The KitchenMusician ~ November 2020

Hello friends,

It looks like we are entering a very dark winter. I am buoyed by a memory – a simple gift to remind me that there will come a spring. I have a new song to tell you about it. Meet me in the kitchen!


Index

  NEWS: Announcing my new album: “Apples & Cheese” coming December 1st!
  THIS MONTH’S MUSIC: “Bluebells”
  UPCOMING SHOWS
  FEATURED NON-PROFIT: Fair Fight

Tom on the cabin porch, Jaffrey, NH


News: A New Album Coming December 1st!

I am pumped to share that my new album Apples & Cheese, New and used songs for kids and their grownups will be available on December 1st!

Album art by Lisa Bastoni. Graphic design by Leslie Lee.

This uplifting album has seven original and five traditional folk songs, recorded at home with me singing and playing all of the instruments (guitar, banjo, harmonica, dulcimer, jaw harp, and magic twanger). Happily, my daughter Mally Smith contributed some vocal harmonies from her home studio in Scotland, and the fabulous young singer Clio Moock sang one of my original songs, recorded at her home in Melrose, MA by her father Alastair Moock. Sean Staples mixed the album and it was mastered by Dave Westner.

What started out as a do-it-yourself private project for my grandchildren and their cousins has blossomed into a full-blown release that I am very proud of. I think it is the perfect antidote to current events, and I can’t wait to share it with you and the children in your life. You will be able to hear the full album, download it or order the CDs via my Bandcamp Store, starting December 1st!


This Month’s Music: “Bluebells”


“Bluebells” © 2020 Tom Smith (ASCAP)
Lyrics in the comments below.

Please, can we have even one day when we don’t hear the words unprecedented, existential threat, or uncharted waters. I am feeling more than a little beaten up by a national election that exposed wide divisions that seem insurmountable… by a deadly virus infecting millions of Americans… by an incomprehensible reaction by many who ignore the fact that the simple act of wearing a mask can help keep us and those with whom we come in contact safe… by the lack of recognition that we have a serious problem with systemic racism in our country. I could go on and on with other reasons to feel beaten up.

As we enter what is expected to be a very dark winter, I find myself longing for simple gifts – sharing music in the same room with others, hugging my grandchildren, laughter with friends, an epic Thanksgiving dinner, a handshake with a stranger.

Working on my new album for kids really helped to pick up my spirits over the last two months. It was so much fun to focus on writing and recording those uplifting songs for our grandchildren (and for you!). But as that project wound down, I found myself in a kind of malaise. From that malaise, a distant memory appeared – a memory of a spring-time afternoon with our oldest child, Heather. Heather always seemed to have a project to do. This song gives you a little window into that afternoon project, and how to this day it still brings hope in the knowledge that winter always gives way to spring.

    “When faced with things I can’t control
    When light decays and days grow cold
    When strength betrays my will to cope
    A simple gift can kindle hope”

Hang on, my friends. Do whatever it takes to stay healthy. Be kind to each other. Stay the course.

Tom

Thanks to Terry Kitchen, Jud Caswell and Mally Smith for helpful feedback while I was writing this song.

(If so inclined, I invite you to leave a comment by scrolling to the end of this page.)


Featured Non-profit

Fair Fight promotes “fair elections in Georgia and around the country, encourage voter participation in elections, and educate voters about elections and their voting rights. Fair Fight brings awareness to the public on election reform, advocates for election reform at all levels, and engages in other voter education programs and communications.”

Please join me in supporting Stacy Abrams’ Fair Fight.

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11 Comments
  • Tom
    November 16, 2020

    Bluebells
    © 2020 Tom Smith (ASCAP)

    When she was five she held my hand
    And I that spry and younger man who
    Wheeled a barrow, her inside
    She insisted on a bumpy ride

    When faced with things I can’t control
    When light decays and days grow cold
    When strength betrays my will to cope
    A simple gift can kindle hope

        Memories are funny things
        Strung like bluebells in a stream
        (They’re) Far away when wondering of spring
        While winter’s raging

    It was an Easter project. Soil and rocks
    That she spread neatly in a wooden box
    With plants we rescued from the brook
    That ran beside the trail we took

        Memories are funny things
        Strung like bluebells in a stream
        (They’re) Far away when wondering of spring
        While winter’s raging

    And when she saw her flowers fade
    She found a spot and took a spade
    And planted them next to our fence
    Where they have blossomed ever since

        Memories are living things
        Strung like bluebells in a stream
        Promises that there will come a spring
        While winter’s raging

        And winter’s raging

  • Elaine
    November 16, 2020

    Dear Tom,
    My heart thanks you for this song.
    Elaine

    • Tom
      November 16, 2020

      I am glad it touched a good spot for you, Cuz. Love to my Kansas family.

  • Mally
    November 17, 2020

    Simple gifts indeed <3 thank you for this one, dad. ILU

    • Tom
      November 17, 2020

      Thank you, Missy! ILU2

  • barbara
    November 19, 2020

    Bluebells brought tears to my eyes…thank you…also for in including Stacey Abrams link….had been meaning to contribute there…done and done!

    • Tom
      November 20, 2020

      Thank you for the kind comments Barb, and for contributing to “Fair Fight”! Go blue!

  • Virginia Amsler
    November 20, 2020

    You give me hope. Thank you Tom for acknowledging a darkness we cannot erase, but also reminding us that there will be a spring
    Ginny

    • Tom
      December 1, 2020

      Thank you, Miss Ginny. Stay safe and keep hope alive.

  • Stephen S Rollins
    December 1, 2020

    Bluebells. Nice song Tom. I didn’t know our voices got better with age!

    • Tom
      December 1, 2020

      Thank you Steve! I miss our meet-ups at the open mike. Carry on!