Phil Manzanera, the extraordinary guitarist of Roxy Music, 801, and the Explorers, celebrates his 65th birthday today. I’ll rarely pass up an opportunity to talk about and listen to Phil and his band mates and collaborators. Phil was born in London; his mother was Columbian and his father was English. While growing up, he lived in Hawaii, Columbia, Venezuela and Cuba, where he first picked up a guitar. The vibes from all of these places can be found in Phil’s playing.

Back in London, in 1971, Phil auditioned for a new art rock band that was being formed. The former guitarist for The Nice (Keith Emerson’s group) won the gig, but lost it after an onstage blow up with drummer Paul Thompson. In early 1972, Phil joined Bryan Ferry, Brian Eno, Thompson and Andy Mackay in Roxy Music. He remained there until the band’s breakup in 1983, and he was back with the band when they reunited in 2001.

During the long hiatus, Phil produced solo albums and played with 801 and the Explorers. He can also be found in collaboration with Eno, Mackay, John Wetton, and in 2006, with David Gilmour on his On An Island tour.

Phil is still making great music these days.