It's the early sixties and we meet a young Ian Smith who recalls his interest in music, especially jazz. He took lessons on the drums and started playing in a rock band. He is captivated by the music he hears on the ABC jazz program presented by Eric Child. But he was attracted to playing the trumpet and eventually acquires one and teaches himself to play it. Before long he was making contact with other budding musicians and thinking about starting a jazz band.

Eventually he put a band together which rehearsed weekly. With a growing repertoire the band started doing some gigs. But some of the members didn't stick around, eventually only four were left.

In 1979 Ian decided to place an advertisement for a drummer, a pianist and a trombonist in The Age newspaper, in an attempt to get the band going again.

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Drummer Richard Opat responds to Ian's advertisement and gets the gig. Ian persuades trombonist Chris Ludowyk to join and the band lineup is completed with a chance meeting in the street with pianist Doug Rawson. New Harlem makes successful appearances at the Geelong Jazz Festival in 1969 and 1970 and starts getting more gigs.

In 1972 the band gets an opportunity to record for the Jazznote label. Jeff Parkes leaves the band before the recording is completed and is replaced by Bill Morris. A second attempt at the recording is almost ruined by a potential burnt roast dinner.

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