Biography
BEN REEL/ Darkness & the Light (2013)
A Stunning collection that confronts the everyday struggles of ordinary folk'.
-Maverick Magazine- June 2013
'Career highlight for south Armagh man, his best yet'
-Hotpress- Colm O'Hare April 2013
"His energy & desire to communicate, to sing, is infectious, and the Armagh man's band rises to the challange. This is a meaty, mature, well produced album concerned with serious topics."
- Joe Breen, Irish Times July 2013 -
" He's not afraid to throw in some in folk, soul, reggae vibes, which in turn call to mind John Hiatt at his best. "
-R2 Magazine by John Atkin July 2013- (4/5 stars)
Irish born singer/songwriter Ben Reel released his 6th studio album on the 22nd April 2013 entitled "Darkness &The Light". It includes 11 brand new songs.This will be the first record that he has recorded & produced in his own home studio in Co. Armagh. There will also be a special limited edition of the album available only on the benreel.com website, which will include 5 bonus tracks.
Since his debut back in 1999, each album has gone from strength to strength, touching on different styles of music from Rock,Soul,Blues,Celtic, Alt Folk/Country/Americana & with the occasional injection of reggae. This was highlighted on his 2012, 18 song best of album (Ben Reel 1999-2009 Compilation 10) released only as a limited edition for loyal fans to buy at gigs, also available on iTunes worldwide.
Ben’s music has evolved into an honest earthy sound that has matured like a fine wine and he has very much his own sound today. This can be heard on this new album.
Darkness & The Light is a powerful soulful album with deep meaningful lyrics and memorable epic anthemic songs, with strong melodies combined with imaginitive expansive arrangements. Recorded digitally but with an analog feeling of warmth. The songs deal with the fallout since the global economic crash. Also probing for spiritual meaning and balance between the Yin and the Yang, trying to find light, hope and healing in these troubled times. Serious songs from a serious artist in a serious moment in time.
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 names like Jools Holland, Alabama 3, The Cranberries and appeared as a special guest at one of Hal Ketchum's shows in Dublin. 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 Gilad Atzmon.
Over the last 6 years Ben has enjoyed successful tours in Europe, receiving rave reviews and attracting a growing fan base . His band includes amongst the finest musicians in Ireland, his brother in law Michael Black on Drums, Ronnie O’Flynn on bass and Mick McCarney on guitar. With this line up they have built up a loyal underground following. Ben is often described as an ‘artist lying beneath the radar for way too long’.
In 2013 Ben toured in the U.S collaborating with some of Nashville's finest, David Olney, Sergio Webb, Tommy Womack & Irene Kelley to name a few. Plans are in the pipeline to return to the U.S in 2014 .Plus he will be touring extensively in Ireland, UK & Europe again this year.
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
2011 10 1999-2009 Compilation
2013 Darkness & The Light
www.benreel.com
www.facebook.com/benreel
www.youtube.com/cosmicshifting
www.twitter.com/benreel
For further info contact: ben_reel@hotmail.com
