The mighty reservoir of Irish traditional music, songs and stories, my parents and family, Pete Seeger, Clancy Brothers, Tommy Makem, Ian Campbell, Bob Dylan, Peter, Paul & Mary, Bothy Band, Planxty, Tom Paxton, Gordon Lightfoot, John Denver, Leonard Cohen, Iain MacKintosh, Hamish Imlach, Sean McGuire, Joe Burke, Beatles, Paul Simon, John Gorka ....
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......... ALL BEN TRACKS NOW AVAILABLE TO DOWNLOAD FROM iTUNES.CO.UK
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..... Ben Sands lives in Newry, County Down, close to the mountains and the sea and not far from the small farm where he and his six siblings grew up in the 1950s and 1960s.
He sings songs - mostly his own. He writes songs - about life and love and the ways of the world. Some are whimsical, some are sad and some are very humorous indeed.
He plays quite a few instruments as well - guitar, banjo, mandolin, whistles, keyboards, and fiddle - he has even been known to wrestle a tune from the uilleann pipes.
Ben has been touring and recording with his sister Anne and brothers Tommy and Colum since the late 1960s. “The Sands Family” have recorded over twenty albums to date; made countless television appearances; performed extensively in Ireland, UK, Europe, Canada and USA (including Carnegie Hall); shared microphones with such “folk luminaries” as Pete Seeger, Joan Baez, Tom Paxton, Harry Belafonte and Arlo Guthrie ….
These days the members of the “Family” still greatly enjoy getting together for special tours and festival appearances but are more likely to be found scattered far and wide, pursuing very successful solo careers. Like brothers Tommy and Colum, Ben has taken to the song writing with a natural ease and his songs are finding their way into many repertoires and recording studios.
Homepage: www.bensands.com E-mail: ben@bensands.com
“BETTER ALREADY” (Spring Records SCD 1050)
“…. Ben’s third solo album features eleven self-composed tracks, nine songs and two instrumentals. Producer/guitarist Johnny Scott (ex-Van Morrison) manages to broaden the appeal of Ben’s folksy lyrics and melodies with some sparkling arrangements and the support of an exceptional team of musicians ……..”
Belfast Telegraph
Dear Ben Sands, It's after Halloween and the busy holidays are approaching. Take a break and drop by to listen to my featured songs. You may find my music to be just the calm you need during this hectic time of the year. I appreciate your friendship and I hope you enjoy the music. I wish you much joy and peace.
Also I wanted to keep you in the loop with what is happening with me and my music, and to tell you that you can get tons of exclusive, limited edition Colin Rink merchandise, but only for a limited time, and the clock is ticking! We're talking about videoss, photos, bonus mp3's, set lists, and so much more.
After you've finished here, you may like to hear this poem sung on myspace...
Poem 162 of 230, WalkaboutsVerse (please see my blog): TEES TO TYNE: FIRST IMPRESSIONS - SUMMER 2001
Where traditions are not so rare; Sea, country and works scent the air; A multitude of monuments, Planted tubs and patterned pavements.
The longish pedestrian malls; The remnants of defensive walls; Historic buildings are a gauge Of the respect for heritage.
Wheat, rape and pines in the fields; Estuaries guarded by shields; Long sandy beaches and wide scenes; Romantic-ruin go-betweens.
Rivers in parts licked by trees, Or fringed by boat clubs, wharfs, gantries, And crossed by practical delights - Varied spans, forming pleasing sights.
Fine churches headed at Durham; Football kits ad infinitum; Kept castles - one for study; Masonry behind masonry.
And, with moulding-works out that way, It’s somewhere for a longer stay..?
Thanks again for your wonderful shows at Redbourne and Orpington. Your songs were truly beautiful and shall live long in the memory of those who were there! Also really enjoyed the wonderful storytelling between the songs. Shall never forgrt the 'ghost story'... Look forward to meeting you again soon on my musical travels. All the best, Andy www.andysmythe.com
Ben, míle buiochas for adding me and CELTIC BRIDGE to your friends, I am indebted to you for your precious help,Barabara and you have such a welcoming home, this myspace is taking me a bit of getting used to.I am sure your tour to Kent went down a storm, keep CELTIC BRIDGE posted on gigs at home and abroad, ádh mór for your work on the new album, it's sounding beautiful, played Wish I had a Penny last Sunday, one of my favourites. Bless you. Josephine. www.myspace.com/celticbridge www.myspace.com/josephinemulvenna
I'll make sure to save you a cup of Mint Chocolate Truffle Ben!!!!! I hope your weekend is going well for you and your's, and you have a great week ahead!! Please feel free to keep in touch!! Helen xxx
..... Ben Sands lives in Newry, County Down, close to the mountains and the sea and not far from the small farm where he and his six siblings grew up in the 1950s and 1960s.
He sings songs - mostly his own. He writes songs - about life and love and the ways of the world. Some are whimsical, some are sad and some are very humorous indeed.
He plays quite a few instruments as well - guitar, banjo, mandolin, whistles, keyboards, and fiddle - he has even been known to wrestle a tune from the uilleann pipes.
Ben has been touring and recording with his sister Anne and brothers Tommy and Colum since the late 1960s. “The Sands Family” have recorded over twenty albums to date; made countless television appearances; performed extensively in Ireland, UK, Europe, Canada and USA (including Carnegie Hall); shared microphones with such “folk luminaries” as Pete Seeger, Joan Baez, Tom Paxton, Harry Belafonte and Arlo Guthrie ….
These days the members of the “Family” still greatly enjoy getting together for special tours and festival appearances but are more likely to be found scattered far and wide, pursuing very successful solo careers. Like brothers Tommy and Colum, Ben has taken to the song writing with a natural ease and his songs are finding their way into many repertoires and recording studios.
Homepage: www.bensands.com E-mail: ben@bensands.com
“BETTER ALREADY” (Spring Records SCD 1050)
“…. Ben’s third solo album features eleven self-composed tracks, nine songs and two instrumentals. Producer/guitarist Johnny Scott (ex-Van Morrison) manages to broaden the appeal of Ben’s folksy lyrics and melodies with some sparkling arrangements and the support of an exceptional team of musicians ……..”
Belfast Telegraph
! I hope your weekend is going well for you and your's, and you have a great week ahead!! Please feel free to keep in touch!! Helen xxx