Santana [Original recording remastered]

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com essential recording
By the time Santana arrived on the San Francisco scene in 1968, the Grateful Dead's freeform antics were already legendary. But Santana was a jam band of another order--fueled by Latin rhythms, blues, bebop, and straight-ahead rock. Having set the audience at the 1969 Woodstock festival on its collective ear, the band did the same for the nation with its self-titled debut, released later that summer. Songs such as "Evil Ways," "Jingo," and "Soul Sacrifice" contain extraordinary ensemble playing, powered by percolating congas and timbales and topped by the grippingly human cry of Carlos Santana's guitar. The 1998 reissue of the album contains three bonus tracks recorded live at Woodstock: "Savor," "Soul Sacrifice," and "Fried Neckbones." --Daniel Durchholz

Tracks:

(Da Le) Yaleo
Love Of My Life (Featuring Dave Matthews)
Put Your Lights On ( Featuring Everlast)
Africa Bamba
Smooth (Featuring Rob Thomas)
Do You Like The Way (Featuring Lauryn Hill & CEE LO)
Maria Maria (Featuring The Product G&B, Produced by Wyclef)
Migra
Corazon Espinado (Featuring Mana)
Wishing It Was (Featuring Eagle Eye Cherry)
El Farol
Primavera
The Calling (Featuring Eric Clapton)

Amazon.com essential recording

The Arista debut of Carlos Santana and band gives fans of the soulful guitar vet two albums in one, but it's a decidedly good-news, bad-news proposition. First, there's a fine collection of late-'90s-model Santana--tastefully tooled songs driven by Latin jazz and Afro-Cuban rhythms ("[Da Le] Taleo," "Africa Bamba," "Migra," "Primavera," and the emotionally charged instrumental "El Farol") that allow Carlos plenty of elbowroom for his passionate soloing. Then there's the collection of tracks featuring a lineup of de rigueur alternative and hip-hop stars, including Dave Matthews, Everlast, Rob Thomas, Lauryn Hill, Wyclef Jean, and Eagle Eye Cherry. To their credit, Matthews ("Love of My Life") and Eagle Eye Cherry ("Wishing It Was") muster enough chemistry to make the fusion work. But the rest of the collaborations feel like an unnecessary stretch to reach out to a younger demographic that El Jefe has little trouble attracting on his own terms. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

No Mas!.......2007-07-14

If I hear another Santana song I will throw myself off a tall bridge. He is the most over-rated artist period.

an intriguing cross-section of musical flavors.............2007-06-08

What do you think of when you hear the name Santana? For me, my thoughts go to "Oye Como Va," "Black Magic Woman," and "Evil Ways." Carlos Santana has always been the epitome of cool, class and mad talent. That hasn't dulled with time, and he definitely hasn't softened with time. Carlos just has a deeper realized sazon (flavor), now. "Well," thought the producers of this album, "what better way to introduce Carlos Santana to the younger generation, than through blending his sound with a bunch of other artists that emerged in the last ten years or so?" Very intriguing idea. Does it work? On some cuts, it succeeds very well! While, on other cuts, the music comes across as [slightly] engineered to appeal, but it doesn't really make the lasting impression I would have loved to feel.

Some of the most well-known songs from this album include "Smooth" with Rob Thomas, "Maria, Maria," with Wyclef Jean, and "Corazon Espinado," with Mana. For me, "Smooth" was great to hear, the first several times on the radio, but I think it was [a bit] played out. Rob Thomas has strong vocals but they don't blend well with Santana. Thomas sounds almost too "trendy," here. The beauty of Santana is that he is timeless and he could appear on any album, from probably any time, and his scorchingly hot guitar licks would still ignite your speakers, and that is probably why this musical coupling didn't work so well. Whereas, "Maria, Maria" succeeds in sounding street and like Santana is channeling the hauntedness of the barrio with Wyclef's tight production (hip hop meets latin soul). Great! "Corazon Espinado" is right on the mark. Mexican rock band Mana sounds wonderful with Santana, and their vocals and back-up compliment him beautifully. If I was really going to analyze every track on this album, it would take all day for you to even get through this review! So, I will stop right now and just say that SUPERNATURAL is [overall] a very compelling project, and when it's good, it's great. If there are some songs you don't like, just skip them, because there really is something here for everyone.

Supernatural is Simply Super.......2007-05-30

As a sixty-something year old musician and guitarist who still gigs, I am truly amused by all those folks who love an artist's work SO much, they think time, and the artist should stand still. I have been a fan of Santana's since he first broke out, and I have every album he's ever made...and listen to them frequently. I also love SUPERNATURAL! I especially love his collabo's with younger artists. He's not so much reaching out to them, as he is bringing them into his world. If you are the kind of listener who wants to know before you open the jewel box what you will hear, Carlos is simply not for you. He has always experimented, and grown. Some of his "experiments" are lifelong companions, others don't work as well as they might. So what? As to all those who have the nerve to call Carlos Santana a sell-out simply because he has been successful, I remind you all, that this master is wealthy enough to never have to record or gig again in life, and that he does it for the sheer joy of it! I hear in this album his incredible joy at trying something else, and loving it. Rock on Carlos!

Great sounds.......2007-05-24

I really enjoyed this oldie but goodie. Santana has a certain sound that is easy to listen to.

Hey, Carlos! Get back with the Woodstock band!.......2007-04-13

Okay, so Santana traded his integrity for those little green slips of paper with important dead guys on them decades ago, so it's no surprise he made out like a bandit by collaborating with the likes of Lauryn Hill, Dave Matthews and ROB THOMAS (why, Carlos? WHYYYYYYY????????????) playing the MOST commercial stuff imaginable. I mean, who's he gonna drag into the studio next? Scott Stapp? I hope not. That would be a dark day for Santana-dom.
I know most kids my age were introduced to Santana via this album's 65.7234 billion hits. Not me, though. While I heard Smooth and the like before any "classic Santana", I didn't know it was by Santana at the time. So I was consciencelly exposed to 'Los through the classics: Black Magic Woman, Oye Como Va, Soul Sacrifice, No One to Depend On, Europa, etc. And did that stuff kick huge keister, or did it kick huge keister? I guess I did hear all the big-deal Supernatural/Shaman songs BEFORE Black Magic Woman and its compatriots, but again, I had no clue it was Santana. And that let me tell you, that stuff's a world away from this. I mean, this can't even lick Abraxas or Santana 3's boots. I like Smooth, though, even if we've all heard it thirty-five-and-three-quarters trillion times. Catchy song, even with ROB THOMAS (who I'd like to kick) doing his "soulful" moans and whispers. Honestly, that guy's got as much soul as courrogated cardboard. But that's okay, because of Santana's slinky, seductive six-string solo. (Like the alliteration?) Even better is (Da Le) Yaleo, a fun pseudo-instrumental with Latin lyrics; and the attack on U.S. immigration policies known as Migra. And Santana's still Santana, which means he can play his guitar like few others. One of the top guys in the guitar game.
The downsides: pretty much everything else, starting with Maria Maria. What's Santana doing with rappers? I'll tell you what: laughing all the way to the bank as his fans buy the album in droves and are forced to put up with crap like that. And how many times can you mention "Spanish Harlem" in one song? No wonder these guys call themselves the "Product G&B" (which stands for "Ghetto & blues" - how ridiculous can you get?): they are, indeed, pure product. But why stop blasting this now? Africa Bamba is obviously an attempt to pull another Latin-sung smash. But it's not Oye Como Va or Guajira, I'll say that right now. Meanwhile, Put Your Lights On is invariably dull angsty rambling nobody in their right mind would listen to more than once, while Love of My Life wins the Least Original Title award AND the Least Original Song Award. Whoa, great winnings. Amazing. Or maybe I'd give both prizes to Do You Like the Way. I'm torn, somebody help me! And The Calling, with Eric Clapton, should be this godly guitar jam, because it's got ERIC CLAPTON! And he's a REALLY GOOD GUITARIST! And a COMPLETE SELLOUT! JUST LIKE SANTANA! My god, two massive sellouts on one song... the only thing that's missing is a Rod Stewart vocal spot, and they'd be all set. Getting back to the song itself, it's an extrodinary example of wanksmanship that goes on far too long.
So yeah, it sold a bunch, but it's kind of bad... and really commercial... and stuff... and shouldn't be in the Definitive 200... yeah... don't know how to close the review...

Average customer rating:

Lots of good stuff, some not so great.
Am I the only fan who loves Touissant L'Overture?
A Good Buy!
Santana: Energetic Rhythms
The Best of Santana

The Best of Santana
Santana
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Best of Santana, Vol. 2
Supernatural
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Chronicle, Vol. 1: The 20 Greatest Hits

ASIN: B0000062FZ
Release Date: 1998-03-31

Tracks:

Jingo
Evil Ways
Black Magic Woman/Gypsy Queen
Oye Como Va
Samba Pa Ti
She's Not There
No One To Depend On
Open Invitation
Hold On
Bella
Winning
All I Ever Wanted
Dance Sister Dance (Baila Mi Hermana)
Europa (Earth's Cry, Heaven's Smile)
Everybody's Everything
Soul Sacrifice

Amazon.com

There are a couple of Santana best-of compilations out there, and even a few mastersound gold-plated CDs, but this collection is as good a place as any for a newcomer to explore. It contains the band's three essential charters--"Black Magic Woman," "Evil Ways," and "Oye Como Va"--along with some lesser hits. Santana broke barriers, making ethnic-influenced music palatable to the mainstream, but this set doesn't sound like a history lesson. Few bands have ever made better music for driving on a hot summer day, and this CD is ideal for blasting out the windows of your car on a crowded thoroughfare. --Charles R. Cross

Customer Reviews:

Lots of good stuff, some not so great........2007-07-15

The tracks on here range from blockbuster hits to some not so great stuff that should have not even made a "best of" CD.

Am I the only fan who loves Touissant L'Overture?.......2007-03-09

Okay, if junk like Open Invitation, Hold On and All I Ever Wanted can be considered the Best of Santana, then I'm a conservative Jesus freak/NRA spokesman/anti-gay activist who's also an advocate of censorship. Of course, those songs are pure crapola, which means I canNOT be considered a conservative Jesus freak/NRA spokesman/anti-gay activist who's also an advocate of censorship, thank god. And while I'm moaning, where the hell is Touissant L'Overture? I mean, seriously, it's a friggin' masterpiece of a song, probably the best off Santana III. It's dramatic, but not bombastic. Or maybe it IS bombastic, and that's what makes it work. I don't have a freaking clue. Hey, I'm on a roll here, so where's Guajira? How about ANYTHING from Caravanesari or Love, Devotion, Surrender, which most compilations for some reason refuse to acknowledge even though it's one of his greatest albums - I'd put it at #3, behind Santana III and Abraxas, with Caravanesari coming in 4th. Both of those LP's rock (okay, they're more salsa/jazz fusion LPs, but you get the idea), and neither are given any acknowledgment. Come on, throw us fans of Santana's jazzier stuff a bone here! PLEEEEEEEEEEEASE? The Jugando/Carnival/Let the Children Play medley would've been the best from Festival, but they waltz over it as if it wasn't some of the most pure fun you'll ever have with Santana. WTF?
Nevertheless, if you're a Santana newbie, this might or might not be the ideal introduction, it DOES contain Jingo, Evil Ways, Soul Sacrifice, Black Magic Woman/Gypsy Queen, Oye Como Va, Samba Pa' Ti, No One to Depend On, Dance Sister Dance, Europa and Winning (his only listenable '80's AOR hit), after all. But really, anybody looking to get into the guy should start with Abraxas and Santana III, then proceed to the rest of the guy's first five albums (Santana, Caravanesari and Love, Devotion, Surrender), and they'd have the best Santana ever made. But again, this isn't a bad way to get acquainted with the guitar god we call Santana.

A Good Buy!.......2007-01-12

This is a very good CD. The sound quality was great and the music brought back memories. This is one CD that all Santana fans should purchase. The service that I received from Amazon was 5 star, and the price even better. Aloha

Santana: Energetic Rhythms.......2006-11-03

I really like Santana's energic rhythm, it makes me happy and brightens my day. I actually purchased this because of one tune I heard on the radio that strikes a chord within every time I hear it. That song would be EUROPA. This melody takes me to a lovely place, a journey through a myriad of memories and emotions.

The Best of Santana.......2006-08-17

This is a weird CD. For tracks 1-7, it is nearly perfect. Then, abruptly, tracks 8-12 suck big time -- very 80's and disco-ish. Then at track 13 it gets great again for the remainder of the CD. It's like a "Best of Van Halen" that randomly throws a block of Sammy Hagar tracks in the middle of a bunch of classic David Lee Roth material. Did Santana suck for a while and then get good again? Or is this CD just non-chronological? Whatever, it's a good CD, and it certainly has enough good songs to justify the price. You might want to burn it and cut out tracks 8-12.

Average customer rating:

great listen
ABRAXAS IS ONE OF SANTANA'S MANY GREAT ACHIEVEMENTS.
A masterpiece....
A classic rock album still being played today.
Great Album but Needs Better Remastering!

Abraxas
Santana
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Santana
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ASIN: B0000062FL
Release Date: 1998-03-31

Tracks:

Singing Winds, Crying Beasts
Black Magic Woman/Gypsy Queen
Oye Como Va
Incident At Neshabur
Se A Cabo
Mother's Daughter
Samba Pa Ti
Hope You're Feeling Better
El Nicoya
Se A Cabo (Live)
Toussaint L'Overture (Live)
Black Magic Woman/Gypsy Queen (Live)

Amazon.com essential recording

Santana's 1970 follow-up to their Woodstock-propelled smash '69 debut found leader Carlos Santana further expanding his San Francisco group's already broad musical boundaries. To wit: two hit singles that emanated from opposite ends of the spectrum--"Black Magic Woman," originally written and recorded by English blues-rock guitarist Peter Green and Fleetwood Mac, and New York Latin percussionist/dance music king Tito Puente's infectious "Oye Como Va." Tying blues, rock, and salsa together in one pancultural package, Abraxas also featured such standout tracks as "Gypsy Queen" and "Singing Winds, Crying Beasts." The latter underscored the growing Eastern sensibilities of guitarist Santana. --Billy Altman

Customer Reviews:

great listen.......2007-07-12

While not the very best Santana album (that would be the jazzier Caravanserai) Abraxas really opened the door for more great music just a couple years later for the highly original-sounding Santana. If you've never heard any Santana before, well, that's just wrong because you HAVE heard at least three of their songs (and maybe even the lost classic "Winning") you'd know the band is known for mixing latin rhythms into their rock and roll sound. Every Santana album in the early 70's had this style. It made them stand out from other musical artists BIG time back then.

Abraxas is the most popular album mainly because it features the two biggest hits from the band "Black Magic Woman" and "Oye Como Va". Those aren't the only great songs, in fact, those are just the tunes that warm you up for the rest of the album, which is probably even better than the two hits. "Singing Winds, Crying Beasts" opens the album on a quiet note, building in suspense the great guitar and keyboard work that the Abraxas album pulls off so well. "Incident At Neshabur" is probably the best song on here, because it leans more on the jazzy side and gives Santana a chance to really get a feel for his guitar playing.

The second side of the album is just really solid latin rock/hard rock. I really made a mistake when I originally said this album was overrated. Nope, far from it. The music is too good to be ignored.

ABRAXAS IS ONE OF SANTANA'S MANY GREAT ACHIEVEMENTS........2007-04-16

I will be writing a review on the legendary masterpiece album entitled "SANTANA / ABRAXAS" by one of Rock's all-time greatest legendary bands and one of the greatest latino performers ever. I give you one of America's as well as San Francisco's pride and joy's, S-A-N-T-A-N-A. "ABRAXAS" was originally released in 1970 on Vinyl/LP and 8-Track on the Columbia Records Label which is a division of Sony Music Inc. This legendary album would see it first release on Compact Disc in the late 80's. "ABRAXAS" would also be released in 1991 on a 24 KT Gold Plated Compact Disc in the ORIGINAL MASTER RECORDING / ULTRADISC series by Mobile Fidelity Sound lab under license from Columbia Records. I purchased this Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab release in 1991. When I played both the regular CD release and the Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab release, believe me when I tell you that there is a huge difference in overall sound quality. The Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab release is far more superior than the regular CD release. Having an extremely expensive home stereo system at home, I can play all of the "ABRAXAS" recent album releases on Compact Disc including the DIGITALLY REMASTERED series. Playing them all, it is my opinion and conclusion that the Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab release sounds far more superior than any of the other regular and DIGITALLY REMASTERED Compact Discs available. As always, if I hear any new additional information concerning this legendary masterpiece album or the artist, I will edit this review immediately so that you the consumer will get the overall best informative and most accurate review possible.

RITCHIE VALENS would forever be known as the first true latino hispanic Rock star of his kind that would combine latin songs with Rock n' Roll. However, VALENS' untimely death in February 1959 along with BUDDY HOLLY and J.P. "The big Bopper" RICHARDSON would mark the end of an era and Rock n' Roll's first real tragedy calling the fatality "the day the music died." With VALENS gone, who would be the next latino hispanic Rock star to pick up where VALENS left off. It would be years later before the whole world would get their answer.

Originally born in Autlan De Navarro, Mexico, but relocated to Tijuana, Mexico several years later, it would be in Tijuana that Carlos Santana would fall in love with his first passion, the guitar. In 1961, Carlos Santana would make a decision that would forever change his life. Carlos Santana would make the crossing himself, by moving from his native Mexico to San Francisco, California. It would be in San Francisco, a few years later that SANTANA would form the SANTANA BLUES BAND. Like his fellow latino hispanic predecessor RITCHIE VALENS, SANTANA'S mixture of music would comprise of Latin music, Latin Blues music, Jazz and Rock n' Roll. With this in mind, SANTANA was beginning to gain respect and recognition for his innovating sound and music taking right where RITCHIE VALENS left off. SANTANA would really gain more recognition and fame following his blistering performance at the Woodstock Festival in 1969.

SANTANA would record and release his self-titled debut album "SANTANA" in 1969 to highly critically acclaim. At last, SANTANA'S name will forever always be next to RITCHIE VALENS' name as one of the few latino hispanic Rock stars. Following the release of SANTANA'S self-titled debut album and the extremely successful World Tour that followed, it was now time for SANTANA to triumphantly head back into the recording studio and record the follow-up album to the extremely successful self-titled debut album.

After a certain amount of time flew by, SANTANA would evolve out of the recording studio with the finished and completed product and hand the album in to Columbia Records. As a result, Columbia Records would release this album as the "ABRAXAS" album in 1970. "ABRAXAS" would become a far more polished and superior album then that of the self-titled debut album released in 1969. And just think, it would take a PETER GREEN (FORMALLY OF FLEETWOOD MAC) composition called "Black Magic Woman" to not only really put SANTANA on the Rock n' Roll map, but forever secure SANTANA with his true trademark sound. In my opinion, "ABRAXAS" is without a doubt, a true testament of an extremely talented guitar genius and a fine fitting tribute to a great legendary artist and his band that were truly indeed, far ahead of their time.

It is now time for the sound and music of SANTANA to speak for itself and back it up by doing all of the talking musically. The legendary masterpiece album "ABRAXAS" begins with the incredible sounding latin music extravaganza "Singing Winds, Crying Beasts," with would evolve into the PETER GREEN composition classic and the forever SANTANA trademark rendition latin Rocker "Black Magic Woman / Gypsy Queen," the groundbreaking second spanish speaking Rock hit song ever, "Oye Como Va," the fast paced Latin / Jazz song "Incident At Neshabur," the amazing Latin Rocker "Se A Cabo," the breathtaking Latin Rocker "Mother's Daughter," the slow and beautifully arranged Latin Rocker "Samba Pa Ti," the blistering Latin Hard Rocker "Hope You're Felling Better" and the one minute and twenty-nine second Spanish Latin song "El Nicoya." May I also add that SANTANA'S revolutionary guitar riffs and licks are really the true Rock stuff that is made of legend. SANTANA'S unbelievable guitar arrangements and playing were sizzlin' red hot and on fire while recording the song tracks for this legendary album.

Overall, this is one hell of a great album worth seeking further research and information into and checking out especially if you are a hardcore diehard SANTANA fan or a devout music collector. As for all of the curious newcomers and new beginners that are not familiar with the sound and music of SANTANA, you might want to check out the many greatest hits compilation albums first before you decide on which SANTANA album to purchase that you feel is right for you. You can do all of your researching and purchase all of the SANTANA albums either through both Amazon com or Borders Books and Music stores.

I would like to highly recommend purchasing this legendary masterpiece album to own as a valuable and important part of his or her own personal music collection. This legendary album has forever proven to stand the test of time and will always be around to be enjoyed, appreciated and cherished for many years to come, NOW AND FOREVER. This is one great treasure album that no hardcore music fan or devout music collector would want to be without.

In closing, following the release of "ABRAXAS," SANTANA would embrace on another World Tour to promote the "ABRAXAS" album. SANTANA would perform before sell-out crowds the world over up to this very day. As you are all well aware, the SANTANA legend and legacy does not even come close to ending here. SANTANA would record and release many more great albums and hit single songs for many more years to come. But that, my fellow readers and reviewers, you will all just have to stay tuned and read further about it at a later date. SANTANA received the highest ultimate honor by being inducted as a member of the Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame. With this in mind, SANTANA has forever left his mark in Rock n' Roll history and will never be forgotton. So here's to you CARLOS. Thanks for the great memories with many more to come. Keep Persevering. Keep The Faith. And as the saying goes, "AND THE REST IS ROCK N' ROLL HISTORY," need I say more? Thanks for reading my review and I hope that you have enjoyed reading it as much as I have enjoyed writing it for your reading pleasure. I also hope that all of you will read all of my other reviews in the near future when time permits. LONG LIVE SANTANA. Long Live Rock n' Roll. Rock out always and take it easy. Forever In Rock, John L.

A masterpiece...........2007-03-08

...other than the two Gregg Rolie tracks, anyway. I always thought Santana was a world-class guitarist with a stellar backing band who made several good albums, but never anything excellent. Other than Abraxas, anyway. Now, I found myself begging for mercy on the two Gregg Rolie vocal tracks (Mother's Daughter, Hope You're Feeling Better) - hey buddy, shut the #!@% up and play your organ! And don't step on Santana, either. And the group lacked a quality lyricist at this point - only Rolie, who of course WROTE Mother's Daughter and Hope You're Feeling Better - brainless lyrics and all. Okay, no more dissing Rolie, because that'll take away from the main intent of this review. Abraxas is awesome-and-a-half, off the power of the subliminally beautiful Samba Pa' Ti, killer jam Oye Como Va (my favorite Santana song), fusion pieces Singing Winds Crying Beasts and Incident at Neshabur, and especially the ever-popular Black Magic Woman/Gypsy Queen, exquisite Latin blues thanks to Santana's leads, which sparkle. There's a lot of jamming here, but it's tight and focused - nothing runs longer than five-and-a-half minutes. And hey, these guys had the Latin/rock/funk/blues/jazz/whatever-else-came-their-way groove DOWN. So be sure to buy this if Santana does anything for you, since this is easily the best thing to bear the Santana name. The debut, III, Caravanesari and Love, Devotion, Surrender shouldn't be missed either.

A classic rock album still being played today........2006-03-28

This cd was originally my father's and he played it in rememberance of his crazy days back in 1971 crusing in his Pontiac Firebird. I gave it a listen and loved it. Especially Black Magic Woman/Gypsy Queen. Other genius tracks that led me to replay were

Singing Winds,Crying Beasts Track 1
Se a Cabo track 5
Hope your feeling better track 8
and the romantic Samba Pa Ti track 7

The only track i don't not agree should be on this original 8 track album is track 9 El Nicoya I strongly recommend to buy the new version relased in 2000 since it has live tracks played april of 1970.I also recommend buying Supernatural. Perfect album I will listen for days to come Santana Abraxas

Great Album but Needs Better Remastering!.......2006-03-11

I'm not sure why reviews of the gold, DTS and other versions are all on this page when clearly this page refers to the re-issued "re-mastered" 1998 version with bonus tracks but in any case, I'll review this version in case anyone's interested.

The cd itself has got great liner notes explaining a brief early history of Santana which is a nice touch. The bonus tracks, all previously unreleased, actually enhance the listening experience which seldom results as many other attempts at adding bonus tracks to otherwise classic albums tend to take away somewhat from the overall quality of the album. Also, given the fact that these last 3 tracks were recorded live at the Royal Albert Hall, the sound quality is very good.

However, it's with the main course of this meal and not the dessert that I have my beef with. I don't know how much of this is due to a severely deteriorated master source but the sound quality of the album proper (i.e. the first 9 tracks) is quite poor. The volume levels are low overall and the bass seems to overpower everything else.

To its credit, nowhere on the cd does it claim that this album has been remastered only that it has been mastered by Vic Anesini which gives us hope that the powers that be can still seek out a better master source from the vaults or do a proper remastering job with today's state of the art equipment to truly do justice to this brilliant classic rock album.

And now to the quality of the songs: Carlos Santana who once played with Miles Davis is very obviously heavily influenced by him, Tito Puente and Gabor Szabo (Gypsy Queen) and this is very evident on this album. Peter Green from the original Fleetwood Mac and the composer of "Black Magic Woman" was also involved in the making of this cover version of his song which is arguably even better than the original which may not be the case for the other cover "Oye Como Va" wherein Tito Puente's version with lots more percussion probably is better and yet both tracks are every upcoming guitarist's dream jam songs.

Speaking as a guitarist myself I can tell you that there are few joys that surpass that of jamming to "Oye Como Va" with a band and "Black Magic Woman" is one of the first songs that I learnt to play note-for-note when I first started playing years ago. Although most people remember the album for these 2 tracks, the rest of the tracks are also very good and "Samba Pa Ti" is just a brilliant piece of mood music and great tone and phrasing on the part of Carlos on guitar.

There is little doubt in my mind that Santana will make the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame soon if they are not already in there and that this album will be the main reason why. My recommendation is to wait for the May release of this album on mini lp sleeve replica and hopefully with better sound quality by our friends in Japan who tend to do a better job of sound production generally and so I'm keeping my fingers crossed, having already pre-ordered my copy.

If you don't mind too much about sound quality, then go ahead and get this album if you are a fan of great classic rock and/or you are an aspiring rock guitarist as this is essential listening if you belong to either category.

Recommended.

Average customer rating:

Santana always excellent
Shaman- Another Santana Smash
Keep Santana away from the superstars
awesome!
Much Better Than Supernatural

Shaman
Santana
Manufacturer: Arista
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Supernatural
All That I Am
The Best of Santana
The Best of Santana, Vol. 2
Abraxas

ASIN: B00006IR5V
Release Date: 2002-10-22

Tracks:

Adouma
Nothing At All (Featuring Musiq)
The Game Of Love (Featuring Michelle Branch)
You Are My Kind (Featuring Seal)
Amore (Sexo) (Featuring Macy Gray)
Foo Foo
Victory Is Won
Since Supernatural (Featuring Melkie Jean & Governor Washington)
America (Featuring P.O.D.)
Sideways (Featuring Citizen Cope)
Why Don't You & I (Featuring Chad Kroeger from Nickelback)
Feels Like Fire (Featuring Dido)
Aye Aye Aye
Hoy Es Adios (Featuring Alejandro Lerner)
One Of These Days (Featuring Ozomatli)
Novus (Featuring Placido Domingo)

Amazon.com

How could Carlos Santana hope to follow the massive comeback album Supernatural? The solution he settled upon was to once again pull in as many guest artists as possible. Shaman features a slew of stars, but, despite their presence, the instrumental "Victory Is Won" is the standout track here, as Santana blazes through an exhibition of his patented fusion of Latin and rock. In contrast, the sugary pop single "The Game of Love," sung by Michelle Branch, illustrates the lack of consistency that mars the album. Only Ozomatli and Macy Gray seem to totally get Santana. That said, his cover of Angelique Kidjo's "Adouma" is storming, and Santana stands strong when he ventures into world-music territory ("Foo Foo," "Aye, Aye"). However, if the celebrated guitarist had concentrated a little more on who he is and not on who he believes people would like him to be, he'd have made a better album. --Jake Barnes

Customer Reviews:

Santana always excellent.......2007-06-16

This cd has a lot of good songs with the proffesional touch that santana knows perfectly. One review says that the latin song Foo Foo is too long. I can tell this person does not know anything about latin music because salsa's songs used to be really long in '70. Therefore, Foo Foo is an excellent production.

Shaman- Another Santana Smash.......2007-05-17

I have been a Santana fan for many years going back to the 60's and Carlos has never failed to come through on every album he has made, and Shaman is no exception. His Latin rhythms are evident in just about every song, no matter who the featured artist is. This is recommended for anybody who appreciates the greatest guitarist of all time.

Keep Santana away from the superstars.......2007-04-28

So Supernatural turned Clive Davis from rich to filthy rich. He made a point of churning out a sequel, Shaman, which made him even richer thanks to hits like "The Game of Love", sung by Michelle Branch (who may be the worst female singer I've ever heard - her voice cracks more than mine does. Thankfully, Carlos saves the song from being a horrendous disaster with his guitar), the Latin-sung "Foo Foo", which is actually great (a rarity for this album), if a bit too long, and "Why Don't You and I", which swaps the Nickelback guy in for the Matchbox-20 guy and uses crunchy guitars instead of horns but other than that could easily be mistaken for "Smooth". And there's a fun Latin dance song, "Aye, Aye, Aye". But if they expect me to sit through a bunch of unoriginal rockers like "You Are My Kind", "Nothing at All", "Victory is Won" and "America", a bunch of really dull ballads like "Novus", "Hoy Es Adios", "Sideways" and the Dido-sung "Feels Like Fire", and a couple of raps with the most boring bedroom lyrics I can imagine ("Amore (Sexo)", "Let Me Love You Tonight"), they must think I'm stupid or something. And then Santana just sits back and lets it happen, because he's playing a painful practical joke on all of us, trying to fool us into thinking that just because it's Santana automatically means it's good. No, Carlos, we're not that stupid. Your fans are educated (or at least in the process of being educated) people. Think of it like this, man: your fans who have lost their respect for you after hearing the newer stuff will regain it if you get back with the Woodstock band, put out some old-school Latin-blues-rock, and tell Clive Davis to go do himself. Oh, and if Carlos ever collaborates with Noel Gallagher, I'll have to kick him.

awesome!.......2007-01-01

THIS CD IS FANTASTIC! IT IS BETTER THAN "SUPERNATURAL". DEFINATELY WORTH BUYING & LISTENING TO FOREVER.

Much Better Than Supernatural.......2006-12-12

I am not a fan of the Santana collaborations but own both Supernatural and Shaman (hey, I wanted to give them both a shot). What I really hated about Supernatural was the way the guest artists seemed to be using the Santana name to push themselves. But on Shaman there seems to be a little bit less of that approach and a little more emphasis on the music (not much though).

I believe 'Game of Love' is one of the best songs on either release and would have been a standout single at any time in history. The rest of the cd flows well enough and isn't a complete disaster.

That said, this is still not the Santana that millions of fans grew up loving. Pick up one of his first 3 cds and you'll see what I mean.

Lil Wayne & Juelz Santana: Mick Boogie Presents Blow

Average customer rating:

this mixtape is fire
I CANT FEEL MY FACE PART 2

Lil Wayne & Juelz Santana: Mick Boogie Presents Blow

Manufacturer: Mick Boogie
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
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Lil' Wayne-Mick Boogie-"The Color Of Money" (Mixtape)
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LIL WAYNE DA DROUGHT 3 (MIXTAPE) 2 CD SET
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Lil Wayne DJ Drama Dedication 2 (Mixtape) CD Gangsta Grillz

ASIN: B000JWDWJU

Product Description

Mick Boogie hooks up with two of the hottest names in the game to bring this exclusive and official I CANT FEEL MY FACE prequel album. Cameos from Rick Ross, T.I, Young Jezzy, Outkast, Snoop Dogg, and more.

Customer Reviews:

this mixtape is fire.......2007-05-16

this is the best mixtape i have ever bought. juelz is sick, and anyhting with lil wayne on it is gonna be good. buy this , you wont be disapointed

I CANT FEEL MY FACE PART 2.......2006-11-30

THIS CD IS HOT...... LIL WAYNE AND JUELZ SANTANA TOGETHER IS FIRE!!!!!! PART 1 IS HOT TOO

CARLOS SANTANA & WAYNE SHORTER/LIVE @ MONTREUX JAZZ FEST/CD

Average customer rating:

Jaap, Zoetermeer, The Netherlands
Doesn't work that well, but who cares?
Dream Band: Santana and Shorter
What Can I say?
A disappointment

CARLOS SANTANA & WAYNE SHORTER/LIVE @ MONTREUX JAZZ FEST/CD
Santana
Manufacturer: Image Entertainment
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Carlos Santana & Wayne Shorter - Live at Montreux (1988)
Brown Street
Pilgrimage
Metheny Mehldau Quartet
Time and Time Again

ASIN: B000MRA6R8
Release Date: 2007-03-27

Tracks:

Spiritual
Peraza
Shhh
Incident at Neshabur
Elegant People
Goodness & Mercy - Sanctuary

Tracks:

For Those Who Chant
Blues for Salvador
Fireball 2000
Ballroom in the Sky
Once It's Gotcha
Mandela
Deeper, Dig Deeper
Europa

Amazon.com

It began almost as a lark when Carlos Santana encountered his longtime friend and hero Wayne Shorter on the concert trail in Atlanta, GA, in 1987. Carlos said, "Let's start a rumor that we're putting a band together."Wayne's eyes got bigger and brighter as he smiled and then responded: "Yeah, Carlos, let's start a rumor."

A few months later the Carlos Santana/Wayne Shorter Band performed its debut concert at The Fillmore in San Francisco, the beginning of a 26-concert tour throughout the U.S. and Europe. The performance of this magnificent band was recorded at Montreux, Switzerland, on July 14, 1988, and includes interviews with Carlos Santana, Wayne Shorter and festival creator Claude Nobs.

DISC 1: Spiritual - Peraza - Shhh - Incident at Neshabur - Elegant People - Goodness & Mercy - Sanctuary

DISC 2: For Those Who Chant - Blues for Salvador - FIreball 2000 - Ballroom in the Sky - Once It's Gotcha - Mandela - Deeper, Dig Deeper - Europa.

Musicians: Carlos Santana - guitar / Wayne Shorter - saxophone / Chester Thompson - keyboards / Patrice Rushen - keyboards / Alphonso Johnson - bass / Armando Peraza - congas / Jose Chepito Areas - timbales / Leon "Ndugu" Chancler - drums

Customer Reviews:

Jaap, Zoetermeer, The Netherlands.......2007-07-06

I already have several Santana CD's and I love his particular sound.
I do appreciate jazz and fusion music a lot and also rock music.
This combination with Wayne Shorter is in my opinion a masterpiece and a must-have for Santana fans who also enjoy Jazz muzic. GREAT LIVE PERFORMANCE in good quality recording!

Doesn't work that well, but who cares?.......2007-06-29

I don't.

I've been longing to hear Carlos Santana in an all instrumental setting, sans the cloying vocals, for years. And he delivers, along with his altogether remarkable band, big time.

This is probably the worst I've ever heard Wayne Shorter. He just doesn't seem to be on board with the vibe. Consequently, his playing comes across as tentative, groping, unfocused. Plus, he's very poorly recorded--too far back in the mix and improperly mic'd. It doesn't even matter that Santana is half the musician Shorter is. This is his gig, and he nails it. Patrice Rushen (keyboards) ain't half bad either. Same for Alphonso Johnson (bass) and Leon Ndugu Chancler (drums). These dudes can play.

If you were hoping for a stellar Shorter performance (as I was) you're going to be disappointed (e.g., his lame theme from Star Wars quote on "Shh," strangely reprised and nearly beat to death on "Elegant People," coupled with his generally phlegmatic/pedestrian playing throughout). My advice? Get over it, and just sit back and enjoy some very smart live jazz/fusion instrumental music that always beguiles and sometimes mesmerizes.

****1/2.

Dream Band: Santana and Shorter.......2007-05-18

For those of you who missed this short tour, this is a great performance of a an allstart dream band. Carlos and Wayne fill the Montreux skies with soaring sounds with great chemistry and energy. Patrice Rushen is no slouch as a great instrumentalist in her own right. Unfortunately, Alphonso's bass solo did not make the cut on this dvd\cd. Percussion is the backbone of all Carlos' bands and they mesh like a glove. Of all of their concert tours since the mid 70's, this is my favorite due to the once in a lifetime get together and a very creative period for this band. Thank You Carlos and Wayne for releasing this. Thanks

What Can I say?.......2007-05-13

What can I say about this album? Really, not much more than what has already been said about the guitar master himself, Carlos Santana. Carlos Santana is superb on everything he does and this CD is no exception. You can hear the pride he takes in his music and himself while listening to this CD. Carlos Santana is the best guitar player, whether it's rock, ballads, jazz, latino, or whatever it is, to come out of the late 60s and still going strong today. This is definately a must album for anyone. If you like rock, latino, and jazz music all in one, this is a perfect album to have.

A disappointment.......2007-04-29

It would seem to be a match made in heaven but it was not to be. These are 2 of my favorite musicians but it really doesn't work.It appears to be Santanas band and Shorter doesn't fit. In his solos he tries too hard to be exciting and the recording engineer does not have him out front, he is overpowered by the electronics and percussion. A JAZZ TIMES review said it shouldn't have come out of the vault but that is abit harsh.If you like Santana you will like this. If you want great Shorter, forget it. And it is not really his fault.

Average customer rating:

Santana's First Album is Well Worth It
(3.5 stars) Good, but sadly not excellent
Carlos Santana's Smokin' Debut
Santana's 1st release
Fantastic Debut Album

Santana
Santana
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Abraxas
Santana III
Caravanserai
Santana III
Are You Experienced

ASIN: B0000062FJ
Release Date: 1998-03-31

Tracks:

Waiting
Evil Ways
Shades Of TIme
Savor
Jingo
Persuasion
Treat
You Just Don't Care
Soul Sacrifice
Savor (Live)
Soul Sacrifice (Live)
Fried Neckbones (Live)

Amazon.com essential recording

By the time Santana arrived on the San Francisco scene in 1968, the Grateful Dead's freeform antics were already legendary. But Santana was a jam band of another order--fueled by Latin rhythms, blues, bebop, and straight-ahead rock. Having set the audience at the 1969 Woodstock festival on its collective ear, the band did the same for the nation with its self-titled debut, released later that summer. Songs such as "Evil Ways," "Jingo," and "Soul Sacrifice" contain extraordinary ensemble playing, powered by percolating congas and timbales and topped by the grippingly human cry of Carlos Santana's guitar. The 1998 reissue of the album contains three bonus tracks recorded live at Woodstock: "Savor," "Soul Sacrifice," and "Fried Neckbones." --Daniel Durchholz

Customer Reviews:

Santana's First Album is Well Worth It.......2007-03-14

Hard-driving, original, and imaginative, the music on this album was way ahead of its time. These songs are as easy-going and enjoyable as they are deep expressions of emotion. You'll be glad you have this one. The bonus tracks are Santana at Woodstock, including the previously unreleased "Fried Neckbones".

(3.5 stars) Good, but sadly not excellent.......2007-03-10

Okay, each of Santana's first five albums (everything from this, his/their debut, to Love, Devotion, Surrender) is awesome to a certain degree. And this is the weakest of it. Why? I'm sorry, but three of the four songs sung in English BLOW. It's true. Do I buy a Santana album because I want to hear Greg Rolie bellowing "You've got the Persuasion, blah, blah, blah...", whining about how "You just don't care..." (a true statement!) or babbling about Shades of Time? No. I buy a Santana album because Carlos Santana can play his friggin' guitar. Okay, the notable exception is Evil Ways. [...]. It's true. Come on, sing it with me... "You've got to change your evil ways/baby..." Pretty damn catchy, no? And Rolie makes up for singing all those crap lyrics on those other song with that little organ blurb after the first chorus.
Don't panic, though. If it's not sung in English (or is an instrumental, for that matter), it's probably an absolute KILLER. Soul Sacrifice is a showstopper, the song that broke them through at Woodstock and is, without a doubt, the best song here. I especially love that part when Rolie and Carlos trade bars for a couple seconds. Cool, no? Jingo would've made for a killer opener, I think, but what the hell. It's one of my favorites regardless of where it was sequenced. You want polyrhythm? Well, you got it! Waiting kicks things off on a solid note, sure it sounds a bit like Soul Sacrifice but Soul Sacrifice is so damn good that doesn't mean a thing. Savor takes a bit longer than the other good tracks here to get its mojo workin', but once it gets past that introduction it's good. Not great, but good. Treat's the only instrumental here I DON'T like - it's just kinda blah.
Don't start here if you're building a Santana collection - Abraxas and III are places to go. But don't miss it, either. Added bonus: The best cover art EVER to grace a Santana record.

Carlos Santana's Smokin' Debut.......2007-02-19

Though Carlos Santana has achieved many accomplished works over the course of almost 40 years in modern music, this CD is among my top 20 favorites of all time. I just acquired the re-mastered version, having had the cassette tape for many years. Carlos Santana has proven with this album that he is the King of the Latin percussion-infused jams. His unique blend of rhythm, distorted soulful organ riffs and fiery guitar solos have achieved him musical distinction, beginning nearly 40 years ago.

When I heard "Waiting" for the first time in a long time, it made me want to get up and do the rhumba. Even better than that, the integral "Shades of Time/Savor" had me looking for the nearest furniture that I could play the congas on. This music is definitely addicting and the re-mastered version includes three tracks recorded at Woodstock.

I highly recommend this.

Santana's 1st release.......2006-07-30

The Santana Debut.
A brilliant combination of Rock, Latin and African influence.
I have owned this album first on vinyl and later on CD. Over 35 years now and songs like Evil way and Soul Sacrifice sound as fresh as new.
3 Santana albums are a necessity for any collector
Santana
Abraxas
Santana III

These are the basic and best of many other great titles Carlos Santana released in all these years.
Well recommended.

Fantastic Debut Album.......2006-03-19

More than 35 years after its initial release, Santana's first album still remains fresh and relevant.
Latin rhythms, rock and blues all merge together to form Santana's unique sound.
This "30th Anniversary Edition" has been digitally remastered and sounds great.
The icing on the cake is the three bonus tracks from Santana's electrifying Woodstock performance, a performance that shot the band into national prominence and deservedly so.
The original Santana band lineup was to go on to make 2 more excellent albums (Abraxas and III) before parting ways but neither of them, nor the albums that followed with other musicians, capture the raw energy of the group the way this first album did.

Average customer rating:

A Classic!
Santana The Best Instrumentals
Best Instrumentals
From the inside!!
Just the music

Best Instrumentals (Sony)
Santana
Manufacturer: Sbme Import
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Essential Santana
The Best of Santana, Vol. 2
Caravanserai
Oneness: Silver Dreams Golden Reality
Santana III

ASIN: B000006X37
Release Date: 2000-12-25

Tracks:

Samba Pa Ti
Europa (Earth's Cry Heaven's Smile)
I Love You Too Much
Aqua Marine
Bella
Moonflower
Life Is A Lady/Holiday
Full Moon
Song Of The Wind
Tales Of Kilimanjaro
Love Is You
Guru's Song
Treat
Blues For Salvador
Soul Sacrifice

Album Description

Mid-priced compilation featuring 15 of the guitar legend's absolute finest instrumental works, including 'Samba Pa Ti','Europa (Earth's Cry Heaven's Smile)', 'I Love You Much Too Much', 'Life Is A Lady/ Holiday', 'Blues For Salvador' & 'Soul Sacrifice'. 1997 Sony release.

Album Details

Tracks Include: Europa, Samba Pa Ti, Europa (Earth's Cry, Heaven's Smile), Flor D'Luna (Moonflower) Tales of Kilimanjaro and More.

Customer Reviews:

A Classic!.......2007-07-02

This compilation cd is a great collection of Santana favorites. The instrumentals only feature lifts these recordings from a 60's/70's, etc. retrospective into a terrific adult contemporary classic.

Santana The Best Instrumentals.......2007-03-19

This CD has a number of Santana's classic hits like Samba Pa Ti, Flor de Luna, and Soul Sacrifice that I really enjoyed, however, in my opinion those are the only really good songs and this is a mediocre album.

Best Instrumentals.......2006-11-06

This is great collection. This is the flavor of Santana I enjoy most.

From the inside!!.......2005-08-20

This is a very good compilation of only instrumentals by the master. My only regret is that "Every Step of the Way" from "Caravanserai" is missing. That is one of the most powerful Santana songs ever. Also, my favorite in this compilation is "Aquamarina".

Just the music.......2005-01-09

There are many great guitarists in the world but only Carlos Santana can move me like he does. Long ago I made my own version of this album on cassette because I wanted all these great instumentals on one tape. Finally it has been done and been done right. Europa is easily the best instrumental number ever and I would argue one of the best songs of all time. It is perfectly married with all the other great Santana numbers that were usually the best thing on their respective albums.
Put this on, turn the lights down low and lose yourself in the music.

Average customer rating:

Santana at their best
Muy gracias, Carlos
Santana starts down the fusion path
This one still works
DARING MUSICAL WORK

Caravanserai
Santana
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Borboletta
Abraxas
Moonflower
Santana III
Santana

ASIN: B0000AKY7E
Release Date: 2003-09-30

Tracks:

Eternal Caravan Of Reincarnation
Waves Within
Look Up (To See What's Coming Down)
Just In Time To See The Sun
Song Of The Wind
All The Love Of The Universe
Future Primitive
Stone Flower
La Fuente Del Ritmo
Every Step Of The Way

Customer Reviews:

Santana at their best.......2007-06-28

Santana were probably one of the most consistent classic rock bands of the 70's. Every album is listenable the entire way through. When you have a unique latin sound, and are able to successfully implement that style into your music and not branch away from the formula, the results are going to be spectacular every time. That's why people remember those early Santana albums, and listen to them all the time. Hey, AC/DC never changed their style, and look at how many people agreed with that decision. Santana did the same thing, and it worked. The music is great! Alright, so Santana DID eventually change their sound, but let's focus on what they did in the early 70's, mkay? I'm focusing on the classic years because that's what people should remember Santana for.

Caravanserai is perhaps Santana's most underrated album (and no, it has nothing to do with that Canterbury band around at the same time called Caravan- MUCH different bands!). Why is the album so underrated? Because to my knowledge, classic rock radio has never played anything from it (or if they did, those days are long gone). It's mostly an instrumental album. It sounds like what you've come to expect from Santana (you know, lengthy guitar jams, latin influences, etc) though it's slightly jazzier than previous efforts. It has the absolutely glorious "Song of the Wind". Now THAT'S a classic song. Shame it's been ignored for so many years.

One thing that's important to note is that the songs actually get longer and jazzier as the album goes on. By the time you reach the final song ("Every Step of the Way") you're up to 9 whole minutes of classic guitar work mixed with those famous latin influences that only Santana could pull off successfully. What a great guitar sound, and what a great album. 52 minutes of total satisfaction. With the current price people are selling it for, you can't lose. Buy it now.

Muy gracias, Carlos.......2006-12-25

It's late...I am between the ending of one day and the beginning of a new one...candles are lit, incense is burning, Caravanserai is playing gently on my stereo and I am transported in the world between the seen and the unseen. I allow myself to breathe in...and breathe out...with every breath cycle is life and death, crucifixion and ascension, despair and hope, destruction and renewal. I stop looking outwardly for the Light and I realize with real eyes see that the Light is within me.

I am the Light.

The music keeps going. Deeper and deeper I go. I look at things previously with a kind of detachment. Just another stage to play on...just another experience of consciousness...it looked real, it felt real, but was it? Maybe. Maybe not. Maybe "True Reality" cannot even be touched.

The music continues.

I breathe in the music. I let it seep into my cells. I let it dance in each atom of creation. I let it melt in between the seen and the unseen and I breathe in my wholeness...I breathe out my holiness...I know who I am. I know where I am. I am that which I am. The fire burns bright within me and around me. The music starts to go deeper and deeper into my soul where I remember that I am just a space/just a place love.

This body is only a vehicle.
It is not who I am.
I am that I am.
I AM.
There is no other.

I breathe in...
I breathe out...

The music continues. New delights. New insights. New realms appearing as well as old ones dissolving. The changeless reality within all remains unaffected.

All is well.

Peace be still.

Peace I give to you...not as the world gives but as I give...
the I of me...the I of you...the I of we..

It's
all
One...

Dang, I got the munchies. Is there anymore of that left over pizza?

=)

Peace and Blessings, everyone!

Santana starts down the fusion path.......2006-12-13

This is a fantastic cd and the remastering is done well. Carlos Santana always manages to play guitar like it's being channeled straight from his soul. On Caravanserai the entire band made a questionable, at the time, move toward fusion jazz. My understanding is that Santana's producer tried to talk him out of the jazz direction. If Carlos would have followed this advice he would have made an excellent commercial decision. Instead, the band went down the jazz fusion path and created a masterpiece.

The entire band is on fire on every song and Carlos is playing with an urgency that takes everything to another level.

Essential and beyond the rating system.

This one still works.......2006-10-27

This is Santana with much of his original band starting to move away from rock towards jazz fusion. The "songs" blend into each other and it's hard to tell where one piece ends and another starts sometimes. Much more so than his earlier albums, you are looking at one entire piece here and not a collection of different songs. You're either going to love this one or not; I feel it's one of his best. I think they do a great job of tying together all the musical pieces into one unified and coherent whole here. This is not the Santana of Abraxas and it's not the later Santana of Supernatural- it's one of his mid 1970s steps towards jazz and if you go into this not looking for catchy commercial songs, you should really like it.

DARING MUSICAL WORK.......2006-09-13

Caravanserai is a daring album even by Santana's high standard.
This album was not Rock nor Salsa; but Jazz-Rock and simply very adventurous to any musician even for someone with the musical popularity like Santana.
Full of heartfelt, introspective guitar solos, yet very different from the previous albums, Santana or Abraxas.
In my humble opinion, this is one of the finest accomplishment for this great artist.
Highly recommended.

Average customer rating:

Solid, slick, professional
String Cheese Theory
Essential Santana due to the definitive version of "Europa"
Santana's Best Jams
The best guitar solo

Moonflower
Santana
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Caravanserai
Lotus
Santana III
Borboletta
Welcome

ASIN: B0000AKY7M
Release Date: 2003-09-30

Tracks:

Dawn / Go Within
Carnaval
Let The Children Play
Jugando
I'll Be Waiting
Zulu
Bahia
Black Magic Woman / Gypsy Queen
Dance Sister Dance (Baila Mi Hermana)
Europa (Earth's Cry Heaven's Smile)

Tracks:

She's Not There
Flor D'Luna (Moonflower)
Soul Sacrifice / Head, Hands & Feet (Drum Solo)
El Morocco
Transcendance
Savor / Toussaint L'Overture
Black Magic Woman (Single Version)
I'll Be Waiting (Single Version)
She's Not There (Single Version)

Album Description

Moonflower, originally released in 1977 was a return to the Latin influences of the band's earlier albums. This collection includes both live recordings of classics such as 'Soul Sacrifice' & 'Black Magic Woman'. Includes 3 single version bonus tracks 'Black Magic Woman', 'I'll Be Waiting' & 'She's Not There'. Columbia. 2003.

Customer Reviews:

Solid, slick, professional.......2007-07-14

This album comes from a period in Santana's career where declining sales led him and the band to take their music in a more commercial, accessible direction. That's not to say that the band "sold out"; there are still long instrumental sections and flashy solos by Carlos and keyboardist Tom Coster. But the rawness of the early albums and the adventurousness of the early 70s period are gone, replaced by a more "professional" (for better or worse) approach.

About 40% of the album was actually recorded in the studio. In general this is above average for Santana of this period, and compares favorably to material on Amigos and Festival. "She's Not There", a cover of the classic Zombies tune, is nicely done. I also like the instrumentals, especially "Flor D'Luna".

The other 60% is live. It's not bad but not great. I'm not a big fan of Graham Lear's drumming on "Black Magic Woman" -- way too rockish and "square", unlike Michael Shrieve's slinky Latin groove on earlier versions. And this version of "Soul Sacrifice" is a pale shadow of either the studio version or the legendary Woodstock performance. The percussion section is definitely nowhere near what it was in the band's early days.

If you like Santana's mid-late 70s sound or live rock albums from that period, you will definitely want to pick Moonflower up (and will surely rate it higher than I did). If you prefer Santana's first three albums or the early 70s jazz-rock period, you may be disappointed. (Though I doubt you will feel you wasted your money.) If you're interested in picking up your first Santana live album, I would go for either the complete Woodstock performance (on the 2 cd reissue of the first Santana album), the 1971 Fillmore gig (on the 2 cd reissue of Santana III), or the 1973 live album Lotus. After you get those, check this one out.

String Cheese Theory.......2007-06-14

The music on this CD is superb. It's a great mix of studio and live recordings. This release marked a return from the fusion experiments back to playing music that is more "accessible" to the masses. Still, there is some great fusion on this release. Old favorites like Black Magic Woman and Toussaint L'Overture are far better than the originals, although one wonders just how much mileage Carlos can get out of these tunes, they appear all over the place on the Legacy remasters.

This release does suffer a little bit from out-dated electronic technology. Many bands, to their credit, avoided jumping on the synthesizer band wagon back in the 70's. King Crimson is one good example. This has proven to be a wise decision and here's why: updates in technology have rendered the electronics used in the 70's obsolete.

Traditional instruments such as drums, bass, sax, flute, trumpet, guitar are never going to sound "out of date" because there is no technological improvement to the instrument that will render them obsolete. Synthesizers on the other hand, are out of date within months of their first use and that's exactly why some of the music on this CD sounds a little dated - especially the cheesy ARP Strings used by Coster.

One other annoying little thing is Santana's repeated use of a chromatic walk up the guitar neck on a single string while striking the string at lightening speed with his pick (right hand) and running his guitar through an echo-plex. Don't get me wrong, to be sure, it's a very cool effect. But it is sooooo overused by Santana that it diminishes its effectiveness in the music and leaves me questioning his virtuosity (sorry Santana fans). He uses that lick all over the place on this release and also on Borboletta. Truly GREAT musicians just don't do that.

So, other than some of the instrumenation sounding a tad dated, this really is a fantastic release and worthy of your hard earned pennies. 4.5 stars. It's not quite a 5 in my book but it's close.

Essential Santana due to the definitive version of "Europa".......2007-03-03

This album is a nice mix between the more "pop" vocal leanings of the Santana band and the intense, explosive Miles / McLaughlin-inspired fusion work. The cover of The Zombies' "She's Not There" was a massive FM radio hit in its day (1977). Live tracks include the required "Black Magic Woman / Gypsy Queen, "Soul Sacrifice," and "Savor / Toussaint L'Overture," but the real gem of this collection is the career-best performance of "Europa." I've lost track of how many times this has appeared on Santana albums, both in studio and live formats, but this is the one. The next time you hear someone trashing Santana, put on "Europa" and watch them shut up...FAST. This album, "Lotus," and "Welcome" make up my "3 all-time greatest Santana albums" list.

Santana's Best Jams.......2006-09-26

If you're looking for the one Santana album that encompasses all of his talents, this is it. If you're not familiar with Santana, and are considering his music, this album is it. A collection of live cuts and studio tracks, this album was released right "Amigos". It was released during a period when Carlos Santana was pursuing some serious spiritual pathways, and the music is the better for it.

The band for the live cuts was one tight group, and, in my opinon, the best collection of musicians Carlos (or Devadip Carlos, as he called himself at the time)has ever assembled. I can not offhand think of another Santana album where the band is so astonishingly enegetic and incredibly tight. The jazz/fusion influence of Tom Coster's keyboard playing can be felt throughout.

For me, the tracks that particularly stand out are "Europa", "Transcendance", and "Soul Sacrifice". The live version of Europa, with its increaed tempo and careful use of feedback, and the extended jamming near the end, is worth the price of the album. "Transcendance" is a studio cut with an exteded guitar jam that's fast and tight..no sloppy notes here. The live "Soul Sacrifice" is the album's tour de force, where no ounce of energy is spared. The guitar work is beyond description. The closing power chords rank right up there with the most powerful rock chords ever recorded. As reviewer GLM accurately states, this track will "test your speakers" and "make your ear wax fall out". It's tough to listen to this one and not feel pumped afterward, wondering what hit you.

The one drawback to this CD, and it's a minor one, is that the tracks too frequently alternate between studio and stage. If played right through, the arrangement of the tracks can present too much of a mood change. You can easily overcome this by suitably programming your player. Also, the opening track, Dawn/Go Within, gets cut off way too early. Just as the groove is really picking up and Tom Coster is laying down some great piano chords, the song fades and segues into the live "Carnaval".

This album says it all for Santana.

Enjoy.

The best guitar solo.......2006-09-12

For true Santana fans, this is - in my opinion - the best Santana CD available. There is a mixture of popular songs along with some great guitar solos. "Transcendance" - to me - is probably the best guitar solo by Carlos Santana ever recorded.

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