JP Soars Drops New Single “Goin’ to South Carolina,” Announces Gypsy Blue Revue Out May 29

JP Soars Drops New Single “Goin’ to South Carolina,” Announces Gypsy Blue Revue Out May 29
​

Acclaimed blues guitarist and songwriter JP Soars has released his new single “Goin’ to South Carolina,” the latest preview of his forthcoming album Gypsy Blue Revue, due May 29, 2026 via Forty Below Records.

The album pairs Soars with acclaimed violinist, vocalist, and songwriter Anne Harris in a dynamic collaboration that moves fluidly across blues, soul, roots, and folk. “Goin’ to South Carolina” emerged from a spontaneous moment in the studio, capturing the loose, live energy that defines the record.

“The music for this song was essentially written in the studio on the spot,” says Soars. “I had the main riff at the beginning and one vocal line, ‘I’m goin’ down to South Carolina.’ We started playing it while the engineer was moving microphones. It fell into place immediately and felt great.” He later completed the arrangement and lyrics back in Florida, shaping the track around a character he had envisioned.

That instinctive, in-the-moment approach reflects Soars’ broader career. For more than two decades, he has built a reputation through relentless touring and a sound that seamlessly blends blues, rock and roll, Latin rhythms, country, and gypsy jazz. Gypsy Blue Revue was recorded live in a rural Ohio studio with no click tracks or overdubs, aiming to capture the immediacy of a live performance.

“We approached it exactly like a show,” Soars explains. “All in one room, playing together. We just wanted it to sound like us.”
The sessions also feature longtime bandmates Chris Peet on drums and Cleveland Frederick on bass.

Earlier singles have already highlighted the album’s breadth. “Viper” delivered a gritty cautionary tale, while “Jessie Mae” drew inspiration from Hill Country blues icon Jessie Mae Hemphill. With “Goin’ to South Carolina,” Soars offers another compelling glimpse into a record built on feel, chemistry, and real-time musicianship.

The spirit of collaboration at the heart of Gypsy Blue Revue traces back to 2019, when Soars and Harris first crossed paths on the festival circuit. Their connection deepened at the Big Blues Bender in Las Vegas, where what began as a one-off performance quickly evolved into a full creative partnership rooted in Southern soul, roadhouse blues, and eclectic roots music.

TRACK LISTING
Jessie Mae
Go With The Flow
Viper
Paradise
Goin’ to South Carolina
May Mountain Waltz
Old Silver Bridge
Minor Blues
Cigar Box Jam

Website:
jpsoars.com


​