SANTANA レコード& CD

Review: Santana's Amigos album from 1976 stands out as a Latin-infused rock masterpiece that often goes unnoticed due to the absence of their most popular hits. Nonetheless, it is regarded as one of their most captivating albums, resonating with listeners through its infectious energy and musical prowess. The opening track, 'Dance Sister Dance (Baila Mi Hermana),' showcases Santana's exceptional guitar skills, complemented by a solid rhythm section that propels the melodies to new heights. The album features standout tracks like the heartfelt ballad 'Take Me With You,' the dynamic 'Let Me,' and the grandiose 'Europa (Earth's Cry Heaven's Smile).' With its recent reissue on vinyl, Amigos becomes essential for both loyal Santana enthusiasts and those discovering the band's music for the first time. Embracing the fusion of Latin rhythms and rock elements, this album continues to captivate audiences and solidify Santana's legacy in the realm of musical excellence.

Review: Buoyed by the international success of the band's unique blend of psychedelic Latin rock and jazz fusion, Santana landed in the UK in 1976 for a series of concerts. One of these, at London's Hammersmith Odeon, was captured on tape for broadcast on British radio. It's this incendiary and freewheeling set - or at least a big portion of it - that's presented on this fantastic live album. Starting with a rendition of their heavy, funked-up, Latin-tinged take on Fleetwood Mac's 'Black Magic Woman', Carlos Santana - whose expressive, stretched-out guitar solos take centre stage throughout - and his band-mates laid down exceptional, extended and partly improvised versions of such classics as 'Gypsy Queen', 'Revelations' and - most explosively - 'Soul Sacrifice'.