Olivia Grants Permission to Play George’s Guitars
intrigued by Django Reinhardt and his music. He was particularly curious about the guitar and showed a keen interest in learning. Playing together was a joy for Nolan, as he shared his love for artists like Django and Eddie Lang with Harrison. Nolan reminisced about their initial encounter, “He wanted us to come over and play at a party he was having at Friar Park, an incredible Gothic mansion in Henley-on-Thames. We went from playing under a tree in Leidseplein to performing for The Beatles.”
After George’s passing in 2001, Nolan’s bond with the Harrison family endured. With Olivia’s blessing, Nolan embarked on a project to create a studio album that reimagined George’s classic songs in a Gypsy jazz style, recorded on the iconic instruments in Harrison’s music room. This endeavor led to the birth of “For The Love of George,” an album full of reinterpreted Beatles music that captured the essence of Harrison’s songwriting prowess. The project fulfilled a deep-rooted desire to honor George’s musical legacy, especially as his contributions were sometimes overshadowed by the fame of Lennon and McCartney.
Olivia Harrison generously welcomed Nolan’s vision and went a step further by providing chords from an envelope once scribbled by George. This treasure trove of musical inspiration birthed a brand-new song that showcased Harrison’s enduring talent and Nolan’s remarkable reinterpretation skills. Nolan expressed his admiration for George’s songwriting, remarking that it was a joy to bring his songs to life in a unique Gypsy jazz format.
The journey from busking on the streets of Amsterdam to collaborating with a musical legend like George Harrison was a surreal one for Nolan. Fascinated by Django Reinhardt’s music, Nolan ventured to Amsterdam and soon found himself enthralled by the vibrant musical scene. Acquainting himself with the raw energy and creativity of the Leidseplein square, Nolan and his companions embraced the city and its streets as their musical haven. Reflecting on this transformative period, Nolan shared, “We worked on the street every day for, like, 10 years, and that’s how we learned and practiced this music.”
The serendipitous encounter between Nolan and the Harrison family set in motion a remarkable partnership that culminated in the creation of “For The Love of George.” Delving into George’s musical legacy with passion and precision, Nolan paid tribute to the quiet Beatle’s iconic sound on this project. The album became a testament to Harrison’s enduring influence and Nolan’s dedication to reinterpreting classic tracks in a fresh and innovative way. Through this collaboration, Nolan not only honored George’s memory but also showcased his own prowess as a Gypsy jazz guitarist of unmatched skill and creativity.