Record Reviews

SANTANA ~ CARAVANSERAI COLUMBIA 511128 (Barcode: 5099751112822) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1972 Released: 2003 4th album, which reflects clear change of direction for the band (and the bandleader in particular) and initiating the entrance of SantanaFind albums by this artist into the world of Fusion. Following three phenomenally successful albums and a clearly defined style (perfected by five years of recording and touring) mixing rock with Latin and Jazz rhythms, the band was now in a turmoil, being torn apart by two conflicting tendencies. Some of the band members wished to continue the same path (stylistically) and others (especially Carlos SantanaFind albums by this artist) wanted to move on to the next phase. In the period shortly preceding the recording of this album Carlos was exposed to two new major cultural influences. Fellow guitarists Larry CoryellFind albums by this artist and John McLaughlinFind albums by this artist introduced Carlos to the teachings of Guru Sri ChinmoyFind albums by this artist and he embraced these with passion. Santana’s drummer Michael ShrieveFind albums by this artist inaugurated Carlos into the burgeoning world of (then) contemporary jazz and Fusion of Miles DavisFind albums by this artist, Herbie HancockFind albums by this artist, Weather ReportFind albums by this artist and Mahavishnu OrchestraFind albums by this artist, which he immediately fell in love with. All these new influences pushed Carlos further and further away from the old Santana style into Fusion, which would soon result in the collapse of the original line-up and the creation of a new band. CaravanseraiFind albums with this title is a crossroads album for the band, with several members playing here for the last time. Organist Gregg RolieFind albums by this artist and guitarist Neal SchonFind albums by this artist would leave soon after to form JourneyFind albums by this artist and new members, notably keyboards player Tom CosterFind albums by this artist and bassist Doug RauchFind albums by this artist would join. Since the album includes all of these wonderful players, the resulting music is truly exquisite. The dual lead guitar front line drives the melodic material to stratospheric heights and the expanded percussive rhythm section provides a soaring background. In spite of the “in transition” mood, the albums sounds cohesive and provides an uplifting musical continuum. The album was to be followed shortly by the divine Carlos Santana / John McLaughlin duet album Love, Devotion, SurrenderFind albums with this title and a series of outstanding albums like WelcomeFind albums with this title, IlluminationsFind albums with this title (with Alice ColtraneFind albums by this artist) and LotusFind albums with this title. An absolute classic!

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SANTANA ~ SANTANA IV SONY 696859969492 (Barcode: 696859969492) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 2014 - 2015 Released: 2016 This is not a "lost" unreleased album by SantanaFind albums by this artist, one of the greatest and most inventive Rock bands in the history of modern music; this is the reunion album which assembles five of the original members of the band, who participated in the recording of Santana´s third album: guitarists Carlos SantanaFind albums by this artist and Neal SchonFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Gregg RolieFind albums by this artist, drummer Michael ShrieveFind albums by this artist and percussionist Michael CarabelloFind albums by this artist. The band is further enhanced by the presence of bassist Benny RietveldFind albums by this artist and percussionist Karl PerazzoFind albums by this artist, both members of the current incarnation of the band. The album presents sixteen new songs, which were written by the band members over a period of two years. Reunion albums are very perilous endeavors and the fact that this album is overall quite excellent is a true miracle. During the forty five years that passed between the release of Santana III and Santana IV, the musical world went through so many changes (all for the worse of course) that the sheer audacity of the band to ignore the odds and try to make an about-turn and create an album that continues the music the band played then is staggering. And yet, to a large extend they succeeded to accomplish the impossible and the music on this album is instantly recognizable as Santana circa early 1970s or at least originating in that period. After all Santana invented Latin Rock and over time no other band made any significant contribution to that genre or surpassed Santana´s abilities. Of course not everything is perfect here: the material displays certain ups and downs and is not exactly in par with the tunes from the past. The vocals are somewhat trivial, which worked fine with the spontaneity of the original albums, but is not acceptable any more. The biggest problems lay within the production aspects of the album: the sound is way too sharp and dry and the mix is uneven and often hides instruments, especially the guitars, beneath the percussion racket. Rather than going for the contemporary sound this album would have benefited considerably from using a "retro" sound, emphasizing the continuity effect. But all criticism aside, this is an ass-kicking album, which offers one and a quarter of an hour of genuine Rock, which very few other bands today are able even to come close to. So this, the twenty-third studio album by Santana, is definitely a most welcome rejuvenation effort, which is an absolute delight to be listened to, especially in comparison to the usual toxic waste the musical industry spews out every day. Hasta siempre amigos!

Updated: 18/07/2016Posted: 18/07/2016

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CARLOS SANTANA / JOHN MCLAUGHLIN ~ LOVE DEVOTION SURRENDER COLUMBIA 63593 (Barcode: 074646359327) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1972 Released: 2003 This is the most quintessential Fusion album of all times. Although sadly neglected and almost forgotten (both by critics and listeners) over the years, it stands out as a beacon of musical enlightenment for posterity. The album came to be as a result of many parallel events and personal / musical paths crossings. Carlos SantanaFind albums by this artist and John McLaughlinFind albums by this artist became close after becoming disciples of Guru Sri Chinmoy. Although they were both aware of each other’s work before this musical cooperation, they operated in quite separate musical areas. McLaughlin at this point had already a glorious career stretch behind him with his pioneering work on the UK Jazz-Rock scene, his revolutionary work with Miles DavisFind albums by this artist, the visionary contributions in the Tony WilliamsFind albums by this artist LifetimeFind albums by this artist and of course his brilliant Mahavishnu OrchestraFind albums by this artist output. Santana’s roots were deep into Latin music and rock, but he was rapidly transforming his musical focus into jazz and Fusion. Influenced by his band’s drummer Michael ShrieveFind albums by this artist, who was a jazz buff, Carlos discovered a new musical world and was swallowing everything he could lay his ears on. This included the works of Mahavishnu Orchestra, of which he was a devoted fan, but also the work of Miles Davis and John ColtraneFind albums by this artist. The actual get together was most probably orchestrated by ColumbiaFind albums on this label’s chief Clive DavisFind albums by this artist (both Santana and Mahavishnu Orchestra were signed by Columbia Records), suggesting a John Coltrane tribute album featuring both guitarists. The album was recorded almost immediately after Santana finished recording the pivotal CaravanseraiFind albums with this title album, which marked a series of dramatic changes both in the band’s musical direction (a move towards jazz and Fusion) and personnel changes (the forming of Santana Mk. II). A meeting of two great talents is always a dangerous affair, and this one could have proven either disastrous or absolutely divine – fortunately the latter did happen. The reason it did turn out to be such a success is twofold: First the musicians truly loved Coltrane’s music and felt the spiritual side of it (Coltrane went through a process of soul searching and seeking enlightenment in Eastern beliefs as well). Coltrane’s “A Love Supreme” is really a musical mantra very similar to a Hindu chant, which of course is as much a spiritual music as it ever gets. The beautiful “Naima” (the other Coltrane composition featured here) is also deeply spiritual, as are the two McLaughlin’s compositions and the traditional chant, which serves as the base for the remaining track of the album. Having established the musical / spiritual base of the session the rest was up to the participating musicians, which (again) most fortunately turned out to be ideal. Both Santana and McLaughlin brought with them associate musicians – Carlos brought selected members of his band (Armando PerazaFind albums by this artist – congas, Doug RauchFind albums by this artist – bass and Michael Shrive – drums) and John brought Mahavishnu Orchestra members (Billy CobhamFind albums by this artist – drums and Jan HammerFind albums by this artist – drums(!)). Veteran jazz drummer Don AliasFind albums by this artist was also invited, but the greatest and perhaps most crucial role was entrusted upon the organ player Larry YoungFind albums by this artist – John’s former partner in Lifetime. Young provides the foundation and glue, which makes this session work. With two lead guitarists exchanging licks at the speed of light and the super-power expanded rhythm section pulsating mercilessly, this session would have never worked without Young’s brilliant work. He fills the spaces, provides the balance and the sanity, the ground on which the soloist are able to build their sky-high towers. Of course the main attraction is the spectacular work by the two soloists, so different and yet so completely complimentary of each other. Santana’s sublimely melodic feel (truly unparalleled to this very day) and McLaughlin’s extraordinary improvisational abilities just merge into one continuous flow of musical bliss. Their exchanges are in perfect harmony, not competing but supplementing each other – fire and grace incarnate. This remastered edition enhances the originally muddy sound tremendously and the two bonus tracks are priceless. There is nothing but Love of music, Devotion to talent and Surrender to divinity on this album, the Mother of all Fusion albums! Beyond essential!

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STOMU YAMASH`TA ~ GO ESOTERIC 2081 (Barcode: 5013929718128) ~ JAPAN ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1976 Released: 2008 Japanese percussionist / composer Stomu Yamash`taFind albums by this artist settled in England in 1972, after studying music in his native country and later in the USA. He worked mainly as a composer for theatre music, but his signing as a recording artist for the Island label brought his work to the attention of a wide audience following the release of this seminal album – a super project in every sense. "GoFind albums with this title" is a large scale suite, combining many musical elements, from Classical to Jazz, World Music and Rock. For the recording of this project the composer created a true super group, consisting of some of the best musicians on the scene, including British vocalist Steve WinwoodFind albums by this artist (TrafficFind albums by this artist, Blind FaithFind albums by this artist), American drummer Michael ShrieveFind albums by this artist (SantanaFind albums by this artist) and guitarist Al Di MeolaFind albums by this artist (Return To ForeverFind albums by this artist), German keyboardist Klaus SchulzeFind albums by this artist (Tangerine DreamFind albums by this artist) and many others. The orchestral arrangements were written by the wonderful Paul BuckmasterFind albums by this artist. The album is full of brilliant musicianship and the music majestic and mystical, flows serenely engulfing the listener into a trance-like state. In retrospect the entire work is a proud precursor of New Age music, which would erupt on the scene two decades later, but at the time it was innovative and quite daring in its scope, which cased it to be embraced by the Prog fans. Although the album was very successful at the time, it was unavailable on CD for many years and this new remastered edition is a most welcome dream-come-true to many Prog fans.

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STOMU YAMASH`TA ~ GO TOO ESOTERIC 2151 (Barcode: 5013929725126) ~ JAPAN ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1977 Released: 2009 3rd and last part of the "GoFind albums with this title" album trilogy by Japanese percussionist / composer Stomu Yamash`taFind albums by this artist, recorded by an international group of musicians, many of which are celebrated and renowned by their own merits. The participants include guitarist Al Di MeolaFind albums by this artist, drummer Michael ShrieveFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Klaus SchulzeFind albums by this artist and many more. The music is an eclectic mixture of ambient, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Funk and even disco, moving freely and smoothly from one genre to another in perfect harmony and somehow making perfect sense. In retrospect it becomes obvious that Yamash`ta was a visionary well ahead of his time, predicting a total meltdown of musical genres into a new amalgam. One thing is sure, it does sound today as good as it did at the time of the recording, which already proves its intrinsic musical values. Warmly recommended!

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STOMU YAMASH`TA ~ GO… LIVE FROM PARIS ESOTERIC 2086 (Barcode: 5013929718623) ~ JAPAN ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1976 Released: 2008 Following the studio recording of the epic work "GoFind albums with this title" by the Japanese percussionist / composer Stomu Yamash`taFind albums by this artist, the same cast of musicians embarked on a tour, performing the music live. The Paris performance was captured on tape and later released as a double LP, released here on single CD. The cast is a true super group, consisting of some of the best musicians on the scene, including British vocalist / keyboardist Steve WinwoodFind albums by this artist (TrafficFind albums by this artist, Blind FaithFind albums by this artist), American drummer Michael ShrieveFind albums by this artist (SantanaFind albums by this artist) and guitarist Al Di MeolaFind albums by this artist (Return To ForeverFind albums by this artist), German keyboardist Klaus SchulzeFind albums by this artist (Tangerine DreamFind albums by this artist) and several other backing musicians. In many respects the live recording is by far superior to the studio version, easily explained by the lack of time limitations and other constrains present in the studio. The soloists (and especially Di Meola, whose playing is truly inspired and Winwood, whose vocals soared that night) can stretch almost at will and considering the strength of the participating musicians they always receive a sympathetic and masterly support. The orchestral arrangements being replaced by synthesizer work also take off some of the studio version rigidity. In short this is one hell of a concert, one of those once-in-a-lifetime special nights. If you like the studio version of "Go", this is a must, if you didn´t, you still might find this to be great after all. Definitely worth trying out!

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