Breaking Stereotypes with Santana
One band leads to another when you get obsessed with learning about the roots of classic rock; my exploration inevitably led me to the iconic bands that played at the legendary Woodstock Festival in 1969, including The Who, Grateful Dead, Jimmy Hendrix, and Janis Joplin. Among these musical legends, Santana sparked my curiosity. The name Santana appeared in Mexican elementary school history books, and some of their songs were in Spanish, revealing that its leader, Carlos Santana, was Mexican. A fellow compatriot among British and American rock royalty? It seemed unlikely, yet inspiring. At that time, I couldn't articulate it, but I had the feeling that Mexicans were destined for a life constrained by the limitations of the third world. Santana's career planted a seed of possibility, igniting my dreams to cross borders and embrace new experiences.
Santana's electrifying Woodstock performance hit everyone like a storm, catapulting them into stardom. Their first album, "Santana," was released a few weeks after the festival, fueling the fire, culminating in the release of their seminal album "Abraxas" a few months later. Even in 2024, Carlos Santana remains one of our most admired guitarists and musicians, proving that greatness knows no boundaries.
"Abraxas" defined Santana's signature style, blending rock, Latin, and blues elements. The band's original formation included founding members of Journey, Greg Rollie and Neil Schon, and the brilliant percussionist Jose "Chapito" Areas. This album dominated the early 1970s with its fusion of eclectic musical influences, and it has become a timeless recording after 50 years of relevance.
Abraxas starts with the instrumental "Singing Wind," a song frequently used as their concert opener. The next two songs, always performed back-to-back, define Santana's musical style: "Black Magic Woman" and "Oye Como Va." Fleetwood Mac's Peter Green wrote the former and showcases Santana's mastery of guitar and blues. "Oye Como Va" encapsulates his Latin roots. Another song that defines Santana's guitar playing and that most people worldwide have probably have heard is "Samba Pa Ti," the background of events, hotel lobbies, and more.
Santana broke the spell that had kept bands skipping Mexico in their world tours on November 5, 1988, my very first concert. We were some of the first in line to enter the stadium and sat in the sun in front of the stage for the whole day, only to be pushed out by a mob when Santana started playing. He opened the show by praying "Our Father," creating an instant connection with the audience.
During my late teens, Santana's music became more than just songs; it became an inspiration. It opened my mind to endless possibilities and triggered my desire to explore life's boundless opportunities. Their music helped me discover the power of breaking barriers and embracing diversity, embarking on a journey of personal growth and exploration.
Don Moi, this is one of your best reviews. Loved it. Vero