I finally got a 12 string guitar last week. It’s a thing that I’ve been meaning to do for 40 years. I would have bought one 40 years ago if I could have afforded the used Taylor guitar that my local music shop had (back before Taylor was a known brand). That guitar played like a dream, but I couldn’t afford the $185 they were asking - which was cheap at the time. I’ve played several other 12 string guitars over the years, but I honestly never found one that played as easily as that first one. And so I never bought one. But several people over the years have mentioned that they’d like to hear me play one, so I finally started looking a year or so ago. In the end I bought a very inexpensive low-line Martin that actually plays and sounds really good. And that brings me to my topic of Hearing. You see, there are different things to hear and different patterns to find with a 12 string guitar. There were different things to hear and on the ukuleles I picked up over the last year too, and with different instruments I find that it stimulates my brain to find new inspiration and emotions in the music. That’s always a good thing, and many musicians and songwriters remark how different instruments drive them to new songs and new heights. And it’s a good workout for the brain too. When a familiar picking pattern lends to notes that are unexpected it challenges me to map new ways to get to the sound I want. I honestly wonder sometimes how long I can challenge my brain to these new paths, but in the end it’s always beneficial and fun even if it’s frustrating at first. So I hope you can find new ways of challenging yourself in your patterns every day too. And tune in and listen to the new 12 string!
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What have I been up to?
I forgot to mention my senior facilities last week because I was intent on telling you about the memorial I played last Wednesday. The senior facilities were wonderful. I had 11 of them even with taking off Wednesday for the memorial.
The memorial on Wednesday for Lodzia Jordan was very sweet. I spent the better part of the day with her family - from the service to the cemetery to a reception where we sang songs into the evening. They are such special people, and Lodzia was a big part of that. She will be missed.
My Thursday online show doing “songs that shaped me” was very special too. I don’t like to toot my own horn, but sometimes it’s okay to do a little autobiography with the songs and stories of ourselves. Some of the audience doesn’t know me all that well, and this was a good opportunity to paint the picture of my life for them.
My Sunday online show was a blast. I played the new 12 string for most of the night, and everyone was really in the flow. We have such a fine group of friends.
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What am I up to this week?
I have 10 senior facilities this week, and I m looking forward to all of them. A couple of them had active COVID cases in the building, so we were more cautious. It’s a good reminder that there is still a great need for caution.
Tuesday I will be doing a special sponsored online show 7-8:30 mountain time called “Rick’s Choice” that will be a playlist of songs chosen by my friend and regular concert-goer, Rick Myers. Rick basically wanted a show of his favorite songs that I do in an order that he can play whenever he wants like a favorite album. It’ll be full of some of the favorite songs of the Group as well. Come on by and watch and listen.
Thursday my online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be One Hit Wonders of the ’70s. We did one hit wonders of the ‘60s a couple weeks ago, and I really wanted to do the ‘70s soon after. There are some great songs here, and I know you’ll enjoy it if you liked the ‘70s sound.
Sunday my online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be the favorites and requests that we always love. I never know quite what I’ll do for these shows, but everyone is so giving, and the spirit always carries us to some fine evenings. Come on out if you can.
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That’s it for this week. I hope you’re happy and well. We had a bit of a scare last week when a wildfire in New Mexico threatened Philmont Scout Ranch where I’ve played concerts and where I worked in high school and college and where our family cabins are not that far away. It is tamed down with cooler weather and some moisture, but it is still a danger.
Best always,
Tom
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Who: Tom Munch
What: playing and singing an online concert of songs of Rick’s Choice
Where: facebook.com/tom.munch and tommunch.com/online-concerts
When: Tuesday, April 26, 7-8:30 pm mountain time
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing and singing an online concert of ’70s one hit wonders
Where: facebook.com/tom.munch and tommunch.com/online-concerts
When: Thursday, April 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, May 1, 7-8:30 pm mountain time