| Phil Chen | |
|---|---|
Chen (far left) with Manzarek-Krieger |
|
| Background information | |
| Also known as | Phillip Edward Chen |
| Origin | Kingston, Jamaica |
| Genres | Rock and roll, Reggae |
| Occupations | Musician |
| Instruments | Bass guitar |
| Years active | 1960s – present |
| Labels | Epic |
| Associated acts | Manzarek-Krieger, The Butts Band, Star Fleet Project, Jimmy James and the Vagabonds |
Phil Chen is a well-known Chinese-Jamaican bassist. He was one of England's most utilized session bassists during the 1970s and 1980s, including being part of the Rod Stewart band from 1977 to 1980, but is probably best known for his later work with Ray Manzarek and Robby Krieger of The Doors.
Phillip Chen was born and spent much of his early life in Kingston, Jamaica before relocating to England during the 1960s. Chen has worked with numerous nationally known musicians during his career since the 60s. He first joined Jimmy James and the Vagabonds before realizing that he could make much more money as a session musician. He went on to record with Jeff Beck on his album Blow by Blow, Donovan on his album Cosmic Wheels and Joan Armatrading on her album Back to the Night. He also joined The Butts Band led by Doors members Robby Krieger and John Densmore and recorded their self titled debut with them. He is also known for having been a member of Brian May's Star Fleet Project, along with Eddie Van Halen, in 1983.[1]
Other musicians Chen has performed and recorded with include Rod Stewart, Pete Townshend, Eric Clapton, Ray Charles, Desmond Dekker, Jerry Lee Lewis, Bob Marley, Jimmy Cliff and Jackson Browne among others.[2]
In 2004 he joined keyboardist Ray Manzarek and guitarist Robby Krieger (whom he had worked with in The Butts Band) in their Doors reformation, Manzarek–Krieger.