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Carlos Santana
The band Santana was one of the first true “World Music” band. By blending Latin percussion, African rhythms, and blues-based rock guitar, Santana created a sound like no other band before it. At the heart of this unique sound is the distinctive guitar playing of Carlos Santana. While possessing the ability to play flashy solos, Carlos often chooses to go for the heart. His playing features a “emotional quality” that says more with a few notes than most guitarist can achieve with many.
In August of 1969 Carlos led his young band through an electrifying set at Woodstock that launched him on a varied and lengthy career that moved from rock to fusion to jazz to pop to blues and nearly everything else along the way. Band lineups and musical styles may have changed throughout the years, but Carlos has consistently amazed and inspired listeners with his emotional, soulful playing. Truly one of the great “voices” on guitar.
Essential Recordings
Abraxas
Santana
This essential early Santana recording includes some of the original band’s finest work including Black Magic Woman, Oye Como Va, Incident At Neshabur, and Samba Pa Ti. With its mix of latin percussion, African rhythms, and emotion-filled rock guitar playing, this is the album that secured Santana’s place in rock history. Although still early in his career, Carlos had already developed a distinctive voice on guitar that worked perfectly for the band.
Moonflower
Santana
This recording features live and studio recordings from 1977. This recording is unique in that it documents the return of Santana to popular music after his foray into jazz/fusion. Elements of both can be found in this eclectic mix of instrumentals, moody and soulful vocal tracks, and blistering live versions of Santana classics. Carlos delivers infinitely sustained notes, flurries of aggressive jamming, and heart-tugging emotion on the live version of Europa — Carlos’ signature instrumental masterpiece.
The Best Of
Santana
If your knowledge of Santana music is limited to hearing Smooth on the radio, this collection is a great way to get into Santana’s earlier music. It includes lots of hits, covering nearly ever phase of Santana’s career from the early days through the 80’s. You’ll find blazing wah-wah solos, harmonized leads with Neal Schon (who went on to found Journey), emotion-filled instrumentals, and major 70’s rocking. Plenty of excellent guitar playing throughout.
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