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 ....
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
Hi Ben, Lovely to hear from you. Hope you are well and busy. When are you coming back to Glenfarg? Give my love to Tommy as he is now one of my friends. love and lots of hugs. Nell. xxx
Hi Ben its great to have you as a friend , i am very proud to be that one of your many friends i could lisen to your songs all night long great hope we can chat again when you find a little bit of time for me yours Ann from england let me know if you ever come over ok xx Ann
Hi Ben Thank you they are loves.I have some Irsh my grandpa was Gilock Hope its going good for you and your family. God Bless Phyllis www. tinytoonshihtzus. com
hello love...many kisses I send to you in Ireland....how be everything there....much love I send to you this day may God watch over thee!!!! Millions of Huggs!!! SQ
