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

Here is a live version of Queen of All Roses, recorded in McKenna's Brewery in Monaghan. This song is taken from the bands debut album 'This Is The Movie' which was released in 1999, and is available to purchase from this site.

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.

Order the new album "NEW HORIZON" online today!

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Exclusive download - preview the track "ORBIT" from the new album. click here>>>

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.