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J.P. Reali recently sat down with VENTS Magazine to talk about all things “Obvious Reflections”. The interview is below.
How does performing “Obvious Reflections” today feel different from when you first wrote it?
We added a bridge and worked on the drum beat to get a light reggae feel, which we were never able to get quite right in the old days.
What stood out to you when you revisited the song after so many years?
I was surprised at how relevant it is again.
You repeat the phrase “Society’s anxiety” in the song. What does it mean to you?
It refers to the feeling throughout American society that the general population is going through. Things like, “can I afford to retire? Can I afford to put gas in my car? Can I afford to pay for health insurance? All things that create anxiety for most people.
You started with piano and saxophone before focusing on guitar. What made you choose the guitar?
Even when I started taking sax lessons, I always knew that someday I would learn to play guitar. To this day, I don’t know why; I just knew I wanted to do it. It’s in my blood, I guess.
You’ve spent years performing, teaching, and working in music. What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned along the way?
I have been lucky enough to work with some of the most popular and successful musicians in the world. The one thing I have taken from all of them is to remain humble. I believe it is the greatest compliment to have people enjoy something you have created from thin air, and I always remember that.
You moved from Washington to Delaware during the pandemic. How has that move influenced your music?
Leaving D.C. to focus on my music has allowed me to take my guitar playing to a new level. I have more time to practice and write music, which has made me a better musician.
After releasing Grateful Blues, you’re exploring more jam band sounds. What can listeners expect next?
My producer and drummer, Jim Larson, and I continue to work on original material. We are planning to release more songs in the next few months that are going to be more psychedelic rock.
You’ve won several blues competitions throughout your career. What do those experiences mean to you?
I was honored and thrilled to win the D.C. Blues Society Battle of the Bands three times. I was very proud to be the best blues guitarist in the nation’s capital.
What do you hope listeners think about after hearing “Obvious Reflections”?
I really want listeners to remember that in this country, We the People have the power to elect the government, and the government works for US!
Before we finish, is there anything else you’d like to share with your fans?
Thank you for all the support. Keep listening; there is lots more music coming!
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