This past Saturday night, December 9th, I had the pleasure of hearing Pete Sands & The Drifters at the Northern Edge Casino in Upper Fruitland, New Mexico. Mr. Sands has a powerful voice that captures the nitty-gritty country sound I grew up listening to on the radio. Pete played cover songs from some of my favorite artists, including Johnny Cash, George Strait, Waylon Jennings and Jim Morrison to name a few.
As Pete sang, I felt like I was listening to Outlaw Country or Classic Rewind on satellite radio. There is definitely a southern twang to his vocals. His voice is deep, rough, and captures the essence of country and classic rock.
Aside from cover songs, he played some of his own music, where he weaved culture into his lyrics. Pete is a poet who uses colorful and detailed words to tell stories about his life and personal experiences. His songs “I Get Off in the Pain” and “In the Dark” were both crowd favorites.
Pete Sands was born and raised on the Navajo Nation in Utah. He is originally from Montezuma Creek, Utah. I have been following Pete on Facebook and I have had the privilege to see his musical journey, as well as his presence grow over time. In fact, a few years ago while I was in Taos, New Mexico, I saw a flyer showing that Pete Sands or BLACKKISS was playing at a local brewery.
If Pete Sands & The Drifters are playing near you, I would recommend that you buy a ticket and experience his powerful vocals as he sings of culture, his struggles, and life.
Edit by Jordan A. Johnson