Santana Band

Santana is an American Latin rock band formed in San Francisco, California in 1967 by Mexican guitarist Carlos Santana. The band first came to widespread public attention when their performance of "Soul Sacrifice" at Woodstock in 1969 provided a contrast to other acts on the bill. This exposure helped propel their first album, also named Santana, into a hit, followed in the next two years by the successful Abraxas and Santana III.

 

Their first 3 albums (especially Abraxas and III) are really something else.

Inspired to make the thread by listening to IV right now. Had no clue it was a reunion of the classic lineup. The production doesn't suit the record and they lack the fire of their youth, but man can they still play together. The chemistry is very much there.

 

I think this song know all people around the planet.

 

Oh yeah, I'm here for any and all classic rock. Abraxas is so good, pretty sure that's where I'd have new listeners start. Fun fact, Gregg Rolie played keyboards in this band and went on to be a founding member of Journey.

 

He also was the lead singer, too. Dude fronted some seriously classic songs.

 

Guy has some serious talent. This whole band was incredibly tight straight out of the gate.

 

Jose Areas and Mike Carabello do WORK on the congas, too.

 

Oh yea their rhythm section are some of the best in the biz to this day. They are all over that drumming doc on Netflix.

 

In case anyone hasn't seen it

 

Carlos Santana Apologizes For Saying Beyonce Is 'Not a Singer'

 

III is just stupid good. I don't understand how it's not regarded with the same reverence as Abraxas.

 

Africa Speaks is worth the spin. Like IV, the production could definitely use some more grit, but Carlos is back to being a guitar player rather than a guitar hero, and that makes all the difference. Karl Perazzo absolutely rips on percussion, too.