Customer Reviews

Let the Circle Be Wide

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Tommy Sands, one of Ireland's most highly regarded songwriters, is back with a lovely set of songs inspired by the end of the Irish "Troubles" as well as the politics of the post-September 11th world, and his own reflections on a long life full of both sorrow and joy. Shades of subtle and not-so-subtle meaning filter through these songs, as he reflects on violence, peace and hope. The Ireland-specific lyrics may be confounding to outsiders (hard to evaluate Sands' politics, as he simultaneously celebrates the end to the island's civil war and reflects upon its history (history and Ireland? watch out!) Likewise, his views on America's approach to the post-9/11 world may be hard for some to hear: the song "Time For Asking Why" is a call for social justice between the rich and poor, posing the question of whether America's actions were in part to blame for the rageful jihad aimed at its people. The leftie critiques are balanced by joyful, nostalgic glimpses into the world Sands grew up in -- fiddling parties, the rise to fame of his friend Tommy Makem, and the new Ireland, a hopeful world where the Troubles seem gone. The musicianship is top-notch with rich Irish melodies and sweet family harmonies from Sands and his kin. It's a strong album, troubling in some regards but life-affirming and beautiful in others. Definitely worth checking out! (Joe Sixpack, Slipcue Guide To World Music)

Let the Circle be Wide is the latest and most enjoyable release by Tommy Sands. the Great Bard of the North of Ireland. Tommy is really the Pete Seeger of the Emerald Isle and he and his family have been performing and creating wonderful music for years.

One of Tommy's greatest songs in entitled "Daughters and Sons," so it is appropriate that he is accompanied on this CD by his daughter Moya and his son Fionan, Moya has a lovely voice and plays just about everthig and Fionan is a brilliant instrumentalist, playing, among other things a banolino, a cross between an banjo and a mandolin.

The songs are all melodic, meaningful, and timeless as all Tommy Sands songs are. My favorite is a song call "The Song Sings On" which was written as a tribute to the late, great Tommy Makem on the o-casion of his passing a few years ago. Far from being maudlin, it is a fun-filled story of Tommy Makem's life and what he meant to all of Ireland.

I reccommend this CD to everyone who is in need of good music, good writing, great performing, and the significant events of today; in other words - everyone.

Dave Fisher
The Highwaymen