Album: Blues Since Birth, October 2024
Can’t Miss Tracks: The Devil’s Take, It Takes A Lot To Laugh, It Takes A Train To Cry, Blues Since Birth
J.P. Reali’s musical journey is a testament to the power of the blues. A guitarist, singer, and songwriter, Reali has been captivating audiences for decades, carving out his place in the heart of the Washington D.C. blues scene before moving to Newark, Delaware. Now, with his latest album, Blues Since Birth, Reali continues to evolve his sound, blending his rich history with the raw emotion of the blues.
From New York to Washington D.C.: The Roots of J.P. Reali’s Blues
Originally from New York, J.P. Reali spent nearly 40 years performing in Washington D.C., where he became a key figure in the local music scene. His journey began with The Next Step, a psychedelic blues band, before he moved on to form the acoustic blues duo The Reali Brothers. His solo career, which started with his debut album Cold Steel Blues in 2007, has seen him grow from a passionate student of the blues into a seasoned musician with a deep understanding of the genre’s rich traditions.
Reali’s music blends influences from the Piedmont and Delta blues, reflecting the diversity of his experiences. Throughout his career, he has been recognized for his exceptional skills, including winning the D.C. Blues Society’s Battle of the Bands and competing in the International Blues Challenge in Memphis. As a sought-after blues instructor, he passes on his knowledge to the next generation, all while continuing to perform and release music that speaks to the soul.
Blues Since Birth: A New Chapter in Reali’s Journey
Reali’s latest album, Blues Since Birth, showcases his evolution as both a musician and a storyteller. The album is a blend of eight original tracks and one cover, all imbued with the heart and soul of the blues. From the opening notes of “The Devil’s Take,” a boogie co-written with his brother Chris Reali, to the autobiographical “Blues Since Birth,” the album is a deep dive into Reali’s life, his struggles, and his triumphs.
The opening track, “The Devil’s Take,” is a tribute to the crossroads mythos, a classic blues tale where the devil tempts the protagonist to indulge in vices. With a catchy, boogie-style riff and a Booker T.-inspired keyboard line, the song sets the tone for the album—a blend of humor, mysticism, and sharp musicianship. Reali’s songwriting shines through, delivering both lighthearted fun and reflective moments that touch on themes of temptation, struggle, and redemption.
Another standout track is “The Virus Blues,” which chronicles the isolation and frustration of the COVID-19 pandemic. With lyrics like, “I stayed in place every night. I get so drunk I can’t tell wrong from right,” Reali channels the emotional weight of the pandemic into a powerful blues anthem. The raw, personal nature of the song reflects a period of collective hardship, resonating with listeners who lived through those difficult times.
A Deep Connection with the Past and the Present
The creation of Blues Since Birth marks a reunion between Reali and his long-time friend and musical collaborator, Jim Larson. The two first met in 1968 during freshman orientation at the American University in Washington, where they formed a band and became fixtures in the local music scene. Although their band eventually broke up, the friendship endured, and after two decades apart, they came together once again for this album. Larson, who plays drums, percussion, and mandolin on the album, co-produced the record with Reali, bringing the songs to life in his home studio in Marietta, Georgia.
The album features a host of talented musicians, including Josh Borden on keyboards and Gill Glass on bass, who help bring Reali’s vision to life. Throughout the album, Reali’s mastery of multiple instruments is on full display. He plays guitar, harmonica, bass, piano, and even banjo on “Eileen Left,” showcasing his versatility as a musician.
The Stories and Songs: Themes of Love, Loss, and Legacy
Lyrically, Blues Since Birth touches on a range of themes—from the trials of love and loss in “Drunk and In the Way,” to the homage to Magic Sam in “The Bad Dog Blues.” In “Eileen Left,” Reali explores a love story gone awry, with the addition of mandolin and banjo giving the song a country-folk twist. The song tells the story of a wayward lover, and its playful yet poignant narrative reflects the blues’ ability to mix storytelling with emotional depth.
“Cold Steel Blues,” another standout track, follows the tradition of train-based blues songs, where the protagonist longs for escape, calling on the train to take him away. The emotional weight of the track is further heightened by Reali’s use of harmonica and slide guitar, making it a perfect example of his mastery of the blues.
The album’s closing track, “Blues Since Birth,” brings everything full circle. With its autobiographical lyrics and rippling slide guitar, Reali reflects on his life, his struggles, and his unshakable connection to the blues. The song’s opening lines—”on the day I was born, my mama and papa had a fight”—set the stage for a deeply personal narrative that resonates with anyone who has ever felt the weight of their own identity.
A Sound That Resonates
Reali’s guitar playing on Blues Since Birth is a standout feature, particularly on tracks like “Blues In a Minefield,” where his style evokes the smooth, floating sound of Albert King. This track, in particular, has received praise for its blend of tight rhythm and fluid guitar work, showcasing Reali’s deep understanding of the blues tradition.
Throughout the album, Reali combines elements of his influences—John Lee Hooker, Albert King, Booker T. Jones, and even Bob Dylan—into something uniquely his own. His cover of Dylan’s “It Takes a Lot to Laugh, It Takes a Train to Cry” is a perfect example of how Reali’s voice and guitar bring new life to classic blues songs, infusing them with his own perspective and style.
Passing the Torch
As a respected teacher, J.P. Reali has spent years passing on his knowledge to the next generation of blues musicians. His instruction, based on years of experience with legendary guitarists like Jorma Kaukonen and Ernie Hawkins, shines through in every note he plays on this album. His ability to teach the blues, while simultaneously evolving as an artist, is what makes him such a sought-after mentor in the music community.
Blues Since Birth is a celebration of Reali’s life, his love for the blues, and his unbreakable connection to the music. With this album, J.P. Reali not only pays tribute to the masters who came before him but also sets the stage for the future of the genre. Whether you’re a longtime fan of his work or a newcomer to his music, Blues Since Birth is an album that proves Reali’s place in the blues world is as strong as ever.
In a career that spans decades, J.P. Reali has truly earned his title as a bluesman, and with Blues Since Birth, he continues to leave his mark on the genre for years to come.
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