About

Robin Nolan has established himself as one of the world’s leading Gypsy Jazz guitarists and also set himself apart by creating his own unique style. Recent highlights include receiving a standing ovation at New York’s famous Lincoln Center; being invited to open the Django Reinhardt 50th Anniversary festival in Samois sur Seine, France; completing sell-out tours of the United States promoting his ‘Live at Samois’ and ‘Travels’ CD’s; recording and touring in support of the ‘Rendezvous At The Nightery’ collaboration CD; Dell’ Arte Instruments began production on a signature, Robin Nolan guitar.

Born in Vietnam in 1968 to musical parents, Robin was instantly immersed into the life of a working, travelling musician.

In Hong Kong at the age of 6, he picked up the guitar. He was taught by his father and immediately showed a natural affinity for the instrument. This proved to be the beginning of a musical journey which has taken Robin through Blues, Rock and Jazz and back to Europe before arriving at his love and passion… the music of Django Reinhardt.

Robin’s move to Amsterdam in 1992 proved to be significant, as it was here, busking on the famous Leidseplein, that the Robin Nolan Swing Quartet established itself as a refreshing newcomer on the scene. During the next few years Robin quickly gained success and notoriety not only on the Jazz scene and festival circuit, but also in the Rock and Pop world. He has been warmly praised by such musical icons as Bill Wyman, Willie Nelson and George Harrison.The latter invited Robin on several occasions to perform at parties which were thrown at his English country estate.

The Robin Nolan Swing Quartet became the Robin Nolan Trio in 1996 and through extensive touring and recording became internationally recognised as one of Gypsy Jazz’s top outfits. From Tokyo to Toronto, Akureyri to Austin, these years saw Robin tour the world and gain many new admirers while continuing to delight those already familiar with his exciting and hip take on Django’s music.

It is his originality and compositional flair that sets Robin apart from the rest. His sound is immediately identifiable and thus, like the true greats…

“Robin … you play so beautifully.”
John Scofield

…has a voice of his own

Workshops & Books

Since the year 2000, Robin has co-produced a very successful series of Gypsy Jazz Books teaching both amateur and professional guitarists the world over the basics of the style. His master classes, mostly accompanying a performance, are widely sought after. Information on both books and master classes can be found on Robin’s web site. “One of today’s smoothest and most soulful Gypsy swing guitarists”

Discography

RNM 2 – “Travels” – 2004
RNM 1 – “Live At Samois” – 2003
RR 1003 – (Refined Records USA/Canada) “Mediterranean Blues” – 2001
RNT 6 – “Ballads” – 2001
RNT 5 – “Nat Meets Django” – 2001
RNT 4 – “The Latin Affair” – 1999
RNT 3 – “Swings & Roundabouts” – 1998
RNT 2 – “Street” – 1998
RNT 1 – “Robin Nolan Trio” – 1996

Amoeba Music – ”Rendezvous At The Nightery” – 2005 (with Brandi Shearer & David Grisman)

Film

Film Soundtrack – MGM release “Autumn In New York” starring Richard Gere & Winona Ryder – 2001

Appearances

Robin Nolan is invited to perform regularly around the globe. The list includes the USA, Canada, Iceland, England, Spain, France, The Netherlands, Germany, Sweden, Poland, Croatia, Switzerland, Italy, Norway, Austria and Japan.

Robin Nolan has graced the stages of:

• The Lincoln Center, New York
• The Montreal Jazz Festival, Canada
• Django Jazz Fest, Akureyri, Iceland
• Sandviken International Jazz Festival, Sweden
• The Toronto Jazz Festival, Canada
• The Tokyo Four Seasons Hotel, Japan
• Django Fest Northwest, Seattle, USA
• The Django Reinhardt Festival, Samois sur Seine, France
• The Vancouver Jazz Festival, Canada
• South by SouthWest Festival, Austin, USA