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Ben Reel
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Ben Reel
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Ben Reel
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Ben Reel
BIO
Irish artist Ben Reel released his eagerly awaited 7th studio album on May 18th 2015 simply titled `7th’ which is a real rock`n’record featuring his great band. Like the previous album `Darkness & the Light’ in 2013 the new album 7th was recorded & produced by himself in his home studio in Co.Armagh, Ireland.
Since his debut back in 1999, each album has gone from strength to strength, receiving critical acclaim from radio & press from around the world. Ben’s music has evolved into an honest earthy sound that has matured like a fine wine, drawing from the well of different styles of musical influence from rock, soul, blues, alt folk/americana, country & reggae which fuses all these genres into a melting pot to create a great sound which has become his own.
In the past years he has had numerous high profile TV & Radio appearances and airplay under his belt including Bob Harris BBC Radio 2 and has supported names like Jools Holland, Alabama 3, The Cranberries and has collaborated musically with such names as Hal Ketchum, the legendary ‘Blockheads’, award winning saxophonist Gilad Atzmon and co wrote and performed with some of Nashville's finest, David Olney, John Hadley, Sergio Webb & Irene Kelley.
Over the last 7 years Ben has enjoyed successful tours in Ireland, UK, Europe & U.S receiving rave reviews and attracting a growing fan base . His band includes amongst the finest musicians in Ireland, Michael Black on Drums, Ronnie O’Flynn on bass, Mick McCarney on guitar and his wife Julieanne Reel on backing vocals & percussion. With this line up they have built up a loyal following.
The band have previously graced big festivals such as Huntenpop in the Netherlands, Kilkenny rhythm & roots, Cork jazz festival and have also appeared for the first time at Ireland’s premiere music festival “Electric Picnic” in 2014.
In 2013 Ben toured in the U.S & UK with Tommy Womack (Nashville) as a duo. and in 2014 his band toured as double bill with legendary folk singer/songwriter Eric Andersen in the UK. 2015 promises to be a big one for Ben Reel with the release of his new album `7th’.
Website
Quotes
Ben is a singer-songwriter from South Armagh with a mighty band behind him, the sound is sometimes reminiscent of Dylan and The Band. - Dai Jeffries
In days of yore there used to be something called 'good time rock 'n' roll'. With 7th, Ben Reel’s just reinvented it. - Pete Whalley
Certainly the South Armagh man shows no sign of flagging on this self-produced 14-track set – and that goes for his impressive band as well. - Joe Breen
Fine return from N.Ireland's premier exponent of American roots - Colm O'Hare