Written interview with a blues guitarist and songwriter J.P. Reali – Grateful Blues!
Jazz Blues European Union: – Thank you for taking the time to have this interview with Jazz Blues EU. Tell us about your music. When did you start performing? I started playing music at age 5, piano, then saxophone, then guitar. I used to perform for my parents in our home, then began playing in public when I was 15.
J.P. Reali: – What do you consider to be your hometown and how does that affect your music? I grew up in a small town on Long Island, New York, just outside of New York City. New York is well known for its vibrant jazz music scene, and being able to see guitar legends like Les Paul had a huge impact on my playing.
What performers have been your inspiration? I have been heavily influenced the first generation of white rock musicians like Eric Clapton, Jerry Garcia, and Duane Allman, but also the African American artists like Robert Johnson and B.B, King who helped to invent blues music.
What do you find most challenging about being an independent artist in today’s music industry?
Getting club owners and booking agents to respond to my inquiries.
What do you base your success on?
Success in the music industry can be such a fleeting thing in the 21st century. Getting more people to hear my music is one of the metrics I use to judge how well I am doing.
Can you talk about your experiences collaborating with other artists or musicians? How does it influence your creative process?
My drummer and producer Jim Larson and I have been collaborating on my music for 43 years and we constantly share ideas for songs and inspire each other.
What was your latest musical release?
Grateful Blues, a six-song EP of reimagined siGrateful Dead songs.
Do you have any news to share? Could you share the story behind your latest new CD J.P. Reali – Grateful Blues what inspired its creation?
I have a new single out called Obvious Reflections. It’s not blues, but it is a song I wrote 40 years ago about the Regan Administration and its failed domestic policies. It is relevant once again, so I dusted it off, changed a few words to make it more current and in step with what is happening in American politics today.
Grateful Blues is an album I have been wanting to make for some time. I did not want it to be a “tribute” album, so we changed the arrangements of 6 classic Grateful Dead songs to make them my own.
How does your latest album fit into your creative path? Is this a goal you wanted to achieve?
My music is moving away from hardcore blues and more into the jam band music space. Making an album of reimagined Grateful Dead songs seemed like the perfect vehicle to accomplish that.
How do you approach the process of songwriting, and are there any specific themes or emotions you tend to explore in your music?
I have written many songs about drinking and woman problems, most of which are fictional. Sometimes a simple phrase or guitar riff will spark something creative, and I usually just run with it. Sometimes I get a song, sometimes I don’t.
As an indie musician, how do you navigate the balance between creative freedom and commercial appeal?
That is a great question that I am currently still trying to figure out! I have hired publicity companies to help me “crack” the algorithm, and it is an ongoing effort. It is very difficult and counterproductive to have to wear multiple hats when I am most focused on writing and performing.
What role does technology and social media play in promoting your music and connecting with your audience?
The technology is crucial to getting the music out to the audience and is an aspect of the music industry that no artist can afford to ignore.
Could you describe a memorable live performance experience or tour that has had a lasting impact on you and your music?
I was fortunate to see many of the great rock guitar players live in concert like Stevie Ray Vaughn, Dicky Betts, Eric Clapton and Jerry Garcia. Watching those master guitarists perform live, mostly improvising their solos, inspired me to adopt that mentality when I perform.
In an era of streaming platforms, how do you feel about the changing landscape of music consumption and its impact on independent musicians?
Streaming music companies have robbed musicians of their hard-earned royalties, no more so than the independent musician like me and countless others.
Musicians often have a close relationship with their fanbase. How do you engage with your fans and build a dedicated community around your music?
I do meet and greet events with my fans either before or after a live performance, and sometimes both! I love talking to the fans, without them no of this would be possible.
How can fans find you? Lastly, please share some final words with the fans.
I have a website and social media channels, just Google J.P. Reali. To the fans, thank you for all the support, and if you keep listening, I will keep playing!
By Olivia Peevas
