Speaking last year with the friendly, eloquent guitarist/vocalist Wendell Holmes was like being the only student in a fascinating class covering the history of soul/gospel/blues in America.

Holmes was doing an interview in support of "Feed My Soul," the latest amazing album from The Holmes Brothers - the group he formed years ago with sibling Sherman Holmes (bass/vocals) and honorary relative Popsy Dixon (drums/vocals).

To hear The Holmes Brothers live is to experience that history as intended: in a musical context. It's pretty damned great, is what it is. It also helps explain why their fan base includes folks like Van Morrison, Peter Gabriel, Willie Nelson, Rosanne Cash, and Joan Osborne - all of whom they've subsequently recorded with.

On Sunday, The Holmes Brothers return to the area for a concert in the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center.

- RICK KOSTER

The Holmes Brothers, 7 p.m. Sunday, Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook; $35; 1-877-503-1286, thekate.org.