JP Ruggieri is a versatile musician and songwriter who draws from American traditions of blues, jazz, folk, and country music to create rhythmic, groove-based roots music. His sharp songwriting and nuanced production are evident in his work, which blends personal insight with universal sentiment. Ruggieri is not only the frontman of his own project but also a sought-after sideman, performing with genre-bending acts like Seth Walker, Oliver Wood (The Wood Brothers), Viktor Krauss, and Charlie Hunter.
Ruggieri's journey has been marked by resilience and creativity in the face of adversity. His second full-length album, "Gradually Descend Into Chaos," was born out of a tumultuous period that included heartbreak, a lifelong stutter, and a chronic pain condition. Despite these challenges, Ruggieri channeled his experiences into his music, collaborating with multi-instrumentalist Jano Rix to produce songs that are both vulnerable and celebratory.
Beyond his musical talents, Ruggieri's story is one of triumph over personal struggles. After being diagnosed with trigeminal neuralgia, a condition causing excruciating nerve pain, he underwent brain surgery that ultimately cured him. Although he later developed Bell's palsy, which affected his hearing, Ruggieri continued to find solace and stability in music. His dedication to the craft and his ability to transform hardship into art have made him a compelling figure in the music world.
