Last night I dug out two older guitars I hadn’t played in many, many years. They were each missing strings, and I’m sure it had been almost 10 years since I had played them regularly. With new strings and a good once-over (one has a pretty good crack down the face - mostly in the finish) they were ready to play. I forgot what a different sound does for one’s playing. I was instantly transformed into a world of exploration and joy. Certain tones and combinations leaped out of each guitar like brand-new rich and also muted colors. I’ve been playing Martin guitars for the past 4 years, and these ones have wonderful pickup systems and are very playable. Martin has become the standard for guitar players for their iconic tone, which is consistent across all the models I have. It is a great sound with all the range of frequency and clarity you would expect. But there are many other approaches to building a guitar, and there many other worthwhile tones to be had. The two guitars I played last night reminded me of that, and they also helped me remember the joy to be had in the wider world from experiencing new and different things. I have written before of how little details in life lead to nuance and shades of love and understanding that we often forget are there. I encourage you to pursue this in your life - especially at this time when there is so much sameness in our locked-down and cautious but necessary lives. Be creative and joyful in everything you can today.
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What have I been up to?
Last week was spent playing for many senior facilities outdoors with a little lightning and thunder thrown in for excitement. It’s so good to see this folks returning to their sweet selves after being depressed and mostly alone for a few months.
Sunday was my Facebook Live concert again, and there was such energy in the air. It was exciting to be a part of it. There were a bunch of enthusiastic folks, and it was much different than the week before when I didn’t feel very well and ran out of steam. We did mostly requests with a couple of surprises.
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What’s up this week?
I have a bunch of outdoor senior gigs again this week, and I think I’m getting the hang of the battery-powered and the quick-umbrella'd setup. The mask-wearing is making my face break out in the heat, but it’s so good to see those folks and spread a little cheer and love that I don’t mind a little discomfort. Life is good.
Sunday 7-8:15 mountain time is my Facebook Live concert again, and I have a bunch of requests as always. Please tune in if you can - facebook.com/tom.munch. I also put it on my website if you’re not a Facebook person - tommunch.com/photos-videos.
I’m setting up some private concerts online with groups I usually play for in the summer including the Don K Guest Ranch I did a show for a couple weeks ago.
I’m also toying with doing some themed shows as I’ve mentioned before. It looks like Thursday night is the preferred night for these. I’m not announcing one this week, but I may do one if I get the impetus. There’ll be a Facebook event for it if I do it. If you’re not on Facebook give a visit to my website at the photos and videos page Thursday at 7:00 mountain time to see if I’m on - tommunch.com/photos-videos.
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That’s it for this week. I hope you are well and as happy as can be expected in our current situation. Know that you are loved, and try to find some of that detail in life that can bring joy.
Best always,
Tom
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Who: Tom Munch
What: playing and singing a Facebook Live Concert from my home
Where: facebook.com/tom.munch and tommunch.com/photos-videos
When: Sunday, July 12, 7-8:15 pm mountain time