Phil Manzanera-Diamond Head (1975)

Phil Manzanera is widely known as one of the greatest guitarists in pop-rock history, as well as a founding member of the legendary bands Roxy Music and Quiet Sun, and a contributor to numerous projects for artists of the caliber of David Gilmour, John Wetton, Godley & Creme, and John Cale. Of Latin descent, his solo debut album, "Diamond Head", was released in the mid-1970s, showcasing an eclectic style ranging from progressive rock to soft rock, incorporating his Latin influences and jazz-rock. For this debut, Manzanera collaborated with a wide array of top-tier musicians, including Ian McDonald (King Crimson), Robert Wyatt (Soft Machine), Brian Eno (Roxy Music), Eddie Jobson (Curved Air), and John Wetton (King Crimson), among others. "Diamond Head" is comprised of a rewarding repertoire featuring the catchy, Latin-influenced "Frontera", the sophisticated title track, the pop-rock "Big Day", the avant-garde "Same Time Next Week", the intoxicating "East of Echo", and the progressive "Alma". Throughout, Manzanera's fluid guitar lines, the exceptional quality of all the compositions, and his creative arrangements stand out, making this an excellent work of great musicality.