ABRAXAS

Wow what an album! It was recorded in 1970, and proves that great musicianship is timeless and always delightful to hear. I would actually recommend all of Santana's early albums. The first one was also brill but this is one of the finest. The band are tighter here with Carlos showing off his technique more, especially in "Black Magic Woman". Some songs have some even more classy twists like "Incident at Neshabur" with some nice mellow jazz piano to close it off. Other moments burn with a firey Latin intensity. "Se A Cabo" is the best example. A big adrenaline pumper! You can marvel over how each song has such a "live" feel to it, not the sterility of many studio albums. It almost sounds as if the band is plugged in and playing live at your house! Super singing and Hammond organ playing from Gregg Rolie on just about every song. Fab percussion throughout as well of course! One favourite is "Hope You're Feeling Better", a more "straight-ahead" rocker - less "Latin-sounding" than most Santana songs. Check it out...And you'll never underestimate early Santana music!