Reel time in Meath
Ben Reel is a singular artist, the latest original to emerge from the wonderful Irish tradition of great singer-songwriters. From the troubadours of the heart and with message songs of works both spiritual and emotionally charged while also tinged with the gift of turning a phrase with the best of them. Hailing from Silverbridge in County Armagh, against the backdrop of the troubles in Northern Ireland, music became Ben's way out. Ben first picked up the guitar when he was 15 years old, inspired by the realness of the likes of Bruce Springsteen and Neil Young whose music struck a chord that resonated deep into Reel's psyche. This is still reflected today in Ben's passionate and heart-on-the-sleeve approach to performing and writing. 'Time To Get Real' is his fifth album in 10 years and also marks 20 years since he formed his first band "Trim The Velvet" as a teenager back in 1989. After the break up of TTV, Ben took somewhat of a sabbatical from the music scene which allowed for clarity and perspective; it was not long then before he came back with his debut album 'This is the Movie'. Since then each album has went from strength to strength covering different styles of music along the way from rock, soul, roots to reggae and funk. Now, with this new record, his music has evolved into an honest, earthy, soulful sound that has matured like a fine wine. In the last two years Ben Reel has enjoyed successful tours in Holland, Belgium and Germany, receiving rave reviews in which he has a growing fan base. He has supported Jools Holland, Alabama 3, The Cranberries and Michael Ball; he has performed U People with the legendary Blockheads; and has recorded the song with award winning saxophonist Gilard Atzman, he has played with some of the finest musicians in Ireland as his backing band; and along the way, has built a loyal underground following that has made for innumerable friends and contacts through his art. This week, he plays Boyles of Slane, on Thursday 19th and Beggys, Navan on Friday 20th November.