INTERVIEW – REEF (Jack Bessant)

Formed in Somerset back in 1993, REEF went to number one in the UK charts with their 2^nd album “Glow” featuring the hit singles “Place Your Hands” and “Come Back Brighter”. Following a couple more successful releases REEF called it a day in 2003, before re-emerging a few year later. Having recently put out “Live at St Ives” the band call in to the Portsmouth Pyramids on the 15^th December.

While out on the road with the rest of the band, bass player Jack Bessant kindly took time out to catch up with Mr Teeth:

Hi Jack, so where are you at the moment, how’s the tour going so far?

“In a vehicle heading to Leamington Spa for a Reef gig at the Assembly in Leamington Spa, all good so far.”

You’re coming to Portsmouth next week – will you get much time to hang out other than the gig?

“Probably just a bit of Skating outside the venue.”

The last time I saw you down here was in 2013 at the Victorious Festivals in the Historic Dockyard, how was it for you guys?

“Wicked!!! loved that gig and the crowd seemed to enjoy our set… and we had an amazing time looking around. Cool festival”

It’s been 20 years since “Place Your Hands” came out, do you still enjoy playing those early songs?

“Yes, absolutely still love playing early Reef tunes.”

People seem to think it’s “Put your hands up” and wave them around, rather than “Put your hands on” …daft question, but has that ever bugged you?

“No bugging brother… it’s all good!”

As for these days, Jesse Wood (Ronnie Woods son) has of course recently joined the band, how did that connection come about?

“Dom (Reef drummer) was in a band with him and thought he would be a good person to audition. Dom said he had a great feel for the music and someone who would be cool to be around when you’re put into touring/studio situations. He was right, we auditioned a few guitar players and Jesse was the right man for the band.”

Has he brought with him plenty of Rolling Stones stories?

“Yes, a few stories and vibes, he has seen a lot, grown up around music and his mum seemed a real special character and a big influence on him …would love to have met her.”

…and what has Jesse brought to Reef?

“A raw and sweet sound.”

Following this year’s release of the Aretha Franklin cover (“How I got Over”) are there any other covers in the pipeline, or any you’d love to try?

“We have been working again recently with George Drakoulias, he recorded ‘How I got over’ with us. We recorded a couple of more covers with him and a couple of originals…. all sounding boss… exciting times. George is great at pushing our artistic endeavours.”

As for new material, where are you with the album and what can fans expect, any surprises?

“It’s taking a while to put together but I know it’s gonna be an amazing blend of music.”

When is it due out?

“Unsure could be 2017 or most definitely 2018. We are just hooking up with some dudes to get a recording deal in order to finish it.”

Finally, after this set of dates, what’s next for the band?

“We’ll be finishing the album and playing gigs next year.  See what comes in… festivals and gigs, wherever it takes us and we’re happy to play.”

REEF – Currently on tour, appear at Portsmouth Pyramids on 15th December 2016

REEF