Ben Reel is a singular artist, the latest original to emerge from the wonderful Irish tradition of great singer-songwriters. From the troubadours of the heart and the message song, through Van Morriso...
Ben Reel is a singular artist, the latest original to emerge from the wonderful Irish tradition of great singer-songwriters. From the troubadours of the heart and the message song, through Van Morrison and that shape-shifting Declan Patrick MacManus (Elvis Costello) and a bit of the Pogues, the Irish songsmiths crafted works both spiritual and emotionally charged while also tinged with the gift of turning a phrase with the best of them.
Hailing from Silverbridge in County Armagh, against the backdrop of “The Troubles” in Northern Ireland, music became Ben’s way out. Ben, first picked up the guitar when he was 15 years old, inspired by the realness of 'Bruce Springsteen' whose music struck a chord that resonated deep into Reel's psyche. This is still reflected today in Ben's passionate and heart- on-the-sleeve approach to performing and writing.
'New Horizon' is the latest album containing a more rootsy, earthy, Americana rock feel. The songs are of a soulful and spiritual nature, which carry a powerful message to the listener. The song 'Come Out From Within' underlines what this record is about; for people to wake up from the illusion of this material rat race world and to find out who we really are and why we are really here. Inspiration is heavily gleaned from classic books like Sogyal Rinpoche's 'The Tibetan Book Of Living And Dying' and Deepak Chopra's 'Synchrodestiny'. While musically influences are drawn from people like Neil Young to Ennio Morricone which is evident in the dreamy cinematic 'Orbit' and the spacious 'When the summers gone'. New Horizon tries to signpost the way with hope to the awakening of a New world higher consciousness,
The legendary country singer 'Hal Ketchum' on a night off from his latest Irish tour in April 08, joined Ben and the band on stage to sing a few songs. He then invited Ben to sing with him in the 'Helix' Venue in Dublin where they performed 'Van Morrison's 'Tupelo Honey' together.'RTE Radio 1' recently recorded a full live 'Ben Reel Band' gig which was broadcasted in Feb 08 as part of their 'In Concert' series. Also in October 08 the band performed 4 songs on Blas Ceoil a programme on BBC2 N.Ireland, and on 1st April 09 the band will appear on 'Dave Fannings', 'The 11th Hour' programme on RTE2.
'Gerry Anderson', of BBC Radio Ulster called Reel's latest album 'NEW HORIZON' 'the best album I've heard in years'.
New Horizon is all killer, no filler. Rarely have I heard an album so complete and so fully realised. From the brilliance of the playing and arranging to the magnificence of Reel's voice - 'this is heaven all the way'. 'Andrew Hobbs Hi Fi +'. Magizine
Recently the Ben Reel Band has just finished a successful tour in Holland, Belgium and Germany in Feb 08 recieving rave reviews . This was the 4th European tour in 2 years in which they have a growing fan base. Recording has commenced on a new album with release planned for september 09, working title 'Time To Get Reel'.
The band consists of, Ben Reel : Vocals ,Guitar, harmonica,Michael Black on drums, Ronnie O'Flynn on bass, Micky McCarney on lead guitar.
Discography
1999 This Is The Movie
2000 Exorcise Me (3 track ep)
2001 Lost In The Haze
2004 Sweet Victory fourteen original tracks.
2005 U people
2007 New Horizon
The album,s have received high critical acclaim and a lot of airplay worldwide, including BOB HARRIS BBC radio 2, plus favourable reviews in various countries e.g. UK, HOLLAND, even as far as AUSTRALIA. The record,s through the years show a musical maturity and progression. The songs are of a soulful and spiritual nature, which carry a powerful message to the listener”.
Appearances and Collaborations
The John Daly Show, BBC1 N. Ireland. BBC2 'Blas Ceoil', 'Dave Fannings',11th Hour RTE2, performances for BBC Choice Digital TV & TG4.
Jools Holland / Waterfront Hall, Belfast (7000 – sell out crowd)
Michael Ball / Odessy Arena
The Cranberries / Ulster Hall
Shared the stage with 'John Martyn' in 'Ryans, Kilkenny 05
Performed with Ian Dury’s band the Blockheads on the now infamous song “U People” in Dingwalls in London.
performed with 'Hal Ketchum' In the 'Helix' Dublin 2008
Recently collaborated with award winning saxophonist Gilad Atzmon and his band, recording “U People” the make (?) politicians history anthem (co-written with London’s most eccentric idealist ‘Rainbow George”). The video of the song was shown 5 times in one day on BBC1 as a party political broadcast for the last Westminster elections.
Ben has shared a bill in 2004 with the ALABAMA 3 (Sopranos fame) in London’s Mau Mau club, Ben has also toured solo in New York, Las Vegas, San Francisco, Phoenix, Copenhagen to name but a few far flung locales.
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