RHYTHM’N BLUES, FUNK AND GOSPEL

Wendell Holmes, Vocal, guittar, keyboard Sherman Holmes, bass Popsy Dixon, drums www.alligator.com

Blues to Bop has never relied on big names to draw the crowds but when the Holmes Brothers are available for all four days of the festival, including the gospel concert in the cathedral, then the opportunity is not to be missed. Many will be familiar with the group and their music which, though firmly rooted in blues and gospel, effortlessly embraces jazz, R & B, Rock’n Roll and even reggae and contemporary country. In fact, it is their extraordinary versatility and range which make them ideal artists for Blues to Bop which, on a more modest level, tries to do the same thing. Wendell’s bluesy and expressive voice lends itself to wonderful interpretations of ballads particularly when accompanying himself on piano or with brother Sherman on guitar. However, when the Holmes Brothers decide to crank things up then their unique reinterpretations and self composed themes will have the whole square rocking!