Northern Irish singer-songwriter Ben Reel has released his twelfth album, Spirit's Not Broken. We asked him the BIG questions . . .
Ben began his music career in 1989 at the age of 17 with his first band, Promised Land, later renamed Trim the Velvet.
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Reinventing himself as a solo artist, he released his debut, This Is the Movie, in 1999 and he has supported and collaborated with artists such as Jools Holland, The Cranberries, Hal Ketchum, The Blockheads, David Olney and Nanci Griffith.
In Nashville, he recorded The Nashville Calling in 2020 with Will Kimbrough and Tommy Womack, featuring The E Street Band's Garry W. Tallent.
Ben plays: Chandler’s House, Co. Down on 24 January.
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
Music is my vocation, which I'll do till I drop.
Another passion - I dreamt of being a professional footballer but musical commitments put an end to that.
I played for Armagh minors GAA in 1989, in the same team as Kieran McGeeney (Geezer). We beat Tyrone in the first round of the Ulster championship. God was on the field - Peter Canavan - but I scored the winning point. Unfortunately, I lost my place in the next round to Celtic FC star Neill Lennon because of my band commitments.
How would you describe your music?
Middle ground between rock and jazz and everything in between - it depends which of my twelve studio albums you are listening to.
Who are your musical inspirations?
The Beatles, Bruce Springsteen, Van Morrison, Thin Lizzy, Neil Young, Bob Dylan and Ray Charles.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
Springsteen - Slane 1985 aged 13. What a way to start
What was the first record you ever bought?
I think it was a single by The Police - Spirits in the Material World. The first album was probably Springsteen - either Born to Run or Darkness on the Edge of Town.
What's your favourite song right now?
Desperados Waiting On A Train by Guy Clarke. My father in law, Gerry Black, just passed away before Christmas and this song he used to sing beautifully. Gerry was a wonderful musician and singer. Ireland's answer to Marty Robbins.
Favourite lyric of all time?
"Life is what happens to you, While you're busy making other plans" - Beautiful Boy (Darling Boy) by John Lennon.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
In Dreams by Roy Orbison. The singing in this song is insane in the way it keeps rising to the crescendo and doesn't repeat the same chord sequence. Pure genius.
Where can people find your music/more information?
My website.
Alan Corr
