From his childhood in Cuba and Hawaii to his pioneering work with Roxy Music and beyond, Phil Manzanera's musical odyssey has been a captivating blend of avant-garde experimentation, Latin influences, and a relentless pursuit of creative expression. As the 50 Years of Music box set showcases, Manzanera's diverse and prolific career has left an indelible mark on the music industry, defying genre boundaries and inspiring generations of artists.

Trailblazing Guitarist, Visionary Collaborator

Answering the Call of Avant-Rock

Manzanera's journey into the world of music began with a serendipitous encounter in the pages of Melody Maker. An intriguing advertisement for an "avant-rock group" seeking a guitarist with a unique set of attributes – "fast, slow, elegant, witty, scary, stable, tricky" – piqued his curiosity and set him on a path that would ultimately lead to his iconic tenure with Roxy Music. Though he didn't initially land the gig, Manzanera's persistence and adaptability allowed him to join the band, becoming an integral part of their groundbreaking "art collective experiment."

Embracing Diverse Influences

Manzanera's eclectic musical background, shaped by his childhood experiences in Cuba and Hawaii, infused Roxy Music's sound with a captivating blend of Latin rhythms and avant-garde sensibilities. While his bandmates may have been unaware of his South American roots, Manzanera found ways to subtly incorporate these influences, such as playing a 6/8 echo groove against drummer Paul Thompson's 4/4 beat, drawing on the foundations of cumbia. As he ventured out on his solo career, Manzanera's musical palette expanded further, with albums like Diamond Head and Southern Cross showcasing his deep connection to the music of his heritage.

Navigating the Complexities of Roxy Music

Manzanera's time with Roxy Music, though creatively fulfilling, was not without its challenges. He likened the band to a Rolls-Royce – beautiful, but difficult to navigate. The making of the group's final album, Avalon, was particularly strained, leading Manzanera to depart the band after the subsequent tour, bidding farewell to Bryan Ferry with the words, "Goodbye – it's been a great pressure working with you." This experience, in turn, inspired Manzanera's stark, drum-machine-driven album Primitive Guitars, a reaction to the lushness and intricacy of Roxy Music's final offering.

Embracing Independence and Experimentation

Manzanera's solo work, while not achieving mainstream commercial success, has been a testament to his unwavering artistic vision and commitment to experimentation. Recognizing the limitations of relying on others for creative control, he embraced an "indie" approach, as he puts it, "referencing Marx and Che Guevara." This independent spirit has allowed Manzanera to explore a wide range of musical styles, from psychedelic rock to collaborations with the likes of Pink Floyd and Tim Finn. Notably, his track "K-Scope" found unexpected mainstream success when it was sampled on Jay-Z and Kanye West's "No Church in the Wild," a testament to the enduring impact of Manzanera's musical legacy.

Returning to the Avant-Garde

As Manzanera's career has come full circle, he has found himself once again in the "avant-rock space," collaborating with his former Roxy Music bandmates Andy MacKay and Paul Thompson on a project that he describes as "90% improvised music." This return to the experimental roots that first drew him to music is a fitting culmination of Manzanera's remarkable journey, one that has spanned continents, genres, and decades, all while remaining true to his pioneering spirit.