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.

Gerry Anderson, of BBC Radio Ulster called Reel’s last album, SWEET VICTORY, “the best album I’ve heard in years.”  And live, Ben with long standing recruits Michael Black on drums, Ronnie O'Flynn on bass, Micky McCarney on guitar, Ben himself on vocals and guitar, the Ben Reel Band have been building a great reputation as being one of the finest live bands in Ireland.

Ben Reel		Ronnie O'Flynn		Micky McCarney		Michael Black

Hailing from Silverbridge in County Armagh, against the backdrop of "The Troubles" in Northern Ireland, music became Ben's way out. He first picked up the guitar when he was 13 years old and first musical adventure began when he formed the now legendary band Trim The Velvet.
After achieving significant success and a very loyal following, the band went their separate ways and Ben started recording and touring as a solo artist. To date he has completed 4 studio recordings, the latest of which NEW HORIZON, released in June 07. Along with its predecessors it showcases Ben's talent as a sublime singer-songwriter.

This time around though, Ben collected his band into the studio to hew simple, direct and heartfelt songs. While the Irish know that their Blarney can get them out of dire situations and make a bad situation so much lighter, they also know that the bitter truth needs to be acknowledged and dealt with straightaway. Ben's songs on NEW HORIZON are those, bitter with the bad, but with a view to the way out.
The Album has received a lot of airplay and some great reviews in Ireland, UK ,Europe and America, escpiacally RTE radio 1 whom recording a full Ben Reel Band gig which was broadcasted in Feb 08 as part of their "In Concert" series. The band have been turning heads in all such places, such as legendary country singer Hal Ketchum whom caught a gig of the band while having a night off on his latest Irish tour in the Town & Country in Magherafelt where he joined Ben and the band on stage to sing a few songs , Hal was so blown away with the band that he returned the gesture by inviting Ben to sing with him in the Helix venue in Dublin where they performed Van the mans "Tupelo Honey" together.
The tracks on New Horizon contain a more rootsy, earthy, Americana rock feel to them. The band has developed a kinship from performing throughout Europe, creating their unique sound together. Bringing real music back to the people in an age of the corporate manufactured mundane, NEW HORIZON announces to the world something, which a growing number of people have already known throughout
Ireland; Ben Reel is a major talent.

Discography

1999 This Is The Movie
2000 Exorcise Me (3 track ep)
2001 Lost In The Haze
2004 Sweet Victory
2007 New Horizon

Previous albums have received high critical acclaim and a lot of airplay around the world including BOB HARRIS BBC radio 2, plus rave reviews in various countries e.g. UK, US, HOLLAND, even as far as AUSTRALIA. Ben Reel,s career so far shows 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. This and numerous performances for BBC Choice Digital TV & TG4. 2001

Jools Holland / Waterfront Hall, Belfast (7000 - sell out crowd) 2001
Michael Ball / Odessy Arena
The Cranberries / Ulster Hall

Performed with Ian Dury's band the Blockheads on the now infamous song "U People" in Dingwalls in London. 2003

Collaborated in 2005 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 (of Soprano's 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.
Dueted with Hal Ketchum in the Helix in Dublin April 08, Hal introducing him with a glowing tribute to Ben and the band.
Recorded live concert for RTE radio 1 "In Concert" series in McKennas Monaghan, broadcasted in Feb 08

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 3rd European tour in 12 months in which they have a growing fan base. Recording will commence shortly on a new album with release planned for 09, In the meantime though a live album is on the cards to be released later on this year.