Ben Sands is one of the best lyric writers (poets) of the modern folk genre. His works are rooted in the ordinary and in the shared experiences of most of us but his gift with words can elevate the stories he tells to minor epics. I first encountered him decades ago with his siblings as the wonderful Sands Family group, but since then I have been delighted to listen to a vast output of highly original material -- not least a song called "The Hug" that was even featured in a television commercial.

His latest offering is called Chocolate & Other Stories and like that substance it can be highly addictive. His tongue-in-cheek lyrics will resonate with anyone who likes that lovely milky taste.

His song "The Witch & the Troubadour" is a wonderful take on common fairy tales and reminds us that the power of music and song can be just as powerful as magic as he recounts that "when he started singing he had the same power over her."

His skill as a troubadour and an observer of modern life comes dashing to the fore on "The Bus to Berlin," which in fact could be a bus to anywhere on any continent with its cast of characters -- "some wearing denim, some three-piece suits, short leather mini skirts and long leather boots."

A track called "Come In, Sit Down & Warm Your Heart" could encapsulate his beautiful philosophy of life in his music as that is very much what his albums invite us to do. He is the ideal host, ready with a song and a story that will entertain the listener from start to finish with a professional but oh so human delivery.

[ visit Ben Sands online ]