Introduction:
After more than a decade away from Melbourne stages, Hank Marvin is returning with a project that both surprises and deeply satisfies—an intimate, carefully crafted exploration of gypsy jazz, also known as gypsy swing. For many, Marvin’s name is inseparable from his legendary work with The Shadows, yet this upcoming appearance reveals a musician who has never stopped evolving.
Marvin speaks candidly about why he prefers the term “gypsy swing” over “jazz.” To him, the word “jazz” can intimidate listeners who fear endless, self-indulgent solos. What defines this music instead, he explains, is its foundation in strong melodies. These are tunes with clear themes—music that invites the listener in rather than pushing them away. His group approaches the style with discipline and intent, arranging each piece with structure and shape rather than loose improvisation. “You don’t just play a tune and jam for ten minutes,” Marvin notes. “Most audiences get bored of that. I do too.”
The ensemble itself reflects both tradition and individuality. Featuring double bass, accordion, and two gypsy jazz guitars, the band blends classic instrumentation with a modern sensibility. The guitars—distinct from American acoustics—use floating bridges and thinner tops, producing a fast, responsive tone that challenges and excites the player. For Marvin, whose hands are not large, the longer scale length is demanding, but that challenge is part of the joy.
This gypsy swing project is also deeply rooted in recording history. The Melbourne performances will draw primarily from two albums: Fooling with the Feds and Django’s Castle. While a few unrecorded pieces may appear, the heart of the set reflects these releases. Notably, Marvin has reimagined classic Shadows tunes such as “Nivram” and “Guitar Tango,” allowing their swing-infused DNA to shine without betraying their original spirit.
The shadow of Django Reinhardt looms large over the genre, and Marvin speaks with admiration of Reinhardt’s revolutionary technique and resilience. Despite severe physical limitations following a devastating accident, Reinhardt redefined guitar playing, pioneering techniques—octave runs, expressive bends, and innovative fingerings—that later influenced generations of musicians across jazz and rock.
That influence extends far beyond jazz circles. Marvin himself has inspired an extraordinary list of admirers, including Brian May and Mark Knopfler, with whom he has shared memorable studio and stage moments. These mutual exchanges speak to Marvin’s quiet but profound impact on modern guitar music.
Now an Australian citizen living in Perth since 1986, Marvin remains selective about touring, favoring quality over quantity. Alongside his gypsy swing performances, he continues occasional appearances with Cliff Richard, honoring a musical partnership that has spanned decades.
As Marvin returns to Melbourne, audiences can expect more than nostalgia. This is a master musician inviting listeners into a refined, melodic world—one built on tradition, reshaped by experience, and delivered with unmistakable warmth and precision.