Lanese made solo recordings for the Europa record label and also directed his own group, the Downtown Big Band. In addition, he worked as a music educator and clinician throughout Germany. He retired from the James Last Orchestra in 2002, but continues to play and teach.
Lanese recorded albums independently under the Europa label and directed the Downtown Big Band. Simultaneously, he was a music instructor and performer across Germany. Lanese left the James Last Orchestra in 2002 but remains active as both a musician and educator.