New Jersey Stage Issue 71 | Page 33

Street Band! But he was very down to Earth and is a great musician.” Years after the Slane concert when Springsteen played a pair of shows in Kilkenny in 2013, Reel’s band did four shows (two each night Bruce played). They were billed as Ben Reelsteen and performed sets of Springsteen songs. He laughs remembering that the promoter made posters calling it the “Me Balls Are Wrecked Tour” to contrast with Springsteen’s Wrecking Ball Tour. “I always thought it would have been funny if Bruce had seen that poster!” said Reel. Recording in Nashville is special for any musician, but also very workman like. Reel says it was like going to the office. They’d work from 10:00am to 6:00pm and sometimes a bit later. It was a tight schedule - two days tracking and one day for overdubs and backing vocals - but Reel liked the process and the end result. Many critics are writing this is his most complete album and he tends to agree. Watch Ben Reel Band cover “Brilliant Disguise” by Springsteen NJ STAGE - ISSUE 71 INDEX NEXT ARTICLE 33