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The relaxing, ‘Sweet Time Blues’ is laden with enticing gossamer like, string picking flurries and
incorporates a gentle melodic acoustic interpretation of ‘St. Louis Blues’.
The tender, flowing picking on the ballad ‘My Last Three Strings’, floats you away on a tale of
good days, good love and possibly, a good life.
Robert Johnson’s ‘Preachin’ Blues’, introduces a slow emotive slide, lead and rhythm, all on the
one guitar then, drives his guitar into a delight filling, “hell for leather” picking-frenzy for all to
enjoy!
Recommended!
Brian Harman
J.P. Reali—Blues Since Birth—Reali Records RR 8412
Born in New York, J.P. studied at Washington DC College in
1983, while there, J.P. struck up, a 41 year old friendship with
Jim Larson; together they performed on the jam band scene
in the area, combining both Piedmont and Delta blues guitar
styles. J.P. continued to live in the area until 2020, moving
to Newark, Delaware.
Now, they have once again collaborated on a new musical
venture. Joining J.P. who takes lead vocals, guitar and
harmonica are Josh Borden; keyboards, Gill Glass; bass and
Jim Larson; drums, percussion and mandolin.
The nine numbers open with ‘The Devil’s Take’, a “crossroads” tale. The grooving boogie guitar
and pulsating, ‘Green Onions’ organ, certainly hits the spot. On the downbeat, tramping, piano
rolling, ‘The Virus Blues’, J.P. reveals his frustrations and isolation upon being infected with the
deadly Covid Virus.
Bob Dylan’s ‘It Takes A Lot To Laugh, It Takes A Train To Cry’, possesses, a jaunty rolling piano
feel and enticing slide within the gloom. The lovely slide on ‘Drunk And In The Way’, highlights,
this country blues tale of less than domestic bliss.
‘Blues In A Minefield’, possesses a pleasing combination of Albert King and Santana influences
on this melancholy slowburn blues about the woes of inescapable everyday life.
The jolly banjo and piano on this easy swinging shuffle ‘The Bad Dog Blues’ joyfully lifts this tale,
which is a tribute to Magic Sam.
The uplifting banjo and mandolin on ‘Eileen Left’ emphasises its influences from Woody Guthrie
and Bob Dylan on this tale of a fleeting lady love.
On ‘Cold Steel Blues’, the rolling train, analogy of impending death is exemplified by a ringing
slide on a country beat.
‘Blues Since Birth’, is an acoustic country blues stomper with autobiographical overtones.
Recommended!
Brian Harman
