Led by Nicola (vocals & clarinet) and Gundula (violin & backing vocals), The Bluebelles perform a sophisticated mix of traditional jazz, cocktail swing and Latin. Spanning the music of the early 20th century, the ensemble brings a refined, melodic sound to private functions, festivals and jazz stages.
Primarily performing as a jazz trio with their favourite pianist, their repertoire transitions from understated, atmospheric sets to spirited swing showstoppers. They also perform regularly with guitar and double bass, allowing the group to scale their sound for both intimate gatherings and high-profile public events. For smaller places and lower budgets, they offer a duo version with backing tracks.
As seasoned performers, Nicola and Gundula are frequently seen on the stages of concert halls, theatres and recording studios. They combine technical mastery with a warm audience rapport, ensuring a polished performance that adapts instinctively to the energy of any prestigious occasion.
Formed in 2017, The Bluebelles emerged from a lengthy collaboration between us with songwriter Eric Sanders. In the 1930s, Eric was a young man in Vienna, soaking up the timeless music of that era. Eric passed away in 2021 at the remarkable age of nearly 102, leaving behind a lasting impact on The Bluebelles. He fostered our own dedication to performing and preserving those enchanting melodies and our repertoire is built on the favourite songs of his youth.
Enquiries: hello@bluebelle.uk
Christmas Bookings
Book The Bluebelles for your festive events - we are taking bookings now for Christmas and New Year celebrations
Meet the Bluebelles on video
Testimonials
Stunning presentation of the music from the 1930s Book Launch, Austrian Cultural Forum, Knightsbridge
Thank you for your warm and professional demeanour as well as the wonderful music. Book Launch, BAFTA Piccadilly
Thanks for coming again to help us with this event, it added so much and we hope to see you again soon Award Presentation, Austrian Cultural Forum, Knightsbridge
A great trio thanks for playing the lesser-known tunes from the 30s Fund-raising event, Stanley Halls
Please come again - really enjoyed your repertoire, hearing my favourite old songs sang and played so well Lunch Club, Croydon
Absolutely charming and exactly what we wanted Birthday party, Browns, Covent Garden
The perfect soundtrack to a significant birthday Birthday Party, Ruskin House Club
The Bluebelle musicians
Nicola Burnett Smith
Nicola started her career as an actor and musician in the 80s, touring all over the UK and the world in theatre productions that made use of her skills as a leading actor, vocalist and woodwind player. She loves singing and playing jazz and currently enjoys composing music inspired by poetry and the female voice for her 'Out of Place' project.
Gundula Stojanova Gruen
Gundula originally graduated as a classical violinist in Germany and then started exploring the music of Romany people, including improvisation and jazz. Having moved to London 20 years ago, she has become a highly sought-after specialist in Eastern European and Balkan Romany music, performing all over the world and with her band Tatcho Drom.
The Bluebelles repertoire
Popular Repertoire
- Ain't Misbehaving
- All of Me
- Angel Eyes
- Bei mir bist du schon
- Belle Margarite
- Bewitched
- Black Coffee
- Blues in the Night
- Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy
- But Where Are You
- Can't Help Lovin' that Man
- Caravan
- Change Partners
- Cheek to Cheek
- Cry Me a River
- Do nothing til you hear from me
- Embraceable You
- Every Time We Say Goodbye
- Fly Me to the Moon
- A Foggy Day
- The Girl from Ipanema
- I Can't Give You Anything But Love
- I Cover the Waterfront
- I'll Be Seeing You
- I'm Going to Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter
- Is You Is
- Isn't This a Lovely Day
- It Don't Mean a Thing
- It's Only a Paper Moon
- J'attendrai
- The Lady is a Tramp
- Let's Face the Music and Dance
- Lilli Marlene
- Lover Man
- Lullaby of Birdland
- The Man I Love
- Mood Indigo
- My Funny Valentine
- Night and Day
- On a Slow Boat to China
- On the Street Where You Live
- On the Sunny Side of the Street
- Someone to Watch Over Me
- Sophisticated Lady
- Stardust
- Stormy Weather
- Two Sleepy People
- The Way You Look Tonight
Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions
We would like a bigger band - is that possible?
Yes - we can increase our band size with double bass, guitar, saxophone, you name it. We have an extensive network of accomplished musicians that we call upon
What options do you have for a smaller budget?
Nicola and Gundula can perform at your event as a two-piece band, using our stylish backing tracks. If you're interested in this option, please get in touch to find out more about our two-piece repertoire and price.
Can I make a request for a song that isn't on your repertoire list?
Please do! Let us know in advance and we will do everything we can to accommodate your request.
Can The Bluebelles perform at short notice?
It's always worth asking. Email with a contact number and we will see what we can do.
Is it possible to book The Bluebelles for events outside of London/the UK?
Definitely. Gundula and Nicola frequently perform all over the UK and indeed, the world.
What about travel costs?
Travel costs, accommodation and travel time will be agreed and whenever possible, the expenses will be refunded by you as soon as they are incurred.
Will I pay a deposit?
YYes, we will ask you for a deposit to secure a booking.Please ask us for more details of this and our cancellation terms when you make your enquiry. Full payment of the balance should be made on the day of the event by cash, card or BACS. We have a card reader.
Will I need to provide a PA for the Bluebelles?
Sometimes: let us know if you would like us to include in the fee the costs of bringing our PA system to your venue. If your venue is larger and/or the event is for more than 100 people, then the client or the venue usually books a PA system. We can advise as to the best suppliers and what specifications we would need.