Time to Get Real by Ben Reel

The opening track in Ben Reel’s 20th anniversary album is a cracker. Rainy Night 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 comes close. The Armagh singer-songwriter comes across as an honest man determined to use his love of music to best effect, and his lucky in having a band full of expression and no little skill. The Irish Times, Nov 2009. A rural Band-like swell underpins Reel,s songs with terrific results. Overall, there,s no fat on the bone. Jackie Hayden Hotpress April 2010 Ireland has a habit of producing good singer/songwriters and this guy is another fine example. Old & Wiseagain proves his worth as a songwriter with its wonderful lyrics and punchy rhythm . Keep On Drivin’ with Ben’s expressive voice supported superbly with backing vocals from his wife Julieanne Reel and Kelle Redmond highlight the power of the music. Maverick Magazine, Feb 2010 ℗ 2009 B.Reel records