J.P.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, any 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.
Of course, Soars and his powerhouse trio the Red Hots — including drummer Chris Peet and bassist Cleveland Fredrick — are no strangers to live performance either. Soars and Peet have played together for the past 16 years, while Fredrick, “the new guy,” has been with the band since 2016. They’ve proven their 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.
They’ve also been seven time regulars on the Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise, no small wonder considering the fact that they’re familiar faces on both coasts of South Florida, the place Soars proudly calls home.
“I consider myself both blessed and honored to get to play music for people,” Soars says humbly. “It’s a privilege. I am extremely grateful and I never take it for granted for a minute. I love putting smiles on folks faces and maybe help some folks forget about their troubles for a while. Seeing people dancing, and having a good time puts a smile on my face.”
Soars may be modest, but even so, it’s little wonder that his reputation is so revered. It prompted Bruce Wheeler, producer of the ever-popular Heritage Music Festival to recently write, “I’ve always been a proponent of live music. The “magic” that happens when the chemistry between musicians… is something that cannot be put into words. That is exactly what I said after experiencing the performance of JP Soars Gypsy Blues Revue at the 2021 Heritage Music BluesFest. See them when ever you have the opportunity.”
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 a Blues Blast Award for Best New Artist Debut Release. Soars says plans are afoot to reconvene soon.
Then again, Soars was inspired by the best. At the age of 19, he found himself the recipient of a guitar and tickets to see the great B.B. King in concert, after which he was given an opportunity to meet the legendary musician backstage. After a brief flirtation with heavy metal, Soars realized that he best excelled at basking in the blues. Not content to merely share his playing prowess, he also builds his own cigar box guitars and compact 9 volt battery-powered amplifiers, which in turn, have become prized one-of-a-kind collectors items treasured by aficionados worldwide.
Still, Soars isn’t one to take his success for granted. In fact, he remains firmly grounded, not only in his love of the music, but his appreciation for his fans.
“When someone comes up after a show and says ‘thank you’ or ‘I feel what you do in my heart and soul,’ This is the greatest compliment for me,” he reflects. “It gives me a sense of purpose and I know I’m right where I should be doing exactly what I am meant to do. The good Lord gave me a gift and I love sharing it with the world.
BAND MEMBERS
Chris Peet - Drummer
Chris comes from a family with generations of musicians, and early on developed a style of his own. Chris has made a living as one of the hardest working and most requested drummers in South Florida and clearly is good company with these fine musicians, that call themselves the Red Hots, and yes they are just that….. Red Hot! Growing up in a family that includes generations of musicians, as well as music lovers, Chris learned to respect music of all eras, genres, and styles. He cites this early groundwork to be the main reason he appreciates and plays many different styles of music. He always says “My family never put a bad record on the turntable.and I think that made me a better musician before I ever picked up the sticks”. He has played and recorded with numerous local bands throughout the South and Central Florida area. He has also done festivals and toured with following national and regional acts: Terry Hanck, Rich DelGrosso, Gypsy Blue Acoustic Revue, Calvin Newbourn, L.A. Jones, The Dillengers, Matt Stubbs, Sax Gordon Beale, Albert Castiglia, Phil Grande, and Adriana Samargia. Chris is currently touring with 2009 International Blues Challenge/Albert King award winner J.P. Soars. The most recent highlight of Peet’s career, in addition to winning the current I.B.C. title, occurred while joining legendary artist Matt Guitar Murphy – one of the original Blues Brothers – in an unforgettable recording session of Murphy’s favorites.
Cleveland Frederick - Bass
Bassist Cleveland Frederick is an aspiring musician who grew up in the Caribbean. He is drawn to exotic sounds and a variety of musical influences including Jazz, Latin, Reggae, African, Indian and Gospel. His main instruments are the electric and upright bass but dabbles with the sitar, an Indian stringed instrument.
Jazz is near and dear to him because it allows him alot of freedom and expression. His Jazz influences includes the Pianist Chick Corea, Bassist Michael Pipoqinha, Bassist Richard Bona, Weather Report, Sitarist Mita Nag and many more.
He has performed in various venues, including churches, hotels, and cruise ships along with touring doing festivals throughout the United States and abroad.
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J.P. Soars
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