About J.P.
A veteran of the DC music scene for more than twenty five years, JP Reali has played in
numerous venues throughout the city. From his days as the lead guitar player for The Next
Step in the 1980’s, to his days as half of the acoustic roots duo The Reali Brothers in the 1990’
s, through his most recent solo acoustic career, JP’s playing has electrified listeners.
After a 10 year hiatus from regular performing, JP and his brother Chris Reali as the Hudson
River Drifter’s released “Between the Late Night and the Early Make Believe” in 2006. In April,
2007, JP released his long-awaited solo album, “Cold Steel Blues” featuring nine originals and
six cover tunes by such blues greats as Robert Johnson, Willie McTell, the Reverend Gary
Davis and Mississippi John Hurt.
In July of 2010, JP released his second solo album titled, Bottle of Blooze. This album features
11 original compositions, 9 by JP and 2 by his frequent collaborator and brother Chris. See
the news page for album reviews.
In late 2010, JP earned some significant local recognition. In October, he won the DC Blues
Society Battle of the Bands in the solo/duo category, and in December was nominated for 2
Washington Area Music Awards . One for best traditional blues album and one for best blues
instrumentalist. He continues to perform his brand of pre World War 2 style acoustic blues
through out the metropolitan area.
He is a member of the Piedmont Blues Preservation Society, the Washington Area Music
Association, The Baltimore Blues Society and the DC Blues Society.