PHIL LANZON – The Uriah Heep Keyboard Wizard!

1. You have a new album out called “48 Seconds”, please tell me about it…

It is my second solo project taken from new and old material that I realised was not suitable for Uriah Heep.

2. How did you choose the title for your album?

The title tends to choose itself. When I have written all the lyrics I then look for a word or phrase in the songs that sticks in the mind and I know instinctively that it’s right.

3. To the best of my knowledge, there are some symphonic and choir parts on the album. Did you use a real orchestra or virtual instruments through audio software?

Oh no! Even though some sounds from an electronical box are needed for effect, when it comes to the real thing there are no virtual instruments on my albums, only real violins and real vocal chords. When it’s real you can hear it breathing. Music should always be allowed to breath.

4. You wrote a song about the San Francisco earthquake, what do you remember learning of that event?

Indeed. As a kid of ten years old I read a book about the disaster and somehow the story stayed with me for years. I wanted to make a song about it but it never came to fruition. Until 2018 when it seemed the right time to bring it to the surface. I feel somehow I may have lost a family relative in the fire, I don’t know why I feel it but while recording the vocal I distinctly felt a chill. The song also brings to mind the power of nature beautifully stated by the children’s choir at the end.

5. How important is the inspiration of classical music for your work as a composer?

I am a big Mozart fan and am hugely inspired by the voicing of all composers classical and contemporary in the art of orchestration. I am also all ears to movie soundtracks.

6. What about the recording process, where and how did you record it?

Mastercord studio, the Bunker, Lower Denham and the orchestra was recorded at Air studios London. It was recorded using equipment I know nothing about but my producer Simon Hanhart does.

7. Do you plan any solo tour dates for the promotion of the album?

I would love to, but not at the moment as I would only perform with the real instruments and choir, so if there is anyone out there willing to back such a project please feel free to contact me.

8. How do you find time for your solo work since you are also a member of the band Uriah Heep?

As you can imagine I work piecemeal throughout. Fitting everything in between tours and festivals. Everything is possible if you work hard enough.

9. What is the band of Uriah Heep doing at the moment?

Festivals. Tour of Scandinavia, South America. Basically world touring.

10. Do you recall your days in the band of Grand Prix?

Yes indeed. A great underrated band.

11. Why did the band split up?

Mismanagement. Bad advice. 

12. Which is your next musical move?

Apart from Uriah Heep I am beginning to form ideas fro my third solo album. The wheels never stop turning. Have you read my book yet? Curse of the Mudchalk Devil. Check it out. Cheers. Rock on.

Artist information: https://www.phillanzonwordsandmusic.com