Check out the You Tube link below to watch the Ben Reel Band perform 'Feel Alive' on      BBC 2 Blas Ceoil programme. This song will be on Ben's next album to be released in 2009
 
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=HTbJCx4Q55g

THE RTE RADIO 1 MUSIC COLLECTION -- IN CONCERT

RTE Radio 1 present ‘The Ben Reel Band In Concert’ recorded live at
McKenna’s (The Brewery) in Monaghan on November 8, 2007. 

Ben treats us to a beautiful collection of soulful rock.

The Ben Reel Band – Part 1. Broadcast Mon 4 Feb, 9.02 p.m.

http://dynamic.rte.ie/quickaxs/209-rte-radio1musiccollection-rmc-2008-02-04.smil

The Ben Reel Band – Part 2. Broadcast Mon 11 Feb 9.02 p.m.

http://dynamic.rte.ie/quickaxs/209-rte-radio1musiccollection-rmc-2008-02-11.smil

The concert was produced and recorded for RTÉ Radio 1 by Aidan Butler

Ben Reel has in the words of one journalist ‘operated beneath the media’s radar for far too long’. The release of Ben’s first ever single ‘Waiting for U’ seems to have finally changed that situation for good when it was added to RTE Radio 1’s playlist in April 2007. 

This event was quickly followed by an invite from Ireland’s national broadcaster to play live in session for their very excellent show ‘Roots Freeway’ presented by Niall Toner. 

We are pleased to announce the release of ‘The Ben Reel Band’s’ fourth studio album ‘New Horizon’ issued on the groups own independent label ‘B. Reel Records’.

“‘Ever since the release of his first album ‘This Is the Movie’ I have been enormously impressed by the quality and the scope of his songwriting, his passion and his performance. This is no transient hipster eager to capture the musical ‘Zeitgeist’; rather Ben Reel gives it his absolute all. 

The end result is a superb collection of songs from a man who is quite simply, in my opinion, a major talent. Every new recording surpasses its predecessor. There are influences, yes!  But there is also individuality. New Horizon’s fourteen new and original songs plus a stunning take on an old standard from the canon of Patrick Kavanagh adds to my growing realisation that this is one of the finest recordings that I have heard in a long time. I believe in the man and his music. I hope you do too”. Paddy Cunnane, Radio Kerry, Ireland 

Many of the songs featured on New Horizon were inspired by books like Sogyal Rinpoche’s revered "The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying", Dee Brown’s “Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee” and Deepak Shopra’s “Synchrodestiny”. The songs featured encourage the listener to nurture the spirit and inner self as opposed to looking for fulfilment in material gain. 

The music that has influenced Ben Reel ranges from the sparse cinematic soundscapes of ‘Ennio Morricone’ to the plaintive voice and raw edged guitar of ‘Neil Young’.

New Horizon is a mixture of soulful rock & roots using fundamental word-play to paint imagery, a descriptive writing skill cherished by Irish writers.

New Horizon has a natural earthy feel in keeping with the bands high reputation earned from their live performances, a fact borne out by a string invites to support amongst others, The Cranberries, Alabama 3, Jools Holland, The Blockheads, and Michael Ball.

The Ben Reel Band are recognised by their musical peers as one of the best acts working on the live music scene in Europe today. 

Ben Reel is a native of Silverbridge, South Armagh now residing in Castleblayney Co. Monaghan, Ireland. He started his musical career performing & songwriting with “Trim the Velvet”’ before going solo in the late nineties.

Ben’s first album “This Is the Movie” was released in Ireland in the spring of 1999 to excellent reviews and critical acclaim. Following the launch of “This Is the Movie” Ben released a three track E.P entitled “Exorcise Me” in the spring of 2000 as a taster for the second album “Lost In a Haze” which made it’s debut in November 2001. 

Both This Is the Movie and Lost in the Haze were recorded at The Attic in Monaghan under the guidance of Tommy Flack and Ronnie O’Flynn.

During this period of the bands career they appeared on ‘The John Daly TV Show BBC1 N.Ireland, BBC Choice & TG4.

Major support slots followed when they were asked to support Jools Holland at the ‘Waterfront Hall’ in Belfast, Michael Ball in the Odyssey Arena and The Cranberries at the Ulster Hall. 

In 2004 Ben shared the bill with the Alabama 3 (Sopranos fame) in the Mau Mau Club, situated in London’s Notting Hill Gate. Since then the band have continue their extensive touring programme throughout Europe.

Ben recently played Dingwalls in London with The Blockheads where together they performed the now famous anthem of the Rainbow Revolution entitled “U-People.”  Ben wrote the music to accompany the lyrics provided by Rainbow George who composed the song as “the notice of redundancy song for all politicians. “

They have just completed two tours of Holland and were one of the highpoints of the, Carlsberg Kilkenny Rhythm & Roots Festival.

Ben Reel albums could best be described as earthy with a hint of rock and a touch of blues and roots garnished with soulful vocals. With each title he displays musical maturity and steady progression at the craft of song writing.

Ben Reel Band

Ben Reel vocals acoustic guitar, harmonica.

Michael Black drums.

Ronnie O’Flynn bass.

Micky McCarney and John McCullagh piano, keyboards

Julieanne Black backing vocals and percussion, 

Catalogue

New Horizon (2007)

Sweet Victory (2004)

Lost in a Haze (2001)

Exorcise Me E.P. (2000)

This Is the Movie (1999)

Accredited Media:

For further information and review copies contact Pat Tynan Media

Pat Tynan Media
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Ickenham
Uxbridge
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Tel: +44 (0) 1895 631336 Mobile 07985 400297

pattynan@btinternet.com + www.pattynanmedia.com

Providing recorded music to associated media, radio producers, film and documentary makers.