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 Ben Reel Returns With Soulful New Album “Spirit’s Not Broken” Release date: January 26, 2026 Each of Ben Reel’s albums carries its own emotional current, and his twelfth studio release, Spirit’s Not Broken, is no exception. In a world gripped by conflict, climate anxiety, and suffering, Reel offers a powerful reminder of a timeless truth — the enduring strength of love and human connection. “In the chaos, love is our anchor. It starts within — facing our fears, learning to love ourselves — so we can truly care for others. Because at the end of the day, love and connection are all we really have.” Musically, Spirit’s Not Broken opens with raw rock energy before flowing into soulful, R&B-infused grooves that echo the spirit of Marvin Gaye, Otis Redding, Van Morrison, and Sting. The result is an album both uplifting and deeply human urgent, heartfelt, and timeless. Reel began his music career in 1989 at just 17, forming his first band Promised Land (later Trim the Velvet) at Crossmaglen High School during the height of the Troubles in Northern Ireland. In those turbulent times, music became an escape from an abnormal reality. The band gained a strong reputation as a live act across Ireland before disbanding in 1997. Reinventing himself as a solo artist, Reel released his debut album This Is the Movie in 1999, marking the start of a prolific and genre-spanning career blending rock, folk, soul, and reggae. Critics have drawn comparisons to Dylan, The Band, and John Hiatt, with some dubbing him “the Irish Springsteen.” His rich, soulful voice has even been likened to Roy Orbison — yet Ben Reel remains unmistakably his own artist. Over a career spanning more than 35 years, Reel has earned widespread acclaim and appeared on major broadcasters including BBC, RTÉ, and NPO Radio. He has toured extensively and shared stages with Jools Holland, The Cranberries, Hal Ketchum, The Blockheads, David Olney, and Nanci Griffith. His 2020 album The Nashville Calling, recorded in Nashville with Will Kimbrough and Tommy Womack and featuring E Street Band’s Garry W. Tallent, reached No. 1 on the Euro Americana Chart. This decade alone, Reel has released four studio albums — Locked in & Live (2022), Come a Long Way (2023), and now Spirit’s Not Broken. He has showcased at Folk Alliance (Memphis), played Nashville’s legendary Bluebird Café, and toured throughout the U.S. and Europe. Festival highlights include Electric Picnic, Cork Jazz, Kilkenny Roots (Ireland), Jamming@Hippie Jack’s (USA), New Orleans Music Festival (Germany), Belladrum (Scotland), Bilbao Musiktan (Spain), and Haarlem Jazz & Huntenpop (Netherlands). With a loyal international fan base and an unwavering creative drive, Ben Reel continues to stand as one of Ireland’s most enduring and authentic troubadours. Tracks: 01. Better Be Better 02. Come What June 03. Bring it Back To Life 04. Laid Out in Front of You 05. Candlelight 06. I Will 07. Down by the Stream 08. The Joker 09. Love and Only Love 10. Spirit’s Not Broken Website: benreel.com Opmerkingen zijn gesloten.
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