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 one of the premier swing/jive bands 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.

The last couple of years has seen a move towards the urban blues, and blues and rhythm of such artists as Ruth Brown, Dinah Washington and particularly early Ray Charles. As a result their live shows are now an exciting mix of original takes on swing standards, alongside hard driving, emotionally charged, sophisticated blues (both covers and original compositions).

Festivals played by Blue Harlem include: Molde (Norway) International Jazz Festival, Soho (London) Jazz Festival, West Wales International Jazz Festival in Aberystwyth, the Bath Fringe Festival, Ghentbrugge (Belgium) International Jazz Festival, and the European Film Festival in Dresden; As well as festivals at Bures, Chichester, Coventry, Colne, Gloucester, Guisborough and Salisbury.

The Band are now regulars at the world-famous 100 Club, as well as playing many other London venues including the South Bank Centre and Jitterbugs. They have an enviable reputation as a party band, having played at 100s of venues across the UK from the Grand Hotel, Brighton to Meikleour Castle, Perthshire. They have been invited on 3 separate occasions to perform at Highgrove House charity balls for the ´Prince's Trust´.

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"Solid swing and great arrangements from this stylish up-town band - they kept the dance floor packed and we will definitely want them back" - Simon Selmon, London Swing Dance Society

"...guaranteed to get your adrenaline flowing with their brand of high energy big band swing and R&B that would have been equally at home at the Apollo or the Savoy in the 40's as it is today." - Tony Watson, "Blues and Rhythm"

"…our very own first lady of classic 1950s chic - Imelda May, with her exquisite Lavern Baker renditions and cool jazz-tinged delivery " - Burnley Blues Review

"Blue Harlem have a devastating reputation on the live circuit and a number of high-profile admirers... they are one of the best party bands around!" - Nico Mead (TNT Magazine)

"This band just keep sounding better and better! Led by sax supremo Al Nicholls, and with great vocals from Imelda May." - Where to Dance in London