The Resonant Strings of George Golla
A Polish Prodigy
Born in Chorzów, Poland, on May 10, 1935, George Golla’s musical journey began in the heart of Europe. His early life in Poland set the stage for a lifelong pursuit of musical excellence. Emigrating to Australia in the 1950s, Golla brought with him a passion for jazz that would soon resonate across the Australian music scene.
Sydney’s Jazz Scene
Upon his arrival in Sydney in 1957, George Golla quickly became a prominent figure in the local jazz community. His exceptional talent on the guitar found him collaborating with some of the most influential Australian musicians of the time, including the legendary Don Burrows. This partnership would flourish for nearly four decades, leaving an indelible mark on the country’s musical heritage.
Educator and Mentor
Golla’s contributions to music extended beyond performance. As a dedicated educator, he taught at the Academy of Guitar in Bondi, specializing in jazz and classical guitar. His commitment to nurturing young talent was evident in his mentorship of future stars like James Morrison and Guy Strazzullo. Golla’s theoretical works and instructional books on guitar scales and modes have become essential resources for aspiring guitarists.
International Acclaim
The 1970s saw George Golla’s talent recognized on the international stage. He performed at prestigious events such as the Montreux Jazz Festival and Newport Jazz Festival in 1972. His collaborations with international artists like Gary Burton and Luis Bonfa showcased his versatility and ability to blend different musical traditions seamlessly.
Recording Legacy
George Golla’s discography is a testament to his prolific career. With numerous recordings, including the celebrated albums ‘The Don Burrows Quartet at the Sydney Opera House’ and ‘Steph’n’Us’ with Stephane Grappelli, Golla’s music has captivated audiences worldwide. His work has not only entertained but also contributed significantly to the global jazz canon.
A Living Legend
Now residing in Sydney, George Golla continues to inspire with his performances and recordings.
- George Golla & Don Burrows – ‘Duo’: This album showcases the seamless collaboration between Golla and Burrows, highlighting their intuitive musical communication and Golla’s elegant guitar work.
- George Golla & Stephane Grappelli – ‘Steph’n’Us’: A delightful blend of Golla’s guitar and Grappelli’s violin, this record is a testament to Golla’s versatility and ability to adapt to different jazz styles.
- George Golla, Don Burrows & Luis Bonfa – ‘Bonfa Burrows Brazil’: This album is a fusion of Australian jazz and Brazilian rhythms, with Golla’s guitar playing complementing the exotic soundscape.
- The Don Burrows Quartet – ‘Live at the Sydney Opera House’: Featuring Golla’s guitar, this live recording captures the energy and sophistication of the quartet’s performance in a landmark venue.
- George Golla Orchestra – ‘Lush Life’: Golla leads his orchestra through a series of lush arrangements, highlighting his skills as a bandleader and arranger.
- George Golla & Jacki Cooper – ‘Tea for Two’: Celebrating Golla’s 80th birthday, this duo album with vocalist Jacki Cooper is a charming collection of jazz standards and showcases Golla’s timeless playing style.
- George Golla – ‘The Brazilian Connection’: This solo album by Golla explores the rich melodies and rhythms of Brazilian music, with his guitar singing through each track.
- George Golla & James Morrison – ‘Midnight Till Dawn’: A collaboration with trumpeter James Morrison, this album features Golla’s sophisticated chordal work and rhythmic precision.
- George Golla – ‘Solo Flight’: An intimate album that puts Golla’s solo guitar work front and center, highlighting his technical prowess and emotional depth.
- George Golla & Elizabeth Geyer – ‘The Bridge’: This recording pairs Golla’s guitar with Elizabeth Geyer’s flugelhorn, creating a unique and captivating jazz soundscape.
