CARAVANSERAI

Everything about this album just feels right if you know what I mean. From the gorgeous cover art to Santana's spiritual take on Jazz / Fusion. It's all perfect. Carlos was getting tired of his partying lifestyle that often comes with fame and fortune. He was a star and SANTANA's first three studio albums sold millions of records. Drummer Michael Shrieve introduced Carlos to the music of Miles Davis and John Coltrane and soon Carlos was following that Jazz / Fusion path with the likes of WEATHER REPORT, Herbie Hancock, MAHAVISHNU ORCHESTRA, RETURN TO FOREVER etc. It was an exciting time for these bands and SANTANA would join the fun with "Caravanserai". Very cool to hear that Latin influence on this style of music. Kind of like hearing THE MARS VOLTA in their early days and the unique flavour that they brought to the table.There is a spirituality to the music on "Caravanserai" as well. Carlos got into the teachings of guru Sri Chinmoy just as John McLaughlin and Larry Coryell had. Of course not everyone in the band was happy about this change in musical styles, afterall their unique radio-friendly songs had made them rich. Keyboardist Gregg Rolie and second guitarist Neal Schon would leave after this album, eventually forming a band called JOURNEY we all know.

I really like the way the first five tracks blend into each other."Eternal Caravan Of Reincarntion" opens with the sound of crickets and has lots of atmosphere to it. A very relaxed sound. So good. "Waves Within" features light drums and percussion as the guitar and organ join in. It's all very restrained with Carlos letting loose after 2 minutes. "Look Up (To See What's Coming Down)" might be my favourite track on this album.The organ floats along before it all kicks in quickly. Lots of percussion, guitar and organ. The guitar a minute in is heavenly. The organ is outstanding as well. "Just In Time To See The Sun" continues with percussion and organ. We get vocals for the first time on this record before a minute. Check out the guitar that follows !

"Song Of The Wind" again has those floating organ sounds. Guitar and percussion join in as it builds.The guitar is beautiful. Fantastic song ! "All The Love Of The Universe" sort of pulses with sounds that come and go. It settles in before a minute with guitar, bass and other sounds. Vocal melodies too then the vocals come in before 2 minutes. Contrasts continue. I like the guitar before 4 1/2 minutes and the organ that follows. "Future Primitive" opens with these humming sounds and lots of atmosphere. Percussion after 1 1/2 minutes and then drums join in. Great sound ! It blends into "Stone Flower". We get guitar a minute in with vocals right behind. How good does this sound after 2 minutes ! The organ comes and goes. "La Fuente Del Ritmo" has some amazing guitar and percussion before a minute. It's more aggressive 2 minutes in then electric piano comes in after 2 1/2 minutes. Nice.This is incredible ! I like the organ too. "Every Step Of The Way" opens with drums and organ. Love how this sounds after 2 minutes when the guitar comes in and it gets darker and more aggressive.The tempo picks up 3 minutes in. Killer sound a minute later as Carlos is lighting it up.

A must for Jazz / Fusion fans out there.