John Peter Wentworth (pictured), known to many area musicians and music fans as John Peter, or, more often, JP, started his latest project out of a need to keep busy after the dissolution of his marriage.
The longtime Northampton scene stalwart—booker of countless shows and founder of numerous bands, most recently the atmospheric Abeja—needed an outlet, so he joined up with bass-playing brother Justin Wentworth to create JP and the Redemptions.
“My brother and I didn’t have enough to fight about,” jokes JP. “And then it just sort of became brilliant and fun. Life gave me more and more to say. It’s something like therapy.”
In addition to “heartbreak and loss,” JP says the group—the two brothers along with drummer Nathan Hobbes and guitarists Mike Gundlach and Eben Kling—counts all sorts of inspirations.
“Everyone’s coming from different places,” he says. “Justin pushes it in an early ’80s post-punk vibe. Nathan has this super-heavy Sabbath vibe, with these intense fills, that sort of pushes everything towards the cliff and throws the rope to bring us back. I’m lyrically influenced by the Wedding Present; I’m shooting for a frankness. Try to sing facts, or at least how I perceive what happens. Mike and Eben are awesome additions. Their influences I’m still learning, frankly.”
As one so intimately intertwined with the local scene for so long, JP has a unique perspective on how things have evolved—or devolved—over the years. Like many area rockers, he perceives a dearth of outlets for live music. Yet he sees a lot of positives, as well, like the great work being done by bookers Mark Sheehan and Bill Stearman at venues like Sierra Grille and The Elevens.
He’s also noticed a turnover in the warm bodies filling the clubs. “I think a lot of the old scene is retiring,” he says. “I don’t see those faces anymore. Good for them—they grew up or whatever. I still need and love this. Lately there’s been a new influx of folks. That’s pretty great.”
JP is a big fan of many contemporary Western Mass acts: Fancy Trash, Thick Voltage, Graph, Bunny’s a Swine, Beerz, Fine and Dandy Trio, Walking Ghost, Living Faux, Bella’s Bartok. Asked to name his all-time favorite local artists, he has a more difficult time reeling off names. One band in particular, though, comes directly to his mind. “Levelette,” JP says. “Scott Alden, Brian Akey and Dave Hower. I thought they were brilliant and super inventive. I miss them.”
How has his own writing changed over the years, culminating with today’s JP and the Redemptions material?
“I write less musically [now],” he says. “Don’t really stick to any parts per se. My guitar, when I’m actually playing, is an improvised monster that attacks randomly.”
JP and the Redemptions invite you to join them along with the Midi Band and Bleach (“Bella’s Bartok guys doing perfect Nirvana covers”) at The Elevens in Northampton this Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14, for a little fun and frivolity.
“We’re a dance band,” JP explains. “And people should come see us, even though it may be a little uncomfortable. Some of you should smile less, though.”
