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