CARAVANSERAI

As you may have already guessed, this is one heck of an album. The band may have been in transition (or even disarray), but it sure doesn't sound like it. These guys sound as if this is what they have been doing all along. This also says quite a bit about the talent assembled here.

If you are a fan of the first three albums, this one may come as a bit of shock. The heavy-duty rockers, and west coast psychedelia, are gone. The jazz influence reigns supreme. There is no doubt that it is Santana, but it is smooth beyond words. There is an extremely organic quality to the flow of the music. No hits will be found, but that wasn't the point. It is about the music, and craft. There are numbers that will get your head bobbing, and toes tapping, but the strength of the compositions always holds more interest. It is beautiful, sublime, and even rocking at times. Through it all runs a consistent vision.

Overall, I would rate it five stars. However, there is just something here that doesn't speak masterpiece of prog to me. It is a joy to be sure, but I don't believe the album is essential for a prog collection.

H.T. Riekels