New Horizon by Ben Reel Band

Hailing from Silverbridge in County Armagh, against the backdrop of “The Troubles” in Northern Ireland, music became Ben’s way out. He first picked up the guitar when he was 13 years old and first musical adventure began when he formed the now legendary band Trim The Velvet.

After achieving significant success and a very loyal following, the band went their separate ways and Ben started recording and touring as a solo artist. To date he has completed 4 studio recordings, the latest of which NEW HORIZON, has just been completed and will be released in Ireland in April, 2007. Along with its predecessors it showcases Ben’s talent as a sublime singer-songwriter.

This time around though, Ben collected his band into the studio to hew simple, direct and heartfelt songs. While the Irish know that their Blarney can get them out of dire situations and make a bad situation so much lighter, they also know that the bitter truth needs to be acknowledged and dealt with straightaway. Ben’s songs on NEW HORIZON are those, bitter with the bad, but with a view to the way out.

The tracks have unfolded contain a more rootsy, earthy, Americana rock feel to them. The band has developed a kinship from performing throughout Europe, creating their unique sound together. Bringing real music back to the people in an age of the corporate manufactured mundane, NEW HORIZON announces to the world something, which a growing number of people have already known throughout

Ireland; Ben Reel is a major talent.

LATEST REVIEWS OF SINGLE "WAITIN FOR U" TAKEN FROM NEW ALBUM "NEW HORIZON"

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

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

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