Great excitement as Carolan gets to spend an hour with Lulo Reinhardt who is performing at the Djanogly Theatre at Nottingham Lakeside Arts on his current tour. Lulu is a leading proponent of Gypsy music and has been wowing audiences worldwide with his virtuoso guitar playing and innovative compositions that crossover with jazz, latin and even celtic music. This is perhaps no surprise given his pedigree as the great-nephew of the legendary Django Reinhardt.

Lulo is generous with his time, joining us in the green room after his soundcheck to get to know Carolan.

He also tells us some stories about his own guitars. Lulo’s guitars are imbued with personal meaning, being named after his grandchildren. And with a fourth on the way there is, naturally, a need to hunt for a new instrument to add to the collection. There is perhaps a lesson for all of us here (or at least those of us who are approaching grandfatherly age).

When we ask him about highly decorated guitars, he reveals how he once ‘painted’ one of his own instruments with a sharpie …

We also can’t help but notice his carefully decorated thumbnail. Maybe there is a new application of aestheticodes here?

Then, to our great surprise and even greater delight, Lulo composes a brand new tune on Carolan. He names the tune ‘In the Moment’ and here it is, our first slice of history.

There are more surprises in store as our hour ends with a trip to the stage to try out Carolan’s pick-up through his stage rig, during which we get to play a duet. It’s a relief that it was Lulo who was doing the improvising.

Of course, we end the evening by watching the gig; incredible music and playing and a wonderful band too. You should go see them as soon as you possibly can. Details at Lulo’s own website.