LOTUS

I've really been "on the fence" you could say when it comes to my rating for this one. I already own two other live recording from SANTANA which I like better than this one in "Live At Fillmore" and "Moonflower" but what draws me to this one are the extended jams where the percussion, guitar and keyboards really impress. It's almost pure bliss at times.The negatives include the length of this recording. Originally this was released as a triple LP and yes there are some so-so tracks, but also I find the sound quality lacking. It's not poor although it is on the rare occassion,and the two other live albums I mentioned sound better. So overall I feel 3.5 stars is closest to my comfort zone. If this was the only live document from back then i'd bump it up, but as I mentioned, the 1968 and 1977 releases are excellent.

"Going Home" features floating organ as drums and other sounds help out. "A-1 Funk" has some crazy synth sounds as drums and organ join in. "Every Step Of The Way" opens with the guitar sounding too loud and raw. Up until now I haven't been too into this recording and my first positive response is before 4 1/2 minutes when this song settles in. Electric piano to the fore 6 1//2 minutes in followed by organ 8 minutes in then guitar. The next three tracks are their hit singles I guess you could say then we get the jazzy "Yours Is The Light" which i enjoy. "Xibaba" has percussion galore as the organ joins in.The band are just ripping it up before 3 minutes. "Waiting" has lots of percussion as the organ floats in. Electric piano before 4 minutes.

"Free Angela" again has guitar that doesn't sound right. "Sambi De Sausalito" sounds better when the keyboards come to the fore. "Mantra" is experimental to start then it settles around 2 minutes. I like the electric piano, organ and drums. Guitar 5 minutes in and Carlos gets passionate.Great tune. "Kyoto" opens with a drum show. Some crazy synths come in before 6 minutes as the drums continue. It's spacey and experimental 8 minutes in. Another amazing tune !

"Incident At Neshabur" is great because of the way they jam.The guitar is on fire. It settles around 6 1/2 minutes. Keyboards take over after 9 1/2 minutes then the guitar returns. "Se A Cabo" rocks pretty good with lots of percussion. Prominant bass late. "Samba Pa Ti" is guitar led until 4 minutes in when electric piano takes over.The giuitar is back 5 1/2 minutes in. "Mr. Udo" has so much going on with all these intricate sounds.

A good live album no doubt, but it's not without it's issues.