Blues in the Box: JP Soars

Playing the blues not only requires diligence and dedication, but also an inherent sense of purpose and passion. Guitarist and vocalist J.P. Soars knows those instincts all too well, having been imbued with absolute enthusiasm for the form. It’s not only steered his muse ever since, but also brought him to the heights of success and wide recognition. A first place winner of the Blues Foundation 2009 International Blues Challenge, the Albert King Best Guitarist Award, a number of Blues Music nominations as Best Contemporary Male Blues Artist, and a nod for Best Blues Album, he’s been the recipient of continuing critical kudos, extensive worldwide airplay and sales that have elevated him to the uppermost rungs of every major Blues chart. Soars is no stranger to live performance either.  He’s proven this mettle on stages both nationally and internationally, played blues festivals from Belgium to Brazil, and shared stages with the likes of Buddy Guy, Joe Bonamassa, Brian Setzer and Larry Graham.

Happily, Soars is never at a loss for activity. A dedicated multitasker, he has also performed with the all-star blues ensemble, Southern Hospitality, a band that includes singer/keyboard player Victor Wainwright and vocalist/guitarist Damon Fowler with Chris Peet on drums and Matt Walker on bass. Not surprisingly then, their 2013 debut album, Easy Livin’, garnered a Blues Blast Award for Best New Artist Debut Release. Soars says plans are afoot to reconvene soon. In the meantime, Soars can claim an impressive catalog of his own, encompassing half a dozen albums released over the course of nearly fifteen years — Back Of My Mind (2008), More Bees With Honey (2011), Full Moon in Memphis (2014), J.P. Soars: Live From the Netherlands (2015), Southbound I-95 (2018), Let Go of the Reins (2019), produced by Tab Benoit and his latest record Brick By Brick (2024).

J.P. Soars website: https://jpsoars.com