Santana Abraxas CD

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 One of the spectaculars from early Santana
What can you say? The early Santana albums are just fantastic; Abraxas being one of them (2nd). These albums are such a great change of pace for rock and pop fans, and to some extent jazz and blues fans also. The first half-dozen or so Santana albums show the great diversity and changes the band went through (gradually shifting to a jazzier and yet slicker r&b pop feel towards the end of this period). If one wants to get the ultimate essence of Santana, however, I would strongly suggest the first fours albums as mandatory for any great music library to have. Santana, Abraxas, and Santana (III) are the original classic gems from the Woodstock era lineup. This is where all of the tunes from Santana's greatest hits are compiled from, however, these tunes are done so much more justice within the context tof the entire albums from which the came from. The fourth album, Caravanserai, is the last of the some of the Woodstock lineup while introducing new musicians. That album is an ethereal jewel that stands on it own as it's own kind of album; different and very majestic (lava lamp and starry night induced... a truly unique and misunderstood album). Get these four albums and get stranded on desert island if you can... nuff said...
Submitted by akjburton (Weybridge, VT, USA) 
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 1 of 3 must albums for Santana fans
Just a kid during woodstock, I grew up with Santana' music 1st, 2nd, 3rd album and for me they should just be a triple album. If you are without one, you miss a lot. Forcing myself to say something specifically about Abraxas, it would the safest beginning if you had to buy one of the first three. It really touches my Latin heart more than one or three but Santana 3 is my favorite for rocking out. Santana 1 sounds almost live; great recording with songs from Woodstock. Again, for a Latin heart, Abraxas will do it every time!
Submitted by Rudy (Austin, TX)
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 AMAZING MUSIC
Santana has, is , and always will be, one of the best musicians of the hippie era (which puts him high on the rung for best musician ever). This is the second album with the original STUDIO lineup. This one blends latin with jazz abd rock n roll. Absolutely fantastic sounds and some of the bestr musicianship ever. The authenbtic latin beats heard afro-cuban, bossa nova, samba, is higlighted with ample percussion (Jose Areas, Mike Carabellow, and Mike Shrive)which gibes a groove you can feel in your soul. GEt this album if you liek music, and donmt you dare buy it for only 'Oye Como Va', thats what useless compilations are for.
Submitted by johnnycaudy (Wilmette IL.)
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 Best Of The Best!!!!!
I grew up with Santana, had my first joint, had my love child what more can I ask for Santana u are THE BEST ALWAYS!!!!!!!
Submitted by Latina (Autaralia)
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 Abraxas Rules!
When I was 14 years old, living in Northern California, I discovered Santana's Abraxas album in a garage sale. Best twenty-five cents I ever spent. I played it over and over and over. I learned note for note the keyboard parts. I went to school singing "I Hope You're Feeling Better" (this was in the mid-seventies when it was cool to be into disco....no, not me!). This album introduced jazz fusion to the unenlightened, much the same way that Mahavishnu Orchestra would around the same time. Abraxas has so many different moods. Interesting cover art, as well. While it is mostly known for their take on "Black Magic Woman", that is the weakest track on the album in my opinion. And that only says so much more for the other tracks. It was cool to later learn that Gregg Rolie was the founding keyboardist and vocalist for early Journey (along with later-Santana alumnus, Neil Schon). Michael Schrieve later played with Sammy Hagar and Neil Schon in the HSAS project. This is truly music for the soundtrack of my life, if there were such a thing. I hope anyone who hears this wonderful music is as moved by it as I was.
Submitted by Jim (LaFollette, TN, USA)
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