By Brent Thompson

You would think that covering Grateful Dead songs would be an easy proposition given the Dead sprinkled a healthy number of covers into its own set lists over the years. But it’s also precarious to take on the band’s material as its fan base can be highly critical and opinionated, even when it comes to the Dead itself. But, fortunately, blues vocalist/guitarist J.P. Reali does the band justice on his latest release, Grateful Blues. Of the course of the album, the Delaware-based Reali places his own unique stamp on the songs while maintaining their original integrity. It also seems a wise move that he chooses to interpret some less-obvious songs from the Dead’s catalog, including “Mr. Charlie” and “Easy Wind.” Tracks “Tennessee Jed,” “West L.A. Fadeaway,” “I Need A Miracle” and “Loose Lucy” round out the album’s six songs. Producer Jim Larson and GRAMMY-nominated engineer Andy Kravitz give Reali and his band the space to to keep the material relaxed and loose. Bottom line, Deadheads and blues aficionados alike will benefit from the fresh coat of paint Reali puts on this material.