This years ublues fest will be headlined by the truly amazing Holmes Brothers, direct from the USA. Their original blend of blues, soul, RnB and gospel have made them one of the most important finds in the blues of the last decade.

“Utterly astounding.” - Billboard

"Nothing short of heavenly." - Downbeat

“Inspired, warm and soulful. One listen and you’ll adopt this family as your own.” - Rolling Stone

"Mind-blowing ... a true find" - Boston Herald

"Rich, soulful harmonies and a moving blend of grit and sincerity…a well-recorded, loving tribute to the gospel music heritage, and the Holmes Brothers prove themselves worthy carriers of that rich tradition." - Wally Shoup, Amazon.com Editors' Best 100 CDs of 2001

Numerously nominated for "Band of the Year," "Best Contemporary Album," and the premiere blues and roots WC Handy Awards, the Holmes Brothers are often the subject of features and reviews in Rolling Stone, Billboard, Newsweek, and countless other publications. The New York Music Awards named The Holmes Brothers Best Blues Artists in 1992, and they also finished first in the annual Downbeat International Critics Poll in the Blues group TDWR category.

Musicians they have gigged with include: Peter Gabriel, Van Morrison, Joan Osborne, and the Blind Boys of Alabama. They have appeared on Late Night With David Letterman, and even performed for former US President, Bill Clinton. Gigging all across the globe, Wendell Holmes, Sherman Holmes and Willie "Popsy" Dixon never fail to win over audiences everywhere they play.

The Holmes Brothers have performed and recorded for Womad numerous times. Now, with their latest album, SPEAKING IN TONGUES, The Holmes Brothers speak with unmistakable clarity, as their music raises spirits high and moves souls deep. Their breathtaking harmonies resonate with a passion and conviction matched only by their superior musicianship. Expect appealingly earthy soul sounds with funk overtones.

Available now on Alligator records, the critically acclaimed "Speaking in Tongues"

Produced by Joan Osbourne and engineered by the Grammy winning Trina Shoemaker (Sheryl Crow's The Globe Sessions)

For the first time in Singapore, catch the Holmes Brothers, exclusively at ublues fest 2002

The Blue Shaddy Band - Australia

This dynamic and progressive four-piece group from Australia has built its reputation and strong following on exceptionally high energy live performances with infectious grooves and outstanding individual musicianship.

Drawing from many influences and styles, with a background in blues and a leaning towards dance rhythms, Blue Shaddy has a unique sound, which is best described as "new roots". One of the hardest working and most sought after bands in Western Australia, there's no blues venue worth its salt that hasn't been rocked by "The Shad!"

"Undeniably rockin', booty-movin...a dynamic edge rooted in the blues but injected with an original and dangerously funky edge" - Perth Blues Club

Rick Steele - Australia

The voice heard across Australia - From smokey pubs and taverns to major festivals throughout the country, Steele possesses one of the most recognisable voices in the business, telling stories of lifes pain, joy, heartache and struggle with a songwriting touch that has left countless audiences in awe of his brand of blues-tinged acoustic folk. With two solo albums, several singles and nominations for country performer of the year to his credit, Rick Steele is an evening's entertainment in his own right.

universal blues band - Singapore

"The sheer enthusiasm the band generates in audiences would be hard to match in Europe and the USA, let alone Australia and Asia…The world needs a new slant on the blues in the twenty first century and that's a 'universal' truth."
Victor Brox, British Blues pioneer

"...the best parts of this album are as good as many American blues bands which are at recording level (in other words, as good as some of the musicians that I record). Thanks for sharing some very good music."
Bruce Iglauer - Founder of multiple-Grammy nominated Alligator Records, USA

This band is now regarded as one of the premiere blues bands in Asia and Australia, performing a variety of styles and formats including a two-piece acoustic duo, four-piece electric band and a four-piece with horns. They are recognized for their efforts in rejuvenating the blues and have also gained approval for their performance from music legend, Buddy Guy. The will be joined at ublues fest 2002 by Kelvin "Smokey" Ng, Singapore's premier blues harmonica player.

Farid Ali Trio - Singapore and Malaysia

After performing and recording with Ernie Watts, Eric Marienthal, Steve Thornton, Face First, among others, Farid is now working on his own CD Project, which is due for release by the third quarter of this year.

Not only is Farid a virtuoso on the guitar, but he has also acquired a reputation for his vocal talent. Some musicians have described his style to be "a jazzier aspect of the blues," clearly depicting the relationship of how jazz evolved from the blues.