The opening track in Ben Reel's 20th anniversary album is a cracker. Rainy Night nails down the pang of loneliness that emigrants feel when they are far from home and someone says something that just triggers regret. The easy, soulful melody and performance underlines the impact, with Reel's singing striking just the right note. It is the high point of the album. Though Feel Alive, the title track and the gospel of Old Bog Road comes close. The Armagh singer-songwriter comes across as an honest man determined to use his love of music to best effect, and his lucky in having a band full of expression and no little skill. The Irish Times, Nov 2009

A rural Band-like swell underpins Reel's songs with terrific results. Overall, there's no fat on the bone. Jackie Hayden Hotpress April 2010

Ireland has a habit of producing good singer/songwriters and this guy is another fine example. Old & Wise again proves his worth as a songwriter with its wonderful lyrics and punchy rhythm Keep On Drivin' with Ben's expressive voice supported superbly with backing vocals from his wife Julieanne Reel and Kelle Redmond highlight the power of the music. Maverick Magazine, Feb 2010

The current album, Time To Get Real is the South Armagh singer songwriter's fifth album in 10 years.

Ben Reel plays rock with a touch of roots, blues & soul with an occasional injection of reggae. Critically acclaimed all over Europe, his vocals are soulful and his lyrics meaningful. In the last 2 years Ben has earned the respect and shared the stage with some Nashville greats like Nancy Griffith, Hal Kethcum & David Olney.

Since his debut, This is the Movie, back in 1999, each album has gone from strength to strength, covering different styles of music along the way from rock, soul, and roots to reggae to funk. Now, with this new album, Ben's music has evolved into an honest earthy, soulful sound that has matured like a fine wine.

Ben first picked up the guitar when he was 15 years-old, inspired by the authenticity of the likes of Bruce Springsteen and Neil Young. Their influence is still reflected today in Ben's passionate and heart-on-the-sleeve approach to performing and writing, but his sound is very much his own.

In the last 10 years he has had numerous high profile TV & Radio appearances and airplay under his belt including Bob Harris BBC Radio 2 and has supported celebrated names like Jools Holland, Alabama 3 and The Cranberries. He has performed his radio hit U People with the late great Ian Dury's legendary Blockheads, and has recorded the song with award winning saxophonist Gilard Atzman.

Also over the last 3 years Ben has enjoyed successful tours in Holland, Belgium and Germany, receiving rave reviews and attracting a growing fan base. Along the way he has played with some of the finest musicians in Ireland as his backing band and has built a loyal underground following. Often described as an artist lying beneath the radar for way too long, this simmering pot is about to boil.

Discography

1999 This Is The Movie
2001 Lost In The Haze
2004 Sweet Victory
2005 U People (single)
2007 New Horizon
2009 Time To Get Real