Meet Peter Sando
Songwriter, Peter Sando came of age in the 50s and 60s, a time when music was very diverse. Back when the Billboard top 40 included everything from country and R&B to novelty instrumental and foreign tunes, that time period has deeply influenced his musical career. His repertoire includes original country tunes, political songs as well as folk and rock.
Ragu: A strong start
Peter’s first album, Gandalf, was recorded in the mid-sixties under the band Ragu, but still has a cult following today. At the time, Peter and his bandmates often played on the New York side of Greenwood Lake, where the drinking age was still 18 and where the clubs were hopping. They had wanted to play in Greenwich Village, but realized that cover songs just weren’t going to cut it. Peter began studying the craft of songwriting, and before long, Ragu got a contract with Capitol Records and recorded Gandalf, a psychedelic rock album.
Influences include The Beatles, The Beach Boys and Steve Miller Band, to name a few. They were in good company in the Village alongside bands such as The Loving Spoonful, and Sly and the Family Stone. Peter calls this a very creative period for him and for music in general.
Creation of the Three-Minute-Dream
The concept of a three-minute dream (aka: a song that draws you in) is still something that attracts Peter to songwriting today. He records albums in his home studio, and some of his songs have been in film. He’s still influenced by his folk-rock and sixties-rock favorites, and also finds inspiration in contemporary songwriter Ron Sexton.
He believes a personal understanding of what a song is about is what makes it powerful. His approach to writing is to get solid on a title or an idea, and let the lyrics flow/follow.
“My favorite part of playing is… the brand new child,” Peter said. “I get a thrill out of performing a new song when I finish it and record it.”
Although he’s studied classical guitar and has been a rock-and-roll guitarist for many years, Peter finds guitar is basically the accompaniment to the melody and lyrics he writes. In addition to songwriting and playing guitar, Peter also sings and dabbles with the piano and harmonica. His daughter often accompanies him with background vocals in his recordings.
Discover Peter at the market and beyond
At market this week, Peter will play both cover songs, and some of his originals (including something from his Gandalf album). Expect to hear sixties favorites by Tim Hardin, Gordon Lightfoot, Bob Dylan, maybe a Beatles song or two.
Those looking to hear more of his originals, can check out his website to listen online, or come to his showcase at Noble Coffee Roasters near Goshen, NY this October where he will play all originals.
Discover Peter Sando and listen to his music online:
http://www.facebook.com/gandalf1969
http://petersando.bandcamp.com
https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/peter-sando/id75746292#see-all/top-songs