’s an article about them if you’re interested in learning more - https://makermask.org/constructing-masks-for-singers/.

My Thursday show online 7-8:30 mountain time will be rain and Spring songs and it should be a fitting way to start April. I’ll try to keep it to songs of rebirth and growth since some of the rain songs can be little somber and damp. ;-) It should be a great time!

My Sunday show online 7-8:30 mountain time will be the favorites and requests that I’ve enjoyed learning and performing this past year. I always have a new supply of songs that I’m working on and arranging for guitar and voice, and the fine folks who come out to join in always make for exceptional evenings. Come on out!

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That’s it for this week. I don’t know how much longer things will be shut down in general. I know that a lot of folks are trying to resume normal lives, but I’m still playing it a little more cautious even though I’ve had the vaccine. I know we’ll have to continue wearing masks for much of this year, and I fear if we get any sort of surge that much of the summer schedule will vanish for me since singing and gathering a crowd for music don’t really fit in with a viral world. I’ll continue to do online concerts as long as folks continue to come out and join in with the love and support they’ve shown so much over this last year. You give and you get more, right?

Best always,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of Rain and Spring songs

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

When:  Thursday, April 1, 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 4, 7-8:30 pm mountain time

Theme Shows

I thought I’d write on what doing musical themes has meant to me over these past few months. I started doing these theme shows as a way to introduce some variety and fun into the weeks as COVID stretched on. It gave me and my audience something to look forward to each week, and it gave me an opportunity to dive into some of the musical groupings I’ve always had. I cross-catalog all my music on the laptop I use for a songbook in many ways from genre to era to writer to general and specific themes. This allows me to do a theme at the drop of a hat, which I have always done for my senior facilities. I ask them where they want to go at the beginning of a show, and then I pick songs to fit the theme for the hour. I’ve done shows for holidays and events the same way over the years. It’s fun and it lets me tailor a show to fit almost any audience. But for the theme shows I’ve been doing online during COVID I’ve carried this to new levels. I do an intense study of each theme for at least two days - listening and learning and polishing and finding facts for each song as well as the general theme. It lets me see into a whole world in a way that is so enlightening. I get to be on the train with the person feeling the rhythm of the swaying train and smelling the cinders. I can be on a stage with a group of performers who have a camaraderie that is felt in the music with intensity. It lets me visit a place or a writer’s life in a way that helps me understand and relate to the music in new ways. It’s a privilege, and I have so enjoyed doing it. So this Thursday is Motown music of the 1960s, and all that wonderful beat and excitement will be thrilling!

What have I been up to?

I had one online senior show and one outdoors which was great! The weather actually cooperated very nicely. 

My Thursday show doing music of the Mills Brothers and the Ink Spots on the old archtop guitar was so much fun. The group remembered more songs than they thought they would, and the old guitar really rang out. I feel inspired to do another oldies show of some sort again very soon.

My Sunday show of favorites was a blast too - going far afield to some really sweet and crazy tunes. We have such a wonderful group of folks who have embraced each other and my music in such a meaningful way. It’s just what we need.

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What am I up to this week?

I only have one senior show this week, and it will probably have to be online since we have another storm moving through this week. 

My Thursday show 7-8:30 will be the aforementioned ‘60s Motown songs. These are such fun songs, and I’m sure this evening will be a hoot! Listen in if you can.

My Sunday show 7-8:30 will be favorites and requests as always, and I look forward to what songs will be requested and how I’ll put together the show for this week. I never really know what I will do until I put it together on Saturday and Sunday. Come on out for that too. You’ll be greeted with a warm welcome and entertained with all I can give.

Quick note - I’ve been using PayPal and Venmo for tips this past year, and a friend recently turned me on to Zelle as well. It’s a free service provided by most banks that lets people send money to each other with no fee. You just log into your bank account and do a search to find where to enable the Zelle service. Then you use the phone number or the email address of the person you want to send money to and enter the amount. It transfers directly from one bank to another with no middleman and much less risk of fraud.

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That’s it for this week. I hope you’ve enjoyed reading a little bit about my world, and I hope you are safe and healthy.

Best always,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of ‘60s Motown songs

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

When:  Thursday, March 25, 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, March 28, 7-8:30 pm mountain time

Multitasking During COVID

 One of the more interesting things to me from this last year of dealing with COVID has been the way it has made my life more deliberate. Although I have been working really hard to learn songs and prepare for my online shows as well as recording videos and doing a few outside gigs, I have ceased a lot of the multitasking I used to do. My days used to be listening to books and podcasts in my AirPods while I drove to gigs and did the myriad of promotional and business dealings I had with booking and performing 10-15 gigs a week. When COVID hit that whole apparatus shut down for me like it did for a lot of us. I spun my wheels while I tried to figure out what I was going to do with all the inertia I had built up for so long. I settled on doing online concerts and recordings and the few senior facilities I can do safely from outdoors and online, and that’s all been good, but the amazing thing is that I’ve learned to do just one thing at a time now. Because I’m learning songs and staying home I’m not driving while listening to a book or podcast. I tend to focus on the task at hand and let everything else go until I reach a natural stopping point. I’m developing new habits and routines that center around concentrating on one thing at a time and giving that one thing the attention to do it well and thoroughly. I still get distracted, but I feel less stress, and I think I am more centered and peaceful. These are all good things, and I wouldn’t have thought my life would change like this. I’m now wondering if I can ever go back to the way I was before. I don’t even feel as much angst when I drive now. I talk to the other drivers with thoughts like, “What’s the hurry? We could lose a whole year, so what’s a few minutes?” The moments are now what really matters.

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What have I been up to?

I got to do one senior facility outdoors last week, and it was strange setting up and playing for the first time in several months, but it was also the proverbial “riding a bicycle” that happened with no thought. I couldn’t see the folks through the window very well, but it was so good knowing they were right there within earshot. Some have had COVID and have compromised bodies or thought processes now as result, but it was still good to share their presence.

My Thursday show doing Irish tunes was a wild ride. I was in the mood for some of the fast and crazy Irish tunes, and so it was a night full of energy and pathos. Slainte!

My Saturday night show doing Philmont songs for Philmont folks was wonderful too. I got to interact with so many friends from way back, and the memories were flowing. It was the first time I did a sponsorship, and that went great too. My Philmont friend Jason Mascitti with Thrivent partially sponsored the evening, and in return I mentioned his financial planning services several times. That was easy to do as I think financial planning is a very worthy thing to do, and Jason and his company are top notch.

My Sunday night show was a bunch more Irish tunes in addition to several favorites and requests. I was  a little scattered I think from the time change and not enough time to learn all the requests I had, but it all worked out fine. This community we’ve created online is such a caring and genuine group of people. I love them one and all.

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What am I up to this week?

I have several senior shows both online and outside, but with the snow and cooler weather we’ve recently had we’ll have to move to online shows or reschedule for warmer days.

My Thursday show 7-8:30 I felt like doing something different, so I’ll be playing songs by the Mills Brothers and the Ink Spots. I have loved these two groups for as long as I’ve known them, and they offer such a unique and cool sound and songs. I know it will stretch a few ears, but I know it’ll be a good time. Please tune in if you can. I’ve dug out my ‘40s Gibson archtop guitar so it’ll sound authentic and be a little more fun.

My Sunday show 7-8:30 will be the favorites and requests we’ve come to enjoy over the months.I can’t tell you what that will be until I get into the list and of requests and formulate the show, but it will be entertaining and warm as we all get together in our online community. I’d love to have you if you’re available.

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That’s it for this week. How has this last year with COVID been for your multitasking and focus?

Best always,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert Mills Brothers and Ink Spots

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

When:  Thursday, March 18, 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, March 21, 7-8:30 pm mountain time

Growing Up

 I was interviewed for a podcast for Philmont Scout Ranch alumni called “Silver on the Sage” that aired today, and listening to it and reflecting on it made me think of how we grow up and change over our lives. Since Philmont was a place I worked at in high school and college I was relatively youthful and naive to the ways of the world. I said as much in the podcast, but I was struck by how much of that youthful outlook I still have today. Many of our experiences in our lives shape how we see the world, and some tarnish us and some polish us. In many ways I’m still that wide-eyed kid who saw everything with wonder and magic. One of the things Jen and I didn’t do in our lives was have children. It wasn’t necessarily a conscious choice, and I know that we missed the wisdom and shaping that having children brings. We have had grief and suffering so that we haven’t missed out on that tempering and forging of our souls. So in listening to myself on the podcast I can see how in many ways I never will grow up, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Bless the interviewer, Caitlin Lowe, the daughter of my college friend John Ficke who I made a lot of music with, for hanging in there with me and following me on a wild ride of stories and reminiscences. I really get wound up tight when I’m on a roll. You can listen to it on Apple podcasts or Spotify or on the podcast website - https://silveronthesagepod.wixsite.com/philmont/podcast/episode/4d0074f3/tom-munch. Hear for yourself if I’m still that goofy kid who saw the world as so grand.

What have I been up to?

I had a couple of online senior facilities last week. I really enjoy these as I have said before, but it’s hard when I don’t see faces and get to interact as much.

My Thursday show was doing only my own favorites this week for the theme. I did this partially so I could do some old favorites I haven’t sung in a long time, and partially because I didn’t have time to work on requests due to needing the time to finish taxes. It was a fun show of a lot of mostly western folk songs that I have sung and recorded over the years that folks really seemed to enjoy.

My Sunday show was a lot of new music by younger writers mixed in with some old favorites. I think it may have been my favorite show yet on Facebook since so many great folks joined in and the music was so rich.

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What am I up to this week?

I will be doing just one senior facility this week, and it will be in-person and outside if the weather holds - which it looks like it will! I haven’t seen these folks since October or November, and a couple folks have passed since then so there will be a little sadness. It’s also the first time I’ve performed outside the house since the end of November, so it’ll be a little like a first time in some ways. Wish me luck!

Thursday 7-8:30 mountain time my online show will feature Irish songs. I would wait until next week, but my Thursday show is a day after St. Patrick’s Day, and a lot folks may not still be in the mood for Irish music the day after. I have said before how much I feel my little bit of Irish blood, and I really get enthused about Irish music. I hope you’ll tune in to be part of it or else at least to see me go a little crazy over a couple jigs and pub songs. It’s good stuff!

Saturday 7-9 mountain time I’m doing an online show for my Philmont Songs Concert Group on facebook, so if you’re part of that group I’d love to have you come out and join in. I’ll be doing a lot of Philmont favorites for mostly alumni staff. This will be partially sponsored by my Philmont friend Jason Mascitti and Thrivent.

Sunday 7-8:30 mountain time my show will be our usual favorites and requests. I don’t know how we’ll top last week’s songs, but we’ll sure try. I’m sure there will be some more Irish music too since we’ll still be looking forward to St. Patrick’s Day.  

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What coming in the future?

There hasn’t been much future to talk about in so long that it’s hard to think about it, but I do have a few things I’m scheduling this summer in hopes that the virus has been reduced enough to have concerts. I’ll most likely be doing the Westcliffe Feedstore concert on Labor Day, the Yellow Pine Barbecue on Thursdays, and hopefully the Royal Gorge Bridge on some weekdays. I’m also talking about maybe doing a little touring doing museum and community center theme shows of different types looking after the summer into next year. This is all as tentative as it can be, but if we continue to get vaccinations and keeping up precautions then this summer could be a cautious but good time.

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That’s it for this week. I love you all and miss seeing you in person. Here’s to the Irish, and here’s to growing up in whatever way we can.

Best always,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of Irish songs

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

When:  Thursday, March 11, 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, March 14, 7-8:30 pm mountain time

Music of Our Lives

 This Thursday I will be playing some of my favorite songs from my life, and it has me thinking about how the songs we love become the soundtrack that plays at our very core. They comfort us, make us smile, make us dance, and express who we are deep inside. They tend to be songs from our younger days when we listened to more music generally and were more impressionable, but they also include songs that accompanied important events in our lives. They also are songs that spoke to us when we needed them. For me they are also songs that fascinate me or inspire me as a musician. One of my favorite book-series is a science fiction / fantasy group of books by Robin Hobb about the Farseers. There is one character who has music as part of what amounts to his aura that is always playing in the background. I believe to some extent that our consciousness has the same kind of musical aura made up of our favorite songs that dwell somewhere in our depths. They really do recur and surface when we need them most. I hope to reach those points in me this week during my Thursday concert and share them with you.

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What have I been up to?

I had just one senior facility to play for online last week. It went very well!

My Thursday show playing car and road songs was a blast. There are so many songs that express our love affair with cars and the road, and we did a bunch of them.

My Sunday show was so much fun too with so many people tuning in and sharing of themselves. I had a bunch of new tunes as always from requests. I am so blessed to have such wonderful friends who listen and encourage.

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What am I up to this week?

I have a couple senior facilities this week. One of them is ready to have in-person shows again. I’ll do this month online still since I just had my second shot and need to wait a couple weeks before the vaccine is fully effective. I’m ready to see them but it will be tough still wearing a mask and not giving out hugs and handshakes all around.

Thursday 7-8:30 my show will be themed around my most-favorite songs as I mentioned above. I need to get my taxes done, and so I need to dedicate all my time this week to getting all my data together. It is always a daunting task even though I am a very good record-taker during the year. The songs I will be playing are some of my very best with stories on many to match. I look forward to sharing them with you.

Sunday 7-8:30 my show will be favorites and requests as always. Sunday night’s show is such a special time that I look forward to, and I will be sorry when all this is over and we no longer have the luxury of doing weekly shows with the rest of my schedule. That is still a while off though.

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That’s it for this week. I hope the music that plays in your depths will keep you company and give you joy this week. I hope to see you soon.

Best always,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of my most-favorite songs

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

When:  Thursday, March 4, 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, March 7, 7-8:30 pm mountain time

Why I Share Sunrises

 I walk with Beau before sunrise every day and take pictures that I share on Instagram and Facebook. At first I was doing this for my own enjoyment - saving the moment for future reflection. The early morning is so peaceful and soulful, and sharing the time with my dog Beau is a good bonding experience for the two of us. It also charges me up for the day - giving me depth and strength that lets me remain on center through whatever trials may come during the day. Sharing these moments seems like the natural extension of the joy I get from seeing these things - hoping that the pictures inspire the same kind of peace and stability that I feel when I am there seeing the scenes. I have said before that I think giving is one of the secrets of life. It turns us into a well of strength and inspiration for others, and it taps the good flow of energy that emanates from the big mysterious power that you can call God or the universe or spirit. It seems to be where artistic intention comes from whether it’s painting or music or literature. Even in times of trouble like we’re in now we need to have these endeavors that remind us why we’re here and what we’re truly living for. So we share our gifts with others to try to help to make the world a better place. It’s worth it.

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What have I been up to?

I did a couple live online shows for my senior facilities last week. They went very well. I’m in hopes that once I have the vaccine I can go back into many of these facilities - with caution.

My Thursday show doing dog and cat songs was a blast! There were so many interesting tunes that were suggested or discovered, and I think we did justice to our furry family members. I even wrote a song about my sunrise walks with Beau that I performed both Thursday and Sunday.

My Sunday show was very enjoyable even though we were missing a lot of regulars. I know the weather had knocked several folks offline.

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What am I up to this week?

I just have one senior facility show to do online this week. I had hoped to do more during this isolated time, but it hasn’t worked out that way. Most facilities have limited internet access, and so it just isn’t practical to do online shows for them. That will come in time, I’m sure.

My Thursday show online 7-8:30 mountain time this week will be the theme of car songs. There are so many great songs about our love affair with the automobile, and this will be a really fun show. Please tune in if you can.

My Sunday show online 7-8:30 mountain time will be the favorites and requests we always enjoy. My request list has gotten huge over these months because I can really only get 20 or so songs into the time allotted, and I get many more requests than we have time for. It’s a lot of fun, and I really enjoy surprising someone with a request he or she made as much as two months before that I have finally gotten to.

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That’s it for this week. I encourage you to give when you can and see how much you actually get from the experience as you become a conduit of goodwill toward others. It’s definitely worth it - as I said above.

Best always,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of car songs

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

When:  Thursday, February 25, 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, February 28, 7-8:30 pm mountain time

Pets

I wanted to write about my best friends today - our devoted pets over the years. We had a dog, many guinea pigs, and several cats as kids, and we’ve had 4 dogs, 1 ferret, and 4 cats and several foster dogs over the past 35+ years on our own. They’ve all had an awareness of life and living that took me many years to accomplish myself. Some have been selfish. Some have been loving no matter what they were going through. Some have been goofy and cute. And some have been frustrating to understand. But they have all been friends and companions at a level that seems deeper than most human friendships I have had. Those of you who have had pets know of what I speak. They seem to have an innate sense of awareness that we big-brained beings have lost. They understand just being in the moment without all the baggage we attach to living. So we develop these relationships with these little beings that enrich us in ways that are hard to fathom, and when we have to say goodbye at the end of their shorter lives (unless you have a parrot) the experience is deep and affecting. So here’s to our beloved pets today. I’ll be doing songs for them and about them for my Thursday show this week.

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What have I been up to?

I did a live show and a few recorded shows for my senior facilities last week. It’s interesting doing shows for later viewing at my facilities. I know some of the people who will be in the audience, so I can talk to specific folks, but I also don’t know if they’ll watch in a small group or individually, so I have to keep that in mind as I sing and interact. It’s still fulfilling, and I know how it makes a difference in their week.

My Thursday show was a love theme for Valentine’s Day week, and we really did some good love songs including some wonderful new songs that folks requested. It was pretty special.

My Sunday show ended up being mostly love songs as well since it was Valentine’s Day, but we threw in some darker songs that had been requested too as well as a couple Mardi Gras songs for this Tuesday. My head is usually swirling with all the requests and with trying to remember all the melodies and riffs I’ve tried to master in rehearsal. It’s sometimes a jungle in there.

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What am I up to this week?

I have a couple online shows for my senior facilities this week over Zoom and Skype that I’m looking forward to. Some of them set up a camera so I can see who I’m singing to as well which adds to the experience.

My Thursday show 7-8:30 mountain time will be the above-mentioned theme of dogs and cats. There are some pretty neat songs about our pets, and there are plenty that mention dogs although not as many as there are cats. It will be a time to remember and cherish these little beings who fill out our lives.

My Sunday show 7-8:30 will be favorites and requests as always. We have such a warm and inviting group, and many have become good friends outside of the concerts - a fact which thrills me to be part of. I’d love for you to be part of it too. Come on out!

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That’s it for this week. We’re waiting for it to warm up to at least zero degrees this morning to walk Beau who is lying on his bed next to me impatiently waiting to go. Have a wonderful week and be safe.

Best always,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of dog and cat songs

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

When:  Thursday, February 18, 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, February 21, 7-8:30 pm mountain time

What Comes Next?

Reflecting again this morning. One of the biggest questions everyone has seemed to be asking this past year with the coronavirus and all the challenges we’ve experienced is, “What comes next?” I’ve felt this particularly because I thought my road was fairly mapped out for the rest of my days. I figured I would keep playing music for all who would listen in whatever way was helpful until I could no longer play. I still intend to do this, but there isn’t really a map for how this is going to be done in the future. You know, will there be places where people will gather for concerts or even small groups as much in the future? Will music’s importance to our world change if it is not part of a social event? I dearly love the online concerts I’ve been able to do and the group of folks who have incorporated it into their lives, but hugging and shaking of hands and seeing the faces of those I’m connecting with is a big part of having a meaningful experience. I’m sure you’re feeling that in your work or life’s passion as well. We know we will make it through time this into a new reality if we have patience and creative thought about what comes next. But the waiting really is the hardest part, and there are those who don’t have any cushion to wait this out. I really feel for them. So I wish you well as we figure out what comes next. As long as we go into it with love for each other and respect and patience for each situation we will be fine.

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What have I been up to?

I only had one senior facility this last week. I rescheduled my other one to this week because they were doing COVID shots the day I was scheduled.

My Thursday show playing blues tunes online went really well even though I was more than a little pensive about my blues skills and the setup of my electric guitars and amp. It was a lot of fun, and the folks really want to do another blues night. We’ll come back around to that, I’m sure!

My Sunday show playing favorites and requests was a blast as always. Even though I was up against the Super Bowl there were plenty of folks who tuned in even if they had one eye on the game. It is such a great group of folks we have gathered.

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What am I up to this week?

I’m starting to figure out when I can go back into the senior facilities to play and how many I will play for. It will be a slow process. Many are still trying to figure out how to get by day-to-day. Once I have had both vaccinations and a little time to make sure I have antibodies I will start to go to at least a few. Until that time I’ll keep trying to make online shows work for them, and I have a couple this week. I’ll do both a live show and also a recording of that live show that they can download and use for the month.

Thursday 7-8:30 is my weekly theme show, and this week I’ll play love songs since Valentine’s Day is coming up. There are some wonderful love songs to sing - isn’t every song a love song one way or the other!? I’d love to have you tune in.

Sunday 7-8:30 is my weekly favorites and requests show, plus it’s Valentine’s Day so I’m sure there’ll be a few love songs. The following Tuesday is Mardi Gras, so we might have to have a couple of those tunes thrown in - especially if we end up doing a Mardi Gras theme for Thursday of that week. There are some wonderful Mardi Gras songs and a wealth of New Orleans songs and history to dive into. Good stuff! Plus I have some great requests that I haven’t gotten to yet that you will really like. Please tune in if you can.

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That’s it for this week. I miss seeing you and sharing hugs ands stories. Be safe and patient until we see what comes next.

Best always,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of love songs

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

When:  Thursday, February 11, 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, February 14, 7-8:30 pm mountain time

The Blues

 I want to write a little bit about blues music since my show Thursday night is “Blues (and Some Rhythm)”. My understanding of blues and to some extent jazz is that it has its origins in the interpretation of African music on European instruments. It’s no secret that different cultures around the world have different musical structures, scales, and traditions. We tend to see music though the lens of European traditions since most popular instruments today are based on the even-tempered tuning that was invented in Europe, but other cultures based their music around what they heard and felt, and the music they created had other tones that aren’t expressed in European scales and traditions. So it was that as African Americans first picked up and played instruments created by European traditions and tunings they would play the notes that sounded closest to the music they heard and felt. Some of these notes, particularly the flatted third note of the major scale, came to be known as blue notes. I’m not sure if this was because they were closer to the minor scale and so felt more melancholy or blue or because they were just an odd note that needed a name to show their difference.  Either way, this note and others created the unique sound, harmonies, and even rhythms mixed with other influences particularly in the South around New Orleans that created the blues and jazz. I will say that there is also an element of hard times and loss in much of the blues, and that experience sometimes is the secret to playing the blues with the genuine feel and emotion that characterizes it. Just like the ancient Greeks and their cathartic plays, we tend to like to commiserate with one another, and that also helps gives the blues its appeal to so many. But blues can have really upbeat and driving rhythms that just feel good and gritty and authentic, and there are happy blues tunes too that just celebrate life. It’s really a style of music that isn’t specific to the traditional 12-bar “I woke up this mornin’” blues that some think of right away when you say the word blues. So Thursday I’ll play a bunch of blues tunes. Some will definitely be dark and dirty, but some will be upbeat and just plain fun! It took me a while to get a feel for the blues, but just like a driving two-step or an Irish jig or a four-on-the-floor rock and roll song it is so satisfying when you get the rhythm and the flow and the sound. I hope you’ll hear it and agree.

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What have I been up to?

I had just one senior facility to play for last week, and it went very well online. I didn’t record anything to put online although I’m thinking about it still. Just have to make time and do it as part of routine. 

My Thursday show online was really fun. The folk rock ‘70s tunes are some of the first songs I learned to play, and I lock into them right away and just fly. We had a great group of folks come out and spread the joy. 

My Sunday show had more requests than I can remember having before, and I worked really hard and felt way behind as I started the show, but it turned out just fine. I have such a supportive bunch of folks that I can always rise to their wishes!

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What am I up to this week?

My senior facilities are starting to talk about having folks back into their facilities like me although I think it’s realistically several months off. I have a couple of facilities to perform for online this week. 

My Thursday online show 7-8:30 will be the above-mentioned “Blues (and Some Rhythm)” tunes I mentioned above. This music is really a blast to play, and I think it will be a night to remember. Please come out if you can. 

My Sunday show online 7-8:30 will be requests and favorites as always. My request list has grown huge, and I can only knock out about 20 tunes each show, but we keep rolling and enjoying the flow and the camaraderie. It’s such a special show each week!

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That’s it for this week. We keep on authentically living life and trying to help where we can while enjoying the little moments that make it so worthwhile. Be safe, and I hope to see you soon.

Best always,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of blues (and some rhythm) songs

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

When:  Thursday, February 4, 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, February 7, 7-8:30 pm mountain time

The Interesting Music I Find as I Learn New Songs

One of the more interesting things about what I’m doing musically during COVID is all the requests I’m learning and the process of learning them. I’m a solo guitarist and singer for the most part, and that’s how I approach a song - seeing what the structure of the song is and what the signature licks are that I can express on one guitar and with one voice. It’s sometimes a challenge when a song has a full band and even an orchestra. The rhythms can be tricky, and the vocal parts can be challenging figuring out on some songs what is the melody and the harmony. My favorite place to listen is on YouTube because there is not only the original recorded version (usually from the studio) but also various live versions by the original artist and also many covers both studio and live from people all over the world. That’s where it gets interesting - the rest of the world. There are pockets of the world where learning and recording cover versions of songs must be a favorite pastime because I’m finding especially Asian and Filipino versions of some popular songs that are amazing performances. I know that American culture is popular all over the world, but it’s phenomenal when you find performers who barely speak any English who can sing an English song better than the original singer. So sometimes I use these versions to hear and see a great arrangement or better interpretation of a song that I can base my version on. At the very least I can see the chords they are playing and the position on the guitar so I can figure out what the original player was doing. The talent and ingenuity of folks all over the world is just inspiring and sometimes humbling. So I’ll find one of these performances that I can use the lyrics and chords that I find on the internet to map out my own version of a song. There are even many, many people who give lessons on YouTube who show you how to play the main licks in a song. I’ve used those a few times as well. I should also say that I sometimes start from scratch and learn a song completely from just listening to the original recording. That’s how I used to learn all my songs - playing them from the 45 or LP while I scratched out the lyrics and chords on a piece of paper. But I’m more modern now. Once I have it on my laptop and formatted so I can see the whole song on one screen I can determine if there are better chords than the ones I’ve found online or better voicing to pick up some of the other licks by the group as I hear it. Then I have to listen to the song to get it in my head and make notes on the lyrics with chords on my screen so that I can perform it. Sometimes I have to listen to a song 20 times before all the nuances sink into my head so I can remember them. I don’t write out sheet music although I’m considering it since I sometimes am learning 20 songs a week. I’m not very fast with music notation although I have apps even on my iPad that make it easier and quicker to do. With notation I could at least capture the melody better although there are some things you can’t really capture in notation such as the feel of the rhythm or some of the quick syncopations. Lastly, I have to transpose the song and the licks into a key that’s in my vocal range, and then I rehearse it a few times or many times depending on the complexity of the song. I’m a pretty quick study, but some songs take a lot of work, and then I still mess them up when I perform them with the nerves from having an audience. Then before I do a show I pull all of the requests into one folder where I can sort them by who requested them so I’m ready to perform when I see the person on my concert. The worst part is that I hope these songs will stick with me, but I’m finding that when I try to revisit a song I had just learned a couple months before I often draw a complete blank when I look at my music as to the tempo or melody of the song. Then I have to go back and listen to the song a few times to get it back in my head. With 4000 songs in my main list on my laptop I guess I should expect to not be able to remember a lot of them. I like the challenge though. Most of the songs I learn I never get a fully-polished version, but at least I can get them to an acceptable level where I have the right feel of a song and the character of the performance. The rest is usually chalked up to artistic license, and I forgive myself for not getting it to the level I’d really like since I have a bunch more to learn and I know I won’t retain the song for long. It’s fun going through the process, and I’m thankful for the opportunity. So do you have any requests for my shows this week? 😃

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What have I been up to?

I was able to do a couple live shows online for my senior facilities last week. I finally figured out how to do good shows from my old computer so I can record them as I perform them and make them available for the facility to use for residents who couldn’t be a part of the live performance either because of social distancing rules or because of logistics. This will make my music more accessible and valuable to my facilities, and that’s a good thing. 

My Thursday show doing old cowboy music was really fun, and I think my audience liked it more than they thought they might. I didn’t do a lot of the sadder songs about dying cowboys and tragedies on the cattle drives - there are a lot of those. We still have a lot of cowboy songs I didn’t get to, so we will definitely do another cowboy song night in the future. 

My Sunday favorites show was really enjoyable as always. I continue to enjoy the camaraderie of my audience and their genuine affection for each other and the music. There are always new people along with so many old and new friends, and it becomes a happening every week! You should join us sometime if you haven’t. 

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What am I up to this week?

I only have one senior show to do this week live. I’d like to record a few more things to put up on Facebook and YouTube. I think I said before that I’d like to have good recordings of some of these songs I’m learning in case I never go back to them. My live recordings are usually limited by the streaming quality, and I often don’t have the polish on them I’d have on a focused version of the song. I may just be making more work for myself though. 

My Thursday show 7-8:30 this week will be folk rock songs from the ‘70s. I have featured different artists from this period already, but I have plenty of other songs by people I haven’t gotten to yet in my shows. This will be fun to put together, and it should be a really good show of favorites. Please join me if you can. We are also looking at some really fun themes in the future including Bruce Cockburn, Neil Diamond, ‘60s tunes, folk tunes, more standards, and many more. 

My Sunday show 7-8:30 will be the favorites and requests we have come to love. I can’t believe the variety of songs I have built up for these shows that I still haven’t performed, and I always have at least a dozen new requests each week. Feel free to throw some more at me. And then come to the show to hear them! 

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That’s it for this week. LIfe is sure different lately, but at least I have a focus and am feeling like I’m helping and adding to life and others around me. What more is there?

Best,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of folk rock ‘70s songs

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

When:  Thursday, January 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, January 31, 7-8:30 pm mountain time