JD Harmo

Originally from France, Julien D'Imperio discovered the harmonica at the age of nineteen after his father, a lifelong folk and blues enthusiast, introduced him to the instrument. Regular visits to Bordeaux's famous Cricketers Blues Club exposed him to many of America's finest touring blues musicians and sparked a lifelong passion for the blues.

Inspired by masters including Billy Branch, Carey Bell, Kim Wilson, or Rod Piazza, Julien devoted countless hours to studying the instrument. His musical journey eventually took him to Austin, Texas, where he studied with Gary Primich while working for the iconic Antone's Records. By day he worked at the record label; by night he became part of Austin's thriving blues scene, sharing the stage with The Moeller Brothers, Uncle John Turner, Gary Clark Jr., Stephen Bruton, Lavelle White and Clarence Holloman.

In 2008, he formed Jules and the Gamblers, his 1st band in London. His harmonica playing quickly established him as one of the UK's most respected blues harp players, allowing him to perform alongside many of Britain's finest musicians, including acclaimed guitarist Chris Corcoran. 

A defining moment in JD's career came in 2017 when he shared the stage with one of his musical heroes, Little Victor, more than twenty years after first seeing him perform at the Cognac Blues Festival.

In 2020, JD travelled to Denmark to perform with award-winning guitarist Ronni Boysen, backed by a Danish all-star band at Copenhagen's legendary Mojo Blues Club, earning praise from audiences and the Danish blues press also.  Until relocating from London back to France in 2024, he maintained an active touring schedule in the UK, regularly appearing with internationally respected blues artists such as Big Joe Louis or Jo’ Buddy.

Now based in southwest France, JD continues to perform with his new French based quartet featuring France’s finest exponents of the Blues.