CARAVANSERAI

If we have to take someone for what he appears to be in one given moment we will loose all treasures of personality. Picturing Santanas career must seem a failure if we see him by what he have become lately...but who cares? Us...maybe...how could it be that the genius that made Caravanserai is the same affected guy on the mtv?. Isnt a rethoric question...........is something puzzling...as the fact as some of the best prog groups make their best albums under the inffluence of a dubious guru, that is Sri Chinmoy....is something changeling to the mind indeed. I can guess it have to do with the ascetic ethics of the former after bohemian psycodelia....with the possibility of retaining the spititual in some alternative way.....but it doesnt clarify nothing nonetheless. Caravanserai is a work of irresistible beauty.(with some silly moments but they dont really matter in the overall experience)..and a sincere and heartfull athmosphere..it shows a concept and a stripped mysticism...at times is as odd and deep as soft. The arabic themes blend with jazz, southamerican, rock, pure prog and avant garde mothives for rejoice......gentle and passionate....... a psychedelic masterpiece of four and a half stars. Is the most adventurous of Santana´s classics...and also is were the talent of Santana reach its peak... The "love notes" just pierce your cluster and you didnt have other option: you feel it.....but their packed with some of the most proggier and psychedelic nuances. The procesion from Eternal Caravan of Reincarnation (4:28) to Waves Within (3:53) is incredible....dot. Its begining, the mix of a arabic lay down and joyfull avant garde.....too much. Look Up (To See What's Coming Down) (2:59) with some of the best organ ive heard. Song of the Wind (6:02) is love at the guitar. All the Love of the Universe (7:36) sta rts with psychedelic power chords it changes to a soul vibe coming back and forth till it gets to the incredible and emotional central theme..so good and uplifting. Future Primitive (4:12) is a un-melodic bridge. Stone Flower (6:14) gets bossanova to mingle with a joyus arabic theme..and some psychedelia. The feeling is contagious. La Fuente del Ritmo (4:33) is a rithym virus! Every Step of the Way (9:04) is the geniality climax...orchested jazz, psychedelia, latin....a unique composition and interpretation...beyond words. This an album that ends too soon without doubt.