Enroute began in 1990 as a chance meeting between pianist Norbert Bleau and drummer Nick Evangelist at a local flea market. Phone numbers were exchanged and a session date was soon arranged. Nick knew Nigel Clarke, a fretless bassist, from other groups and invited him to join the session. The first rehearsal session was a success and the group soon focused on jazz standards and bebop tunes. Nick came up with the name "Enroute" because he felt the group was "going somewhere", but he just wasn't sure exactly where. Norbert liked the name as long as it had the French pronunciation ("On-root"). The trio began playing together on Sundays at the original Cup a Joe's on Hillsborough Street in Raleigh.

The pianist Norbert Bleau, was a veteran musician, having studied at Berklee College of Music and played many noted jazz clubs in New York and the Northeast. His extensive knowledge of standard jazz tunes immediately gave the group a rich and interesting repertoire. Nigel's wife, Janet Clarke, was encouraged to occasionally sing with the group. They performed regularly at Walnut Creek Amphitheatre as a plaza group and in local clubs such as Cappers and the Black Marlin. The group continued to sporadically perform at Cup a Joe on Sundays through 1993. In 1994, drummer Nick Evangelist retired and Janet Clarke joined the regular lineup as the vocalist.

With Janet fronting the group and minus a regular drummer, the sound of the group began to change and evolve. Nigel began performing with an acoustic upright bass. The piano, bass, and vocal trio began focusing on materials that featured Janet's voice. Regular engagements included corporate events, political functions, and jazz festivals. Norb retired from the group's rigorous schedule in 1994 to write and perform as a soloist.

During the spring of 1995, Tony Thompson joined as the group's piano player and arranger. Tony had a long, multi-instrument musical history. He played drums professionally from the age of 11 in his father's band and, at the time, had seriously studied piano for over fifteen years. During June of 1995, Enroute recorded two CD's at Snow Hill Studios in Durham. The recordings feature the trio only. Janet provided percussion while singing. The sessions were recorded live using analog equipment to mimic the experience a listener would encounter at a live performance. There was no overdubbing, sound on sound, or other audio touch up. The CD "Quiet Nights" is a collection of jazz vocal standards. "Until it's Christmas" is a selection of holiday tunes, with a bonus, unlisted 10th track at the end. Both CD's were intended as marketing items, but still receive airplay on radio stations up and down the East Coast.

By the fall of 1995, Enroute had become a weekend fixture in the main dining room at the Capital City Club in downtown Raleigh, NC. The group made an effort to learn the favorite songs of the frequent diners and played them when the members arrived at their table. This association led to performing for wedding receptions at the club and for members at other locations across the state. The Club remained the group's second home until 1999. In addition to the Capital City Club, the group was working regularly at Second Empire Restaurant and occasionally at the local jazz club known as Capper's. During this time, the group began to play more often for private parties and wedding receptions through referrals.

Since 2000, Enroute has continued to become well known for its services in association with both weddings and Special Events. Glenn Mehrbach, a classically trained pianist joined the group in 2001 and has expanded the group's artistic sound through his professionalism and enthusiasm for new material. With Glenn's classical background, a bride can have the beautiful music of a traditional ceremony and the wonderful jazz standards for her reception.

Today, most of the group's engagements derive from referrals or repeat clients. Some corporate offices have booked Enroute Jazz for their holiday parties for several years. Some book the trio that consists of piano, bass, and vocals to add an unintuitive ambience of background music and elegance. While others enjoy the addition of a drummer and other musicians (i.e. saxophonist, horn player, guitarist, etc.) for a dance band.