‘My inspiration for this project? The moment George Harrison’s wife handed me one of his guitars and said, “Why don’t you play on that?!”‘
Ahead of his trio playing Steamin’ Jazz Club this month (Wednesday 13th May 2026), I chatted with acclaimed guitarist Robin Nolan to find out more about which of his many releases has been the most pivotal for his development, what musical success looks like for him, and of course, his current, George Harrison centric album and tour entitled ‘For the Love of George’.
Hi Robin, thanks for taking the time to chat. Let’s start with your playing techniques. When it comes to performing the intricate lines within your music, at which stage do you decide where to use a plectrum and when to not?
I use a plectrum 99% of the time. This style demands this. I did play a little classical guitar as a kid, but you absolutely need a pick to get the attack and sound in gypsy jazz.
Other than instrumentation, what were key differences in approach when working on the collaboration with saxophonist Benjamin Herman?
Benjamin Herman is a world class jazz alto saxophonist and friend, and he always wanted to do a project with me playing Django’s music. We chose our favorite Django compositions that would sound great with unison melodies, and the recordings came out fantastic – it’s so cool to play with Benjamin as he brings a whole fresh jazz sound to this music.
Turning to your most recent project, what led to you creating an album solely based on the music of George Harrison and an accompanying tour driven by this?
Back in the 90’s, George invited me to play at his place (Friar Park) after hearing a cd that one of his graders gave to him. He’d been on a trip to Amsterdam where he bought it from us playing on the street. George was so happy to have us play in his place for all his friends – and the parties were a surreal and incredible experience as everyone there was famous except for us. He loved Django Reinhardt and used to sit in and play along. We became his house band and had a real friendship. When he passed in 2001, I kept in touch with his wife Olivia and his son Dhani. I continued to play parties and private events for them and then one day Olivia handed me one of George’s guitars and said, “Why don’t you play on that?!” This is where I got inspired to record an album of George’s songs in the gypsy jazz style on his Beatles guitars.
‘Clubs like the Steamin’ Jazz are absolutely crucial to making the genre accessible.’
I understand the album was recorded at George’s home. How did it feel to be in the space he wrote the tracks and what was the impact on playing?
It was spiritual and amazing – to be in George’s music room surrounded by all his guitars and rock ‘n’ roll history. Playing his tunes in his house on his guitars is an experience that I will never forget and was also a big responsibility. It definitely came out in the music and all I was thinking was I hope George would approve – he had very good taste.
Your wide-ranging influences include Indian Classical music. Was this inspired by George Harrison himself or something you were drawn to independently?
George and Dhani got me into the Indian sound, and they had a very close connection to Ravi Shankar who I also met at one of the parties at Friar Park. I just love that whole vibe. There’s a song that George wrote called ‘Marwa Blues’ and it’s one of my favourite bits of George’s playing. It’s so spiritual and moving and I recorded it on ‘For the Love of George’ with his son Dhani. I also wrote a song for a much earlier release called ‘Ravi’ that has a real Indian vibe to it.
Your trio comprises of two guitars and a double bass. How do you divide the voicing of parts?
We generally take on the standard set up of gypsy jazz music: Myself playing the melody, Chris Quinn providing rhythm guitar, and Tom Moore playing double bass . Like AC/DC where Angus plays solo and Malcom rhythm.
What is your approach to keeping an arrangement sounding fresh when it is a track released by many musicians?
This is a great question and key to my music. I try not to go with the norm and imitate. I love to make a fusion and fresh sound out of any song I play weather it be AC/DC, The Beatles or Django Reinhardt. Originality is something that I really try to stick to.
Which musicians – guitarists or otherwise – do feel are doing great things right now?
Bireli Lagrene is my favorite guitarist by far – a genius who has inspired countless guitarists. I also love flamenco and especially guitarists like Vecente Amigo and Tomatito.
‘Playing George’s tunes in his house, on his guitars, is an experience that I will never forget.’
With a vast number of releases, which one was the most pivotal for your development as a musician?
I would say my very first trio album RNT 1 because it was a big step to record and produce your own CD, and it captured the spirit of the street where we worked and practiced for many years. Then without doubt ‘For The Love Of George’ as this feels like a life’s work and the tribute to my musical and spiritual mentor George Harrison.
You’ve earned many accolades from strong tastemakers of the industry. Given this, what does musical success look like to you?
Success is making an audience emotionally connect with your music and when playing live shows you want to take the listener on a journey of sounds and emotions. However, getting recognition from musicians you admire is also of course massively motivating and inspiring.
You’re soon to be playing at Steamin’ Jazz Club. What impact do you feel independent venues such as this have on the accessibility and future of live jazz?
Clubs like the Steamin’ Jazz Club provide a space to bring musicians and music lovers together. Absolutely crucial and important.
And finally, as someone with a wealth of experience in the industry, what would be your 3 pieces of advice to guitarists who are starting out?
Follow your own path and try to be original and yourself. Get your music out there – make videos – play on the street. Don’t be intimidated by others we all have something unique to give to the world.
Thanks Robin Nolan for chatting with Listen to Discover
Image 1 Photo Credit: Tessa Spaaij