Phil Manzanera

Phil Manzanera, known for his signature guitar sound and innovative approach to music, has left an indelible mark on the landscape of rock and art music. Born Philip Geoffrey Targett-Adams on January 31, 1951, in London, Manzanera’s multicultural upbringing—shaped by his English father and Colombian mother—proved instrumental in his eclectic musical tastes. He spent his formative years bouncing between locales as diverse as Hawaii, Venezuela, and Cuba before the family settled back in England. These experiences contributed to a global sensibility that would later become a hallmark of his musical style. Manzanera's introduction to the guitar came at the age of six, inspired by the rich musical contexts he encountered in Latin America and the rhythmic complexity intrinsic to its cultural soundscape. By his teenage years, he was fully immersed in the British music scene. He attended Dulwich College, where he met future Genesis lead guitarist, Steve Hackett. It was here that Manzanera began to visualize a career in music, absorbing the burgeoning underground scene of 1960s London. His big break arrived in 1972 when he joined Roxy Music, a nascent band that would go on to redefine art rock. Though not an original member—having initially auditioned to replace the guitarist in an earlier iteration of the group—Manzanera was soon brought in as a core member, sealing the lineup that included Bryan Ferry, Brian Eno, Andy Mackay, Paul Thompson, and Graham Simpson. This marked the beginning of an era that would elevate both Manzanera and Roxy Music to international acclaim. His innovative guitar work melded seamlessly with the band's avant-garde style, contributing to iconic albums such as “For Your Pleasure” (1973) and “Stranded” (1973). Manzanera displayed a profound ability to traverse a spectrum of styles, from the ethereal interludes on tracks like "Lament" to the brash dynamism featured in "Editions of You." As part of Roxy Music, he was instrumental in crafting the band's distinct ethos—a blend of high art and street sophistication that captured the imagination of a generation. The group's theatrical flair and experimental sound prefigured the evolution of glam rock and punk, reverberating through the music of David Bowie and influence on a younger cohort of artists like U2 and Radiohead. Parallel to his work with Roxy Music, Manzanera pursued numerous side projects, showcasing his prowess as a versatile musician and producer. His first solo album, "Diamond Head" (1975), was an eclectic endeavor that enlisted collaborators from the greater Roxy Music orbit. The album provided an incisive look into Manzanera’s expansive musical curiosity, incorporating elements of Latin and psychedelic music, which hinted at his early influences. In addition to his solo ventures, the late 1970s saw Manzanera forming 801 alongside Brian Eno, producing the critically-lauded live album "801 Live" (1976). This collaboration exemplified his capacity for innovation, as Manzanera merged live improvisation with studio precision—a technique that would echo in the live recordings of later acts. The 1980s marked a period of reinvention. Roxy Music disbanded after a transformative tenure, freeing Manzanera to delve deeper into production and collaborative work. In the post-Roxy era, he became a sought-after producer, lending his talents to artists such as David Gilmour and Nico. His production work on Gilmour’s “About Face” (1984) solidified his reputation as a creative visionary capable of shaping the sounds of music’s elite. Reuniting with Roxy Music in 2001, Manzanera joined its members for a worldwide tour, reintroducing the band's iconic sound to a new generation of fans. This return to the stage underscored the timeless quality of their music and Manzanera's indispensable role within the group. Despite the rigors of touring, Manzanera continued to engage in creative projects outside of Roxy Music, exploring world music influences and even venturing into Latin American musical history. His ongoing work, such as the Global Music Network, has highlighted his enduring commitment to the fusion of diverse musical traditions, an ambition that aligns closely with his early life’s cross-cultural roots. In his long and storied career, Phil Manzanera has stood at the intersection of innovation and tradition; his guitar work and production subtly weaving into the fabric of modern music without losing sight of its time-honored roots. Today, he remains a figure of reverence—a musician whose career is as much about exploration as it is about legacy. Yet, despite his illustrious achievements, Manzanera carries forward with the same spirit of curiosity that defined the young boy captivated by the rhythms of his transcontinental childhood. His story serves as an enduring testament to the power of music as a conduit for cultural dialogue.