Highly regarded as one of Asia's best blues band, ublues is the first band from South East Asia and only the second from Asia (other than Japan) to be represented in the International Blues Challenge. The competition will be held from January 30 to February 2 at Beale Street, Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.A. The first prize winner gets to perform at 12 festivals and venues across the U.S. (May onwards), US$1,000, recording time, CD production, PR and booking consultation, a web page among others.

Since their formation in their school days, ublues have been rejuvenating the blues scene in Singapore, with an internationally acclaimed album titled Get On The Blues Train under their belt. Core members Danny Loong (Singaporean) and Trevor Jalla (Singapore PR) have also set up their own company -- ublues network, which has organised a successful Blues Series at Chijmes and ublues festival in 2002.

Said Danny (guitar, keyboards, vocals) to MTVAsia.com: "I think it's important for local acts to participate in these international festivals and competition firstly to build up their music experience and secondly through our appearance, we effectively promote the country and region we come from therefore better enhances a positive perception and understanding of us by overseas audiences. I think it's important for Asian artists and bands to dream that they can capture people's attention and imagination and work hard to achieve their dreams through events such as this."

To prepare for this prestigious competition, ublues will be bringing in a full band that includes Danny, Trevor (lead vocals and guitars), Francis Chan (vocals and bass) and Gary Tan (drums). As revealed by Danny, the band will be performing mostly their own original songs for the competition.

"We have been rehearsing, working on our repertoire, presentation, sound and getting the band tight. Our objective is to do our very best as we are proud to represent not only Singapore but the region as the only Asian entry this year," said Danny.

Other than the competition, ublues has also been invited by blues legend Buddy Guy to jam at Legends on January 27 in Chicago. Apparently, Danny and Trevor met up with Buddy Guy on his recent visit to Singapore last year. A tribute performance later, an open invitation was sent to ublues for a special appearaces at Guy's club Legends! With this experience, Danny and his cohorts hope to strengthen their ties with Buddy Guy and raise the profile of Singaporean artists in America.

As a side note, this U.S. trip is made possible with grants received from the Singapore International Foundation (SIF), National Arts Council (NAC) and Singapore Tourism Board (STB). ublues' participation in International Blues Challenge and their appearances in Chicago will serve to widen the perception of Singaporean bands and enhance Singapore as a renaissance city.

For more information about ublues and their forthcoming America adventure, log on to www.ublues.com. -- LM