SANTANA

Santana released their debut album back in 1969. It was the first of three albums by the classic lineup. Even in the beginning, this band was mixing rock, Afro-Latin and jazz music together into something magical. Their sound was also still strongly rooted in the blues (especially on "You Just Don't Care")

Many believe the band didn't fully achieve their potential until 1970's Abraxas. Nevertheless, I'd say that they were pretty close to best. Many of the performances are absolute classics -- especially the fiery organ-guitar duel on "Waiting", the explosive "Soul Sacrifice" and their chugging version of Olatunji's "Jingo". The laid-back Latin groove of "Treat" provides a nice respite. And another personal favourite is "Shades Of Time".

The bonus tracks are from the band's Woodstock performance and are really great!: you get to hear exactly why the live performance of "Soul Sacrifice" blew away so many acid-drenched listeners at the festival. If you like the stinging guitar and swirling organ of early Santana, their debut is a must-have. The songs just wail with emotion and feeling. It was a very confident, inventive and progrersseive first stab. Highly recommended! Four and a half stars.