Santana, the #56 Artist of the Rock Era, Part One

"Santana will forever be one of the brightest stars!"

"Food for the soul."

"Phenomenal!"

"So much passion and energy."

"Music that transcends genres."

"One of the best groups in history."

"Santana has created some of the best music ever."

"Touches my soul."

"Pure magic."

"Epic music."

"A durable superstar who has always surrounded himself with amazing musicians."



Led by one of the greatest guitarists the world has ever known, this San Francisco group changed the course of rock and roll forever by introducing Latin rhythms into the genre.  Though the musicians have changed often, its leader has always managed to attract some of the top talent around and their music is as thrilling to hear as it is innovative.

This groundbreaking Latin group began in 1967 in San Francisco, California under the name the Carlos Santana Blues Band.  They featured lead guitarist Carlos Sanatana, Gregg Rolie on lead vocals and organ, bassist David Brown, drummer Rod Harper and Marcus Malone on percussion.  Santana auditioned with promoter Chet Helms, who told them their music would never be successful in San Francisco.

Malone was forced out of the band when he was convicted of manslaughter.  Michael Shrieve became the new drummer, while José "Chepito" Areas played percussion, conga, drums and timbales and Mike Carabello played percussion, conga and tambourine. 

Fans sat up and take notice when the unknown group performed at the legendary Woodstock Festival in 1969.  Their appearance was made possible because one of their backers, promoter Bill Graham, agreed to help with the planning and organizing of Woodstock only if Santana were allowed to perform.

Santana's Woodstock performance was so surprising that it led to a recording contract with Columbia Records, and the group released their self-titled debut album within a month.  The single "Jingo", adapted from the 1960 song "Jin-Go-Lo-Ba" by Nigerian drummer Babatunde Olatunji, reached #4 in the Netherlands but only #56 in the United States.

Santana went to #4 on the Album chart.  The follow-up "Evil Ways" gave the group their first Top 10 hit.  Rolie sang lead and provided the great Hammond organ solo.

"Soul Sacrifice" was one of the songs the group played at Woodstock and was one of the premiere performances of the epic festival.  It was the seventh song in their set and by this time, the group was performing at another level, completely in tune with one another and with the crowd.  It features the one-two conga punch of Carabello and Areas, is a prime cut on the album and remains a fan favorite to this day.

 

The group was now in demand for live shows, and after a tour to promote their album, they released the album Abraxas in 1970.  A cover of Fleetwood Mac's "Black Magic Woman" became one of their biggest career hits, rising to #4.  It is one of The Top 500 Songs of the Rock Era*.

 

The single "Oye Coma Va", written by Salsa legend Tito Puente, stalled at #13, easily qualifying for one of The Top Unknown/Underrated Songs of the Rock Era*.  The word "Sabor" at the beginning is Spanish for "flavor".

   

The eclectic mix of songs is listening ecstasy.  Two other tracks that venture into Jazz Rock must be featured in this special.  Several time signature changes mark this wonderful song.  In 1221, the Mongols destroyed and completely massacred the entire population of Nishapur (Neshabur) in current day Iran.  This is "Incident At Neshabur".

The other Top Track* on the album is "Samba Pa Ti", highlighting Carlos's solo that eviscerates sexuality over a slow Latin beat.  Carlos told Mojo magazine in November of 2008 of the importance of the song in his development as a songwriter:

     "I remember being alone one evening--until 

       then when I heard my records it was like seeing

       myself in the mirror and there was no me there,

       only a lot of other guitarists' faces:  B.B. (King),

      George Benson, Peter Green.  That evening, I

      heard "Samba Pa Ti" on the radio and I looked 

      in the mirror and it was my face, my tone, 

      my fingerprints, my identity, my uniqueness. 

      Because when I recorded it I was thinking of 

      nothing, it was just pure feeling.  I have a 

      suspicion it came from stuff bottled up inside me

      that I didn't know how to express or articulate.

 

The band returned the next year with the album Santana III, a #1 album.  Seventeen-year-old Neal Schon joined the group, giving Santana two of The Top 100 Guitarists of the Rock Era* at the same time.  The single "Everybody's Everything" stopped at #12.

Santana scored another of The Top Underrated Songs* when their great single "No One To Depend On" peaked at #36.

"Everything's Coming Our Way" is a Top Track*.  It is one of the few songs which Carlos sings lead vocals on.

Join us for Part Two!