There are not many folk singers who can claim to have achieved something akin to legendary status in their own lifetime but Co Down’s singer, songwriter and social activist Tommy Sands has certainly given it a good go, delivering his music and songs across the globe from New York’s Carnegie Hall to Moscow’s Olympic Stadium.
Needless to say, he has attracted a loyal following in that time, so this news of a new album will be met by a lot of excitement. “Fair Play To You All” which was produced by Steve Cooney is set for release Date 27th Sept 2019 via Spring Records. The news was accompanied with tour dates (see below) and video for catchy album track American Dreams:
“They say that things are not as they used to be, but perhaps they never were. it can be seen that people and Peoples from across the globe have contributed much to the making (or breaking) of America and continue and be concerned with varying expectations. For the miniscule few, the American dream has merely meant a millionairehood for the miniscule few, for the millions of many it has been the precious expectation of a livelihood”
The album title itself is an oft used throwaway line in Ireland but in the pen-hand of Tommy Sands it becomes much more profound and an overture to the album itself.
“Tommy Sands is one of the most productive and prolific performers in the history of Irish music and indeed one of the truly great songwriters in global music. His songs have become part of a long and venerable tradition that now reaches all over the world.
“He continues to be a veritable powerhouse of creativity in world music and writes new songs that touch the nerve of all those concerned with social justice and enduring peace between people of all creeds and ethnicities.
“He is a true humanist gifted with a unique ability to reach across ethnic divides particularly in his homeland, a territory that has been racked by divisions for literally hundreds of years. This remarkable recording with the extraordinary musician Steve Cooney is sure to be an enduring contribution to Irish and world music. ” Professor Michael (Mick) Moloney, New York University.
Tommy Sands Concerts 2019
October 2019
Wed Oct 9th – Commodore John Barry Arts & Cultural Centre – 6815 Emlen St., Philadelphia, PA, 19119 USA
Thur Oct 10th – The Green Willow Folk Club – 1914 W Park Dr, Wilmington, DE 19803 USA
Sat Oct 12th – Folk Project Acoustic Gateway – Port Murray, NJ07865 USA
Thur Oct 17th – Café Nine 250 State Street New Haven, CT 06510 USA
Sat Oct 19th – New Moon Coffee House – 16 Ashland St Haverhill, MA 08130 USA
Sun Oct 20th – The Eighth Step at Proctors – 432 State Street – Schenectady, NY 12305 USA
Thu Oct 24th – The Roots Cellar – 6300 Fifth Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15232 USA
Fri Oct 25th – Chenango Sessions – 557 Chenango St, Binghamton, NY 13901 USA
Sat Oct 26th – Valley Folk Music – 144 Cedar St Corning, NY 14830 USA
Sun Oct 27th – Village Meeting House – 5658 Main St Williamsville, NY USA
November 2019
Nov 12th-26th …England and Scotland – (Dates to be announced) UK
December 2019
Dec 28th – Mayobridge Golf Club 50 Crossan Road, Mayobridge, Newry, Co. Down BT34 2HY
