Free Music Notes for Santana

Santana - Santana

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Free Music Notes for Santana

Free Music Review: One of rock's finest moments!
Hit: 5 Stars

Although I missed the 60's by nearly a decade, that didn't stop me from discovering the music that was rock. And what rock it was that I heard. From Santana to Janis Joplin to Stevie Wonder, rock and roll has always had a place in my life and in my heart, as it always will. And Santana's first album is one of several reasons why, especially with those 3 new bonus tracks at the end. Not to be missed!

Free Music Review: Smash Debut
Hit: 5 Stars

Santana I was released to great success in late 1969, shortly before the group's memorable rendition of its magnificent song "Soul Sacrifice" at Woodstock. This robust number is a highlight of the album, for sure, but other great stuff is all around. Carlos Santana's latin guitar introduces itself very auspiciously, with the oft-seen rock/R&B/blues and jazz influences. But rhythmic and melodic, for sure, and perhaps most prominently in this recording. Indeed, more than any other Santana album, this debut is marked by structured music and tight arrangements, in many cases in a verse/chorus setting but the longer more drawn out cuts as well. In addition to "Soul Sacrifice," check out "Jingo," with its Afro-Cuban flavor. Primitive beat, heavy bass, surrounded by great organ work as well as guitar.

"Jingo" was similar structure in tone to the group's own "Waiting," opening the album reflecting on good things to come, and the band then performs its hit version of Willie Bobo's "Evil Ways." This is followed by "Shades of Time," with its fluid delivery and brief but pressing, expressive soloing by Carlos. Another highlight is the fine "Persuasion," steady and earnest, the band again very together. "Treat," with jazzy piano and Santana guitar, is a hint at Santana's frequent preoccupation with this genre in the future. Dynamic and captivating, "Soul Sacrifice," no vocals, is a memorable instrumental finale. Gregg Rolie's excellent organ weaves around the heavy rhythm and lead guitars, and Mike Shreve's drumming and great soloing and Chepito Areas' conga make this a percussion masterpiece.

Unlike the majority of people, I do not believe Santana I was superseded by the follow-up "Abraxas," maybe equalled. LP side one of Abraxas was better, but the remainder measured short of LP Side 2 here. Aside from Caravanserai, these early works represent Santana's finest moments.


Free Music Review: Very good jam band.
Hit: 5 Stars

This is another great gem out 1969, the year of rock. The very first Santana album could possibly be their best. This album, even though it doesn't have classics like "Oye Como Va" and "Black Magic Woman," still is a keeper. Carlos rips out some amazing leads, and the rythym section is incredible. There are 2 conga players and a drummer. Gregg Rolie sings on most of the non-instrumental tracks(He later formed Journey with Neil Schon, who was also in Santana). The best tracks would have to be "Waiting," "Evil Ways," "Treat" and the classic from Woodstock, "Soul Sacrafice." This band takes jam band to a whole new level. Very good debut.

Free Music Review: Original rock classic
Hit: 5 Stars

This seminal album by the band fronted by Carlos Santana, at the time, represented the unheard of fusion of rock and latin music. The driving beats and excellent percussion made for an appealing sound that was unique in the late 60's and early seventies. The first song Waiting, a foot stomping extravaganza, sets the tone for what will follow. The group shows versatility with the next song Evil Ways, which is a more laid back number which features the voice of Greg Rollie. The pre-Woodstock crowd of rock aficionados already knew of the prowess of the Santana band. The latin percussion headed by Jose Chepito Areas is absolutely mind blowing.

Free Music Review: Explosive debut
Hit: 4 Stars

This is the first of three albums by the classic Santana lineup: Carlos Santana on guitar, Gregg Rolie on keyboards and vocals, Dave Brown on bass, Mike Shrieve on drums, and Jose Areas and Mike Carabello on percussion. The band shows a great improvement over the 1968 recordings at the Fillmore -- Carlos's playing is much more confident and inventive, the addition of Mike Shrieve loosens up the drumming, and Areas and Carabello bring out the Afro-Latin aspects of the music. At the same time, the band's sound is still strongly rooted in the blues (especially on "You Just Don't Care") and wouldn't fully achieve its potential until 1970's Abraxas. Nevertheless, many of the performances are absolute classics -- especially the fiery organ-guitar duel on "Waiting" and the explosive "Soul Sacrifice". Those familiar with Santana's radio hits will of course recognize "Evil Ways" and their chugging version of Olatunji's "Jingo", while the laid-back Latin groove of "Treat" provides a nice respite. And the bonus tracks, from the band's Woodstock performance, make this album even more essential: you get to hear exactly why the live performance of "Soul Sacrifice" blew away so many acid-drenched listeners at the festival. It's still speaker-frying 32 years later. If you like the stinging guitar and swirling organ of early Santana, their debut is a must-buy.
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