I’m doing the music of Dan Fogelberg for my Wednesday show, and that has me thinking about songwriters. Songwriting is such an interesting art. I’ve done enough of it to really appreciate the writing of those who have done it much more than me. The idea that you can put an idea into words and then make a progression and melody that fits those words to express a story or idea is not something that is very easy - especially at a high level. When you can make clever rhymes and use interesting words and twists of melody you really have something. And it doesn’t always have to be complex. Simple ideas work too. I was very fortunate that the first song I wrote, “Moreno Valley”, was simple and just fell out of mind and through my fingers. I think it was a product of all the music I had absorbed up to that point in my life combined with the muse or the musical/spiritual wind that so many songwriters credit for their creations. I’ve never been really good at approaching songwriting as work. I usually need some inspiration. I know that some songwriters use their writing to work out problems in their life or express something they need to say. I think I’ve written about that before. Dan Fogelberg often wrote of breakups or pain in his life. The Beatles wrote about relationships for most of their early songs. The old songwriters for Broadway musicals wrote to fit the story they were telling. Whatever brings songwriters to put down their ideas in musical form, I’m always appreciative of their efforts. Music is just so powerful, and tapping into the creative force it embodies is so worthwhile.
——
What have I been up to?
I had 8 senior facilities last week, and one had to be cancelled for a COVID outbreak. I’m sorry to hear that. Sounds like we’d better be extra careful this Fall and Winter.
My Wednesday online show was doing ‘60s and ‘70s R&B tunes, and it was so much fun! The group really enjoyed it too. There’s just something so infectious about these songs with a great backbeat that move you.
I had the weekend off as we headed over to the Western Slope of Colorado to celebrate our niece's wedding. It was a wonderful time!
——
What am I up to this week?
My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be the music of Dan Fogelberg as I wrote above. His music has meant so much to me over the years. I connected with it right away the first time I heard it back in the '70s, and I always loved his ability to be so poetic and so wise even through the angst he so often wrote about. Come on out if you can!
My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be Favorites and Requests as always, and I know it’ll be a good time with some great friends. I’d love to have you in the audience!
——
That’s it for this week. Next week I have a fun event in the Denver area on Saturday from 11:30 to 1:30 at the Littleton Museum for their Harvest Festival. Please come out for this free day in the pumpkin patch at this beautiful location if you’re in the Denver area.
Best always,
Tom
——
Details this week:
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing and singing an online concert of Dan Fogelberg songs
Where: facebook.com/tom.munch and tommunch.com/online-concerts
When: Wednesday, October 4, 7-8:45 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, October 8, 7-8:45 pm mountain time