Though there were hints of jazz fusion on Santana's first three albums, 1972's CARAVANSERAI introduced a dramatic shift in the band's sound, away from essentially pop-based music to a freer, more harmonically complex jazz/rock hybrid. In addition, the record marked a splintering of the original Santana lineup (soon to splinter further still with the departure of organist Gregg Rolie and guitarist Neal Schon, who then formed Journey).
Seemingly unconcerned with the pursuit of hit singles, guitarist Carlos Santana and crew here turn in an exquisitely moody disc of mostly instrumental jamming with a brooding intensity akin to Miles Davis's classic BITCHES BREW, underscored by the San Francisco-based ensemble's trademark propulsive rhythms. The new approach reaches its apex on the fiery, Chick Corea-like "La Fuente Del Ritmo," which features future key Santana musicians Armando Pereza (percussion) and Tom Coster (piano). Also of note is bassist Doug Raunch, who replaces David Brown's meat-and-potatoes R&B playing with a more technically accomplished style that edges the group closer to Tower of Power territory. A dark and perhaps intentionally non-radio-friendly album that likely shocked many fans upon its release, CARAVANSERAI is an underrated, but important and fascinating, chapter in Santana's history.
Recorded in 1972. Originally released on Columbia (31610). Includes liner notes by Hal Miller.
Santana: Carlos Santana (vocals, guitar, percussion); James Mingo Lewis (vocals, piano, bongos, congas, percussion); Rico Reyes (vocals); Doug Rauch (guitar, bass); Douglas Rodrigues, Neal Schon (guitar); Hadley Caliman (saxophone); Gregg Rolie (piano, organ); Wendy Haas, Tom Coster (piano); Tom Rutley (acoustic bass); Mike Shrieve (drums); Jose "Chepito" Areas (bongos, timbales); Armando Peraza (bongos, percussion); Lenny White (castanets).
1972 .
Rolling Stone (12/7/72, p.62) - "...Carlos need never play another note to rank as one of the most satisfying beautiful players of his instrument... charming and moving melodic lines as the music swells and climaxes to swell again..." Q (5/00, p.131) - 4 stars out of 5 - "...The playing was immediately looser....A beautifully fluid piece of work, this was as far as most fans were prepared to go, never to return..."
Unbelievable If you are looking for Supernatural or Shaman you might want to purchase something else but if you are looking for early 70's jazz fusion at its best you have to have this CD. This whole period of albums from Santana is awesome. Submitted by a reviewer (New Port Richey, FL) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo 2 of 2 found this helpful.
Timeless I remember when I first saw the album cover. I was totally captivated by it. What I found later was the music inside took my soul places it has never been, and I was barely in middle school when this album came out! Today I have the cd, this is truly one of the greatest albums of all time....a masterpiece! Submitted by donaldg7 (Atlanta, Ga) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo 2 of 2 found this helpful.
a jazz/rock fusion masterpiece If you are a fan of 70's jazz/rock fusion and have not heard this album, you will be pleasantly surprised. A must have for collectors of fusion. Add to that the trademark Santana Afro/Cuban rhythms and percussion and you have quite possibly the finest jazz/rock fusion album ever recorded. After 35 years of listening to this album, I still get chills! The album literally climaxes with the last two tracks: La Fuente del Ritmo and Every Step of the Way. The music grooves and flows and pours and spews and breathes moves in waves of rhythm and beat that connect me with something that is deep within me. Pure joy and delight! Submitted by grime1 (Orlando, Florida) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo 2 of 2 found this helpful.
Class Carlos This is one of the greatest records ever made. This recording has the spirit of Miles running through its grooves and is pure class. It made the guy who is head of Spain an imposter because this is THE King Carlos.
Just listen and you will find out that I am correct.
Martin Grupman, Bury, England. Submitted by martin.grupman (Bury England) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo 2 of 2 found this helpful.
Love it When I was a kid and this came out, I thought it was the worst piece of garbage.... after those first 3 remarkable albums.
Then I grew up.
From start to finish this album is fantastic... the best Santana ever. It is beyond words. Put your headphones on and "take-off." Submitted by a reviewer (Newburgh, IN) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo 1 of 1 found this helpful.
Unbelievable
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