Elly Roberts reviews
The Ben Reel Band: Time To Get Real

Another little gem from the Emerald Isle. Rating: 8/10

Irishman Ben Reel has consistently released solid albums over the past 10 years. My last CD encounter was 2007’s fabulous New Horizon.

Now on his fifth album, Time To Get Real, keeps that tradition well and truly alive with a dazzling collection of Americana crossover songs that ought to have ears pricking at all the ‘real music’ stations. Reel has a penchant for ignoring fads and trends keeping the focus on real music which is why he’s become a cult artist in his native Ireland, though sadly he hasn’t been picked up as genuine singer-songwriter in the UK. Everybody in the business knows he’s hot stuff having supported Jools Holland, Alabama 3, The Cranberries and stage star Michael Ball no less. The good news is he doing rather well in Holland, Belgium and Germany.

As an introduction to the album he’s released Feel Alive as a single. The down and dirty groove has some sublime guitar licks carried by a great melody and his rough edged vocals.

This box of delights opens with a gentle country shuffle in the form of Rainy Night as the band moves with confidence and swagger, again with Reel dropping in some superb guitar breaks and a fine line in vocal gymnastics including falsetto along with a Neil Young-like harmonica swish. The introduction of songbird Julieanne Reel on the deliciously tender love ballad Summers Always Here only adds to the romantic mood. With a troubled heart he gushes with lyrics like – “You’re like the warm summer sun that’s rising / Feel your warm love in my heart / Melting away the cold ice of winter / The storms have passed / There’s a new life on the way.”

Embracing an eclectic mindset, Keep On Drivin’ takes on a C.C.Rider rockabilly hue drenched in honeyed vocals, stylish pedal steel, thumping basslines and wah wah, whereas Time Slips Away is deeply reflective, yearning for his childhood days and the onset of wisdom now he’s turned 35. A heavy funky bass, rolling organ, and acoustic chords make Who You Are the albums catchiest song, with the main hook coming in the chorus.

For Old And Wise Reel delves deep into a more traditional Irish template which brings forward his wishes not to die a typical rock’n’roll death – “Don’t wanna overdose like a rockin-roll star /Or choke on my vomit after whiskey in the jar.” By far the best song on the album, closes it – the stripped back dusty-bowl ballad Old Bog Road. Reverbed harmonica leads to gentle acoustic picks, chords slabs and wailing solos, on what is essentially a mournful ballad.

The verdict – Quality album.
http://www.getreadytorock.com/reviews2009/ben_reel.htm

Time To Get Real ".... Indeed, despite the hard work of five albums in a period of 10 years it seemed that singer / songwriter Ben Reel spot kick was particularly unfortunate because not only ..." Just Times Slips Away "but the Irish singer / songwriter is clearly more international attention. The final breakthrough seems the album" Time To Get Real "to finally come because of" Feel Alive "to Rod Stewart - in Younger - days (with John Mc Cullagh on piano / organ), to the "You Is not Going Nowhere / Down in the easy chair" linking opening track "Rainy Night in Ireland" and "Summers Always Here", with one of Jimmy Dale Gilmore / Flatlanders nasal-like voice and gospel - esque "Keep on Drivin '" the man from Castleblayney, Monaghan clearly not only our musical heart stolen. "Raise Your Glass" for Ben Reel and his idealist vision of a better world (What's wrong with peace and love and end all war?) for each of us, "Old & Wise", to put your faith in peace and love - from "Who Are You" even more of that wisdom has.

REAL ROOTS CAFÉ Netherlands

Michele Manzotti

www.rootsville.be Belgium

(3/5***)

Ireland has long been enjoying a good reputation, where the singer-songwriters are concerned. And with Ben Reel has another one to be proud of. With "Time To Get Real" the man has just delivered his fifth album in ten years time, and that is a very beautiful album. Reel is gifted with a warm, a little soulful vocal style, shows himself a truly excellent song smith and professional manner together in genres like rock, pop, folk, Americana and blues into his songs. He calls himself Bruce Springsteen and Neil Young as inspiration, but there really is not much sign of that.

Reel sounds like a particularly original. Someone with a vision of his own writing and placing songs. Someone with an own sound. And it would absolutely not surprise us if he behave the songs on "Time To Get Real" soon break on larger scale. He fully deserves it already! Songs like it a little reminiscent of Neil Young "Rainy Night", the beautifully subdued piano and harmonica work on-going rootspopdeuntje "Summer's Always Here", the soulful rockin 'Feel Alive', the bluesy bounce "Keep On Drivin '", the summer, somewhere between pop, folk and country resident "Old & Wise" is simply magnificent.

http://www.ilpopolodelblues.com/rev/novembre09/recensione/ben-reel.html

Ben Reel - Time To Get Real / B.Reel Records ***

The opening track in Ben Reel’s 20th anniversary album is a cracker. Rainy Nights 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 come close. The Armagh singer-songwriter comes across as a honest man determined to use his love of music to best effect, and he is lucky in having a band, particularly guitarist Mick McCarney, full of expression and no little skill.

Standout tracks: Rainy Nights, Time to Get Real

Joe Breen

"This band make great sound" - Pat Kenny, Live on Pat Kenny Show Wed 21st Oct

BEN REEL Time To Get Real (2009)
http://www.getreadytorock.com/reviews2009/ben_reel.htm

Play this new Ben Reel CD to any music aficionado, and ask them where it was recorded. Nine out of ten would say Nashville. Guaranteed. Now, Ben Reel may not be a household name (yet), but let's assume for a moment his work is unfamiliar to you. OK, what genre music would you say Time To Get Real was? No problem - southern, country blues rock.

And name any influences you can hear at play? Again, no problem - Neil Young is an obvious one, but also Springsteen and perhaps Chris Isaak and even a little Clapton circa 361 Ocean Boulevard.

So, nationality? No brainer - a man from the deep south of the US of A.

Wrong on all accounts, because Time To Get Real is the 5th album in 10 years from Irish guitarist and singer songwriter Ben Reel. And naturally it was recorded in Monaghan in the north of the emerald isle.

In reviewing Ben's last album New Horizon (2007) - which had an altogether more 'west coast' feel - we pondered on image, and what might make Ben stand out from the likes of Marc Cohn.

It may be that with Time to Get Real, and diving deep into Americana, Ben has found his niche. Beautifully played and recorded it's bound to strike a chord with the market that's fuelling the resurgence of Neil Young, and Springsteen's exploration of the American psyche.

But the challenge is still to get his music across the pond. It's not easy to crack America - many have tried and failed, but the rootsy warmth of the songs, the soulful singing and classy playing (some wonderful blues guitar and harmonica work) would undoubtedly be lapped up with a little exposure.

So remember the name - Ben Reel - a real class act.

***
Review by Pete Whalley

Northern Ireland native Ben Reel has delivered a roots album that is full of strong songs and good playing. There’s some solid keyboard playing, a rhythm section that drives things along and some very tasty guitar from Mick McCarney. Reel’s voice is accompanied by welcome backing vocals that help to portray the mood of the songs.

Rainy Night sets the tone for time and place, a song that looks at what has been missed by moving away from your home town. Other topics are ageing, freedom, the nature of searching and of truth. Mature songs for a mature audience that’s given a melodic and malleable musical base that could just as easily have come from the States as from Northern Ireland. Reel no doubt has taken from those who have also come from the North, such as the undeniable influence of Van Morrison as a beacon of musical innovation. Reel does not have Morrison’s track record, but this is an album that shows all the signs of a true talent making his own way. G Promo PR

The New album has been released and is available to buy online now.

'Time To Get Real'...

With this the Irish know how to display a large scale of spheres and feelings, carying names as Neil Young and sometimes Bob Dylan. Indeed in rags, because Ben Reel is a slippery costumer.

Ben’s first album, “this is the movie”, came out in Ireland in 1999, after this the EP ëxorcise me”(2000) only with 3 tracks, which seemed to be forerunner for his second album “Lost in Haze” (2001). After that came Sweet Victory (2004), U People (2006) and New Horizon (2007). We don’t have to complain about man’s releases and qualities: guitarplayer Ben Reel, born in silverbridge but now living in Castlebalyney, is a supreme storyteller; has a pleasant voice, writes, beside that, upperclass songs and has also the quality to gather very able musicians around him. At his new album Ben Reel is accompanied again by a fine equilibiated band: Ronnie, Michael. Mickey, John, Colin.

And now we are calling names: the recordings were done in the Attic studios with producer Ronan who also has a vocal contribution in the last two songs. In the quite openers Rainy Summers etc. we hear Reel’s wife Julieanne who takes the change of the singing second. Anyway, in their natural but yet larger soundscape is more than enough space for improvisation and variety, which we can hear clearly on their new album.

What Ben has settled with this successor is impressing. In 11 songs the band knows to create an oppressing atmosphere, which gets enlightened only now and then. Rasping and grating, then again with deceptive lovely acoustic guitars, then with thin guitarsounds and spacious violin, the listener is taking to a voyage through the Deep South of the mind, which only can turn out bad. It is oppressing, dark, stirring and especially very beautiful. Roots, pop and folk are going hand in hand with now and then an experimental strain.

The point is that Ben Reel makes magnificent music. Music that mixes influences from alt-country with the atmospheric and darkness the music from Ireland so often charcterizes.

Music that attracts attention by the variety and the highstanding music, because they really can play. Ben Reel searches, with his new album, joining with the greatness of the alt-country, but takes here at the same time surrender. Time to get real is just a good patterncard of the ability of the Ben Reel Band.

Everything sounds beautiful, clear and especially respectable. The sharp ends are removed expertly and almost everything is produced in a way that it has to be specially accessed for the singersongwriter radiosize.

Freddie Cells

http://www.rootstime.be/CD%20REVIEUW/2009/OKT1/CD89.htm

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It’s time to get serious is the signal Ben Reel gives with the release of his latest cd “Time to Get Reel”. Wasn’t he before? Haven’t got a clue because for me Ben Reel is a complete stranger. He is (northern) Irish and has been working at his craft for quite some time.

“Time to Get Reel” sure is a good way to get to know him and the cd is full of piercing impulses. Delicate songs, strongly carried by the accompanying musicians, but by no tarnishing ben’s Vocals. (His vocals show comparisons to Rod MacDonald and John Stewart). I hope that I grow old and wise suggests that Ben has come to an age where he starts realising his own mortality, what undoubtedly determines the profundity you find again in his lyrics.

With what I don’t want to affect his compositions. As I said before, I only know Reels past from what I read in his biography, But “Time to get Reel” indeed looks like the start of a new development, a new awakening. No trace of a personal crisis. My guts tell me Ben Reel has defined he wants to make a good product. One he will be remembered by. The closing song “Old Bog Road” tells of a permanent goodbye Ben Reel manages to create a excellent variation of styles, and within a limited nr of spins I still a real positive feeling about Ben Reel. Serious, skilful. driven …. (after the official songs there is a hidden track, a live song, where you hear the presence of a modern day Elvis. Not renewed, but very entertaining.

Rein van den Berg

New Double A side single 'FEEL ALIVE' & 'SUMMERS ALWAYS HERE'
Available now for download only @ www.downloadmusic.ie/benreelband

Taken from the forthcoming album 'TIME TO GET REAL' coming out in October 2009.

You can now buy the single 'U People' directly and all other albums by Ben Reel Band @
www.myspace.com/benreelband
www.downloadmusic.ie/benreelband

A revolutionary reggae rebel song "A song for our times" A song to make politicians history, a song against the bankers, pranksters and gangsters of this world. Recorded in London in April 2005 on the same desk Bob Marley recorded No Woman No Cry and Exodus. This summer 2009, the song is being re released for download only worldwide.

This song was a collaboration by Ben Reel and Rainbow George (Weiss) London's most famous far left wing idealist of fringe politics. A few videos has been made of the song (check out YouTube) which was used as a party political broadcast for "The vote for yourself Rainbow party" for the 2005 U.K parlimentry elections and also twice in N.Ireland elections. It was shown 5 times on the one day on BBC1. Rainbow George is the most famous squatter in the world, a man whom inherited a £750,000 apartment in Londons Hampsted Heath.and managed to blow all the money in 18 months on his outlandish campaigns.

Now 67 years of age, penniless and threatened with eviction from his current rented home, George's close friend ‘Ben Reel’ has decided to re release the song to help raise some cash for Rainbow George the self named 'Wondering Jew' or ‘Apprentice Prophet’.

The time is now right for this song ‘U PEOPLE’

Power to the people, the revolution is here.

Rainbow George/ Lyrics
Ben Reel/ Lead Vocals,Music & Arrangement
Gilard Atzman/ Saxaphone (BBC Award winning world renouned Jazz musician from Israel)
Frank Harrison/ Organ (England)
Dylan Howe/ Drums (England)
Yaron Stavi/ Bass (Israel)
Cathrine Taylor Dawson, Sugar Rainbow,SKP & Tommy Kennedy the IV/ Backing Vocals

recorded @ Eastcote Studios West London

Mixed & produced by Philip Bagenal & Ben Reel

Ben Reel Band ~ 'New Horizon' B.Reel Records: BRBCDA005

Ben Reel, a native of South Armagh, Ireland, is a superstar in waiting; 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.

Actually it's his fourth album, so god knows where he's been hiding. With lyrics delving deeply into the spiritual, inspiration is heavily gleaned from classic books like Sogyal Rinpoche's 'The Tibetan Book Of Living And Dying' and Deepak Chopra's 'Synchrodestiny'.

However, it's one thing being a great word smith but it counts for nothing in music if you can't weave it into a strong melodic force. Fortunately Reel proves to be a master of both on this really beautiful collection of rootsy, soulful rock.

'New Horizon' is 'all killer, no filler', and if Reel can manage to get more radio exposure then there's no reason why songs like 'Westcoast', with its instantly memorable chorus, and the message-laden ' All Souls Alive' can't light up the increasingly stale and predictable mainstream airwaves for years to come.

Actually, every song here stands up handsomely to repeated plays, but one - the lilting Irish ballad 'When The Summer's Gone', featuring the angelic humming of Julieanne Black - is definitely the most haunting song I've heard in years and has 'future classic' stamped all over it.  Revelatory work.

reviewed by Andrew Hobbs hi-fi+

Music 9/10 I Recording 8/10

Sweet Victory likes to get deep down and funky and has no trouble capturing the groove. 'The Virus' has it going on in spades, with the lyrics celebrating music's ability to make people get up and dance ("I got a critical condition, can't fight the infection, my body needs a vaccination, I'm coming down with a groove") and it has a stonking guitar solo in amongst the beat, courtesy of Gerald Black.

Reel's a lot angrier on this album and vents his frustrations on 'Propaganda Radio', but he shows a tender side and no doubt a fondness for Bob Marley with 'Will You Be My Woman', which is not a million miles away from the vibe of 'No Woman, No Cry'. The subject matter in 'Devil's Town (Las Vegas) speaks for itself and is yet another highlight on a superb album by an artist good enough to hold his own in rock's premier league. Andrew Hobbs

Recording 8/10 | Music 8/10

Listen to the full RTE Radio 1 broadcast of the Ben Reel Band live in McKenna's Monaghan. Broadcast on Monday 4th and11th of Febuary on RTE Radio 1. The recording is taken from a concert on the 8th November 2007. You can listen to it here, in two parts:

• Part 1
• Part 2

The Ben Reel Band have confirmed a string of dates for the upcoming tour of Holland, Belgium and Germany. The band hit the road on Wednesday the 20th of February and will begin a two week tour. The tour will visit places such as Alkmaar, Turnhout, Bocholt, Breedevort and Zaandvort. The band are really looking forward to playing infront of their European fans.

You can view the full details of the upcoming tour by clicking here.

The Week Review (New Horizon) by John Cleary

The soulful, dulcet tones of south Armagh born singer-songwriter Ben Reel and his band are a familiar sound to the to the ears of Kilkenny's music-lovers, the group having shown a particular fondness for Ryan's pub in recent times and bult up a loyal local following. And The Ben Reel Band are back in Ryan's ahead of Christmas for another show that promises more of the bluesy acoustic rock with has made them regulars at latter-day Rhythm & Roots festivals in the city.

Combining his soulful voice with an eclectic combination of blues, rock, country, jazz and reggae, Ben Reel has won over a sizeable audience north and south of the border in spite of the surprising lack of media attention that has followed him to date. Since first breaking out on his solo career in the late 90's he has release a handful of records producing fan's favourites such as the spiritual and uplifting blues of 'Sweet Victory' and the Bob Marley-inspired revolutionary reggae of 'U People', Reel's 'Power to the People paean which was recorded on the same mixing desk as Marley's 'No Woman, No Cry'. Read More

When it comes to making classy albums, Ben Reel's your man. Year on year, Reel's songwriting is growing in stature in every department, yet he still doesn't get the wide spread recognition he richly deserves. No doubt, he is a truly major talent. New Horizon continues to show his strength in depth and versatility. There's a distinct air of confidence on this superb album which might carry it forward. In reality, Reel is Ireland's best kept secret, though lead -off single Waitin For U, if it's not still floating around the major playlists, may go some way in bringing him a bigger audience. Having endlessly listened to it on holiday, New Horizon, his fifth album, there's much to admire here. Song wise,( there's plenty for the musos and general audience ), it's one of the strongest albums this year. This CD isn't just music ;it's art.

Reel found his inspiration in books The Tibetan Book Of Living And Dying, Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee and Synchrodensity, with a view to getting the listener to nurture the spirit and inner-self as opposed to looking for fulfillment in material gain. Heavy stuff maybe, but beautifully packaged. This inevitably renders Reel a svery serious musician. Unquestionably, here's here to stay, but he might just need a ' hit' to keep him on the radar.Finding an actual niche is often difficult, though an 'Americana' tag is inevitable due to the Stateside influences, particularly the open track and Westcoast, but it doesn't end there as there's a blusey hint now and again, found on harmonica drenched and dirty rocking Hell In Ur Own Head ( shades of Dire Straits ) which has scintillating solo breaks, and wholesome country / R&B rocker All Souls Alive which draws on the raw edges of Springsteen.The Boss seems to have also influenced delightful ballad Lonely Ship too. In sharp contrast, track 5, Orbit, proves to be the most gorgeous of the lot with dreamlike backups by Julieanne Black. Vocally, Reel himself is also tested.

I defy you not to fall in love with this song.A slow steady beat carries For U & I, allowing Reel's cultured vocals to meander, and some deft harmonica give it a boost. Meet U Again has definite shades of old skool 70s Soul, carried by neat harmonies, backups, wah wah's and understated electric solos. Sound of The West resurface on the title track, which magnificently create the dusty soundscapes via brilliant harmonica, and the best vocal performance on the disc. A stripped down and simple ballad When The Summer's Gone effectively closes a real gem.

Collectively, Reel ( harmonica / acoustic guitar) Ronnie O'Flynn ( bass) Mickey McCartney and John McCullagh ( piano / keys ) Julieanne Black ( backups /percussion) prove to be quite a formidable outfit. Their rootsy, no frills approach and overall production only serve to enhance the musical delivery and final product.

Review by Elly Roberts
Review Date: 14/9/2007
Rating: ***** (5)
Release Date: 13/8/2007 Ben Reel Records
Format(s): CD/Download
Artist: Ben Reel Band
Album: New Horizon

Ben Reel, a native of South Armagh, has in the words of one journalist “operated under the media’s radar for far too long”. On the evidence of this release, his fourth album, I would have to agree. The songs and the playing are really impressive, an earthy mix of rock, roots and blues, all mixed lovingly together with soulful vocals. His song writing shows maturity and progression which comes through with repeated plays. Featuring some great slide guitar from Micky McCarney and terrific vocals from Kelie Redmond, “Hell In Ur Own Head” is a standout, closely followed by the semi spoken 'When Will Be Ever Be Free'. “For U And I” shows the band at their best with a lovely rock/soul groove that you wish would go on longer. All in all this is an impressive album from a major talent who needs further investigation.

reviewed by Chris Field Birmingham Post

Ben Reel Band - Sweet Victory (Independent Release)

Ben Reel is a singer, guitarist, songwriter and bandleader from South Armagh in Ireland. He has filled the support slot for the likes of Jools Holland, The Blockheads and Alabama 3, and enjoys a healthy following in the Emerald Isle. Releases like this should certainly expand his fan-base. A couple of decades ago, much was written aboutthe influence of Blues on popular music, but then stadium rock and hip-hop seemed to move away from the earthy, rootsy sound. Mind you, it is certainly making a comeback these days and Ben Reel and co. fit right into this category.

There are some decent items that would certainly not sound out of place on any modern Blues album, despite the lyrics. Try the opening 'Cosmic Shifting' or 'Shine', with its tinges of Robert Cray, or the Bo Diddley/Rolling Stones infected 'Devil's Town (Las Vegas), with its Blues-wailing harp. Then there are the occasional strong traces of James Brown styled funk ('The Virus'). Once or twice there is a coolly jazzy approach that brought Jamiroquai to mind, a bit of the singer/songwriter approach, even a little reggae on 'Will You Be My Woman'. Having written that though, there is probably enough Blues-related content on this CD to satisfy some readers at least. The quick blast (or two) of post Hendrix-styled Blues-rocking guitar won't harm its chances either!

review by Norman Darwen

Here are two more newpaper reviews of New Horizon. Just click on the thumbnal image to launch the relevant newspaper review in a seperate window in enlarged format.

The Ben Reel Band's New Album has been reviewed by Ivan Martin in the Sunday World newspaper. Click on the image below to view a scanned version of the review.

Artist: Ben Reel Band
Format: CD Single
Title: Waiting For You / On Raglan Road
Released by: B Reel Records
Release date: March 19, 2007
Rating: ***** +

Incredibly, Ben Reel seems to be almost overlooked in his native Ireland. This is totally baffling, but things are about to change, very soon.

Waiting For U is lifted from forthcoming album New Horizon. Written by Reel, it's got enough class to make the playlists of BBC Radio 2 et al. This gorgeous song has also got enough appeal to make it in the States too, and that's where he most likely to make it first, as a household name.

This smooth and sophisticated slice of contemporary pop-jazz (shades of Steely Dan at their peak) is simply divine for the entire 4 minutes and 6 seconds. With its relaxed and loungy mood, it glides along beautifully with Reel's cultured vocals proving the icing on the cake.

On Raglan Road, a modern interpretation of a traditional song is a wonderful indigenous airing, complete with emotionally tinged harmonica and heartfelt lyrics.

Review by Elly Roberts (http://allgigs.co.uk/Reviews.php?review=EllyRoberts%2Fbenreel-waitingfor)

The new single 'Waitin' For You' has been reviewed on the Get Ready to Rock! website, earning a very favourable four stars. Here is the review below:

The Ben Reel Band have been around for a while now, attracting a growing legion of fans in their native Ireland. Taken from their forthcoming 4th album New Horizon, Waitin' For You is a piece of quality soft melodic rock.

With distinct Van Morrison overtones in both structure and delivery it's a classy number that can only enhance the band's reputation and if New Horizon is this good, I'll be in the queue to buy it. ****

Review by Pete Whalley
(http://www.getreadytorock.com/reviews2007/single_reviews0307.htm)

We've added a few videos to Youtube.com for your enjoyment. Click here to view the videos. Here is the studio footage for the recording of 'U People':

The Ben Reel Band have added a site to myspace. You can find it by clicking here:

Check out this link www.myspace.com/benreelband

Visit the site and you can listen to the excellent new single 'Waiting For U'. Other tracks on the site include 'Cosmic Shifting', 'Sweet Victory', and the brilliant 'U People'.

Work on the new album is coming along nicely, under the working title "New Horizon" - Release date is 26th March 2007.

SWEET VICTORY NOW AVAILABLE ON iTUNES TO BUY AS DIGITAL DOWNLOAD WORLDWIDE. Just go to the iTunes website and search for Ben Reel Band and u can download the full album or just buy individual songs that you like, look out for the new album coming on iTunes plus the whole back catalogue. Or if you still like to have the physical touch of the real CD in your hand just order whatever album you want here on this website - click here to buy cd's.