b. Philip Targett-Adams, 31 January 1951, London, England. Born to a Colmbian mother and English father, Phil Manzanera spent most of his childhood living in Latin America. A guitarist at an early age, Manzanera gradually progressed to vocals, bass and drums. He returned to London and attended Dulwich College, where he formed the psychedelic band Pooh And The Ostrich Feather. After playing in the avant garde band Quiet Sun with Bill MacCormick (bass), Dave Jarrett (keyboards) and Charles Hayward (drums/keyboards/vocals), Manzanera was recruited to Roxy Music as a guitarist in February 1972. By the mid-70s, he had established himself as one of Britain's most respected rock musicians. Manzanera's guitar virtuosity quickly established him as a sought-after session player. In 1974 alone, he appeared as either guitarist, co-composer or producer on Roxy Music's Country Life, Brian Eno's Here Come The Warm Jets and Taking Tiger Mountain (By Strategy), Bryan Ferry's Another Time Another Place and Nico's The End. Further sessions included John Cale's Slow Dazzle before he was drafted back into Roxy Music for Siren. He then produced the bizarre New Zealand pop band Split Enz, whom he had discovered in 1974. During the Roxy Music hiatus of 1975, Manzanera recorded his first solo work, Diamond Head, as well as working on a reunion album with Quiet Sun, Mainstream. Both works were well-received. More work followed, including a major role in the presentation of Stomu Yamash'ta's Go at London's Royal Albert Hall, in conjunction with Steve Winwood.
Following the "devolution" of Roxy Music in 1976, Manzanera formed the eclectic 801 with Bill MacCormick (bass), Simon Phillips (drums), Lloyd Watson (guitar/vocals), Francis Monkman (keyboards) and Eno. The band was originally for a complete tour but their live performances were wittled down to three shows: a warm-up gig in Norfolk, a guest appearance at the 1976 Reading Festival and a sell-out concert at the Queen Elizabeth Hall, London on 3 September. The latter was recorded for 801 Live. The band then folded with Manzanera re-uniting with Ferry. One year later the guitarist issued a new 801 recording Listen Now, with the theme life in a totalitarian society. The work was notable for the use of Godley And Creme's famous Gizmo gadget, which produced the sound of strings from a guitar. After taking 801 back on the road, Manzanera issued the less adventurous solo album K-Scope. In the wake of Roxy Music's final split, he teamed up with former colleague Andy Mackay and vocalist James Wraith in the Explorers, issuing a self-titled album in 1985, before returning to solo work. Southern Cross (1990) featured guest vocals by former Split Enz member Tim Finn.
During the 90s, Manzanera became heavily involved with Latin American music, producing several Spanish-speaking artists. 1999's Vozero, his first new studio recording in almost 10 years, introduced Latin elements into the mix with Manzanera performing the lead vocals in Spanish and English. In the new millennium, Manzanera re-formed Roxy Music with Bryan Ferry, Andy Mackay and Paul Thompson to play a series of well-received concerts. His 2004 solo album, 6PM, featured guest appearances from Eno, Mackay and Thompson.
