Continuing with the formula of its Grammy-winning predecessors, SUPERNATURAL and SHAMAN, 2005's ALL THAT I AM once again finds Carlos Santana pairing off with a diverse group of superstar musicians. While some of the combinations seem perfectly natural--the jam with Austin's Los Lonely Boys, "I Don't Wanna Lose Your Love," is a match made in virtuoso heaven--others are more unexpected and showcase Santana's ability to master numerous strains of pop and rock. "Trinity" is an shredder's dream as Carlos squares off with Metallica's Kirk Hammett and neo-bluesman Robert Randolph, while tracks featuring Mary J. Blige and Outkast's Big Boi ("My Man") and Anthony Hamilton ("Twisted") offer the kind of R&B groove that made "Sway" such a smash.
As expected, the production on ALL THAT I AM is pristine, and Santana's guitar work is as impeccably fluid as ever, particularly on the albums two opening tracks. On both "Hermes" and "El Fuego," the singer/guitarist goes in alone and really cuts loose to indulge in the Latin rock fusion that brought him to prominence in the late 1960s. It's as if Santana wants to remind listeners where his heart's really at before bringing in the likes of Michelle Branch, Bo Bice, and Aerosmith's Steven Tyler to generate some hits. Still, the truly uplifting salsa/hip-hop anthem "I Am Somebody," featuring Will.i.am of Black Eyed Peas, is so infectious it's hard to imagine anyone dismissing it. ALL THAT I AM proves there's still some life left in this novel concept, and it's sure to be a hit with both Santana fans and those of his latest musical pals.
Santana: Carlos Santana (guitar, background vocals); Bill Ortiz (trumpet); Jeff Cressman (trombone); Chester Thompson (organ); Benny Rietveld (bass guitar); Dennis Chambers (drums); Karl Perazzo (congas, timbales, percussion, background vocals); Raul Rekow (congas, background vocals).
Additional personnel: Henry Garza (vocals, guitar); JoJo Garza (vocals, bass guitar); Joss Stone, Mary J. Blige, Michelle Branch, Andy Vargas, Anthony Hamilton, Steven Tyler, Bo Bice (vocals); Sean Paul, will.i.am, Big Boi (rap vocals); Gabriel Abularach (guitar, keyboards, bass guitar); George Pajon, Kirk Hammett, Tim Pierce (guitar); Robert Randolph (pedal steel guitar); David Stout (trombone); Moussa Diouf (piano, bass instrument); Preston Fullwood (organ); Dante Ross (keyboards); Kenny Aronoff , Jeff Rothschild (drums); Jessica Harp (background vocals).
Open letter to Mr. Clive Davis I saw Santana live in Panama during the World Tour of 1973. I decided not to go see him this past year on his return visit to Panama. I remember Santana since my childhood. His music meant everything to me. Mr. Davis: I know you are the main responsible for these last three Santana albums. I'm happy Carlos has had a great comeback and made lots of money for your company and for himself. But I think you murdered Santana and what he stood for musically. I know Santana's brain has been through a lot chemically, spiritually and otherwise and it's a shame to take advantage of one of the best living artist in the world and then put out this drivel in the name of money. It's true that Santana may need a commercial direction. But this is certainly not it. You've killed the sweetness of his guitar tone, the happiness and exuberance of his latin rythm, the infinite creativity of his compositional skills and the beauty of his guitar solos. May you enjoy your investment. I'll go back to my worn out copies of Abraxas and Lotus. History will validate Santana for the perpetual beauty created in Caravanserai, Borboletta, Welcome and such. Not for this period of shameful exploitation. Submitted by pitongo0481 (Panama) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo 1 of 1 found this helpful.
All That I'm Not Carlos Santana is easily one of the greatest guitarists who ever lived, but the collaborations are getting watered down. Supernatural and Shaman had some nice combinations and some great licks by Carlos. However, this time out, it just doesn't seem to click. The first tune, Hermes, really sticks to Carlos' latin roots and the mix with Anthony Hamilton is actually very radio friendly. But the rest sound like castoffs from the aforementioned albums. I bought the CD because I saw the names of Steven Tyler and Joss Stone, thinking this could be special. Carlos is still a special talent but this album is average at best. Submitted by Dennis (Eagan, MN) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo 1 of 1 found this helpful.
I hope this is the last collaberation album For us diehard santana fans,we're pretty sick of these albums.I hope im speaking for them.sure the album will sell,because its so commercial.Carlos,hows about a 70's fusion colaboration? Submitted by Gene Verzosa (Kauai,Hawaii,USA) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo 1 of 1 found this helpful.
ECLECTIC GREAT SOUND, PERSONALLY LIKE IT "EL FUEGO" GREAT SONG" THAT IMPULSE TO DANCING!!. ONE MORE TIME CARLOS WORK WHIT VAIOUS ARTISTS, ITS A MIX OF RYTHIMS THAT NEVER FALLS Submitted by dacabaps (MEXICO CITY, MX, MEXICO) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
I love it and the serve from CD Universe was excellent. Same as above. Submitted by gibby04s (Brighton, Mi. USA) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
All That I'm Not
I love it and the serve from CD Universe was excellent.
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