Record Reviews

SANTANA ~ BARBOLETTA COLUMBIA 474685 (Barcode: 5099747468520) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1974 Released: 1995 7th album, featuring the SantanaFind albums by this artist Mk. II lineup with some distinguished guests like Brazilian percussionist Airto MoreiraFind albums by this artist and his wife the singer Flora PurimFind albums by this artist, and bass player Stanley ClarkeFind albums by this artist. The great bass player Doug RauchFind albums by this artist, who was responsible for the band’s pulsating rhythms, departed to be replaced by original Santana member David BrownFind albums by this artist. The album has a strong Brazilian feel mainly due to the presence of Airto and Flora and their version of Dorival CaymmiFind albums by this artist’s “Promise Of A Fisherman” is truly wonderful. Santana plays with confidence and his usual flair with Tom CosterFind albums by this artist’s keyboards filling in and him soloing occasionally, mostly on electric piano. This is a great Fusion album, which stands the test of time beautifully. Unfortunately this was the last of the “great” Santana albums. When Santana’s album sales started to show lower then usual figures, ColumbiaFind albums on this label executives pressured Carlos SantanaFind albums by this artist to return to a more commercial output, and he eventually caved in. The remainder of the band’s output, although always full of brilliant moments, was to be haunted of sales potential (rather than musical) considerations. Carlos remains of course one of the greatest guitar players ever and his recorded legacy up to this album is an everlasting testimony to the greatness of the era.

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