Blue Harlem hit the bandstand running. The members kept meeting in other groups (the Big Town Playboys, King Pleasure and Ray Gelato's Giants, for example), so it seemed natural to get together for good. By the year 2000, they had established themselves as the premier swing/jive band on the London circuit. Their love of the music of the golden swing era, and the jump blues of the 40s/50s means that stylistically they are all hip to the same muse. With the likes of Buddy and Ella Johnson, Louis Jordan and Count Basie as their heroes, you can be sure the band will get you up on your feet.
STOP PRESS On the 15th of May, Blue Harlem payed a welcome return visit to one of their favourite venues -The Pigalle Club, Picadilly. This has got to be one of the classiest jazz clubs in Europe. To say that Sophie 'Sang Her Socks Off' would be an understatement!
NEXT LONDON DATE: 25th May - Dover Street Restaurant &Jazz Club, 8 –10 Dover Street, London W1S 4LQ www.doverstreet.co.uk
Michael Parkinson - BBC Radio Two: "The group I'm currently raving about! Happy music, music that makes you want to dance! Highly recommended"