It began almost as a lark when Carlos Santana encountered his longtime friend and hero Wayne Shorter on the concert trail in Atlanta, GA, in 1987. Carlos said, "Let's start a rumor that we're putting a band together."Wayne... more »'s eyes got bigger and brighter as he smiled and then responded: "Yeah, Carlos, let's start a rumor." A few months later the Carlos Santana/Wayne Shorter Band performed its debut concert at The Fillmore in San Francisco, the beginning of a 26-concert tour throughout the U.S. and Europe. The performance of this magnificent band was recorded at Montreux, Switzerland, on July 14, 1988, and includes interviews with Carlos Santana, Wayne Shorter and festival creator Claude Nobs. DISC 1: Spiritual - Peraza - Shhh - Incident at Neshabur - Elegant People - Goodness & Mercy - Sanctuary DISC 2: For Those Who Chant - Blues for Salvador - FIreball 2000 - Ballroom in the Sky - Once It's Gotcha - Mandela - Deeper, Dig Deeper - Europa. Musicians: Carlos Santana - guitar / Wayne Shorter - saxophone / Chester Thompson - keyboards / Patrice Rushen - keyboards / Alphonso Johnson - bass / Armando Peraza - congas / Jose Chepito Areas - timbales / Leon "Ndugu" Chancler - drums« less
It began almost as a lark when Carlos Santana encountered his longtime friend and hero Wayne Shorter on the concert trail in Atlanta, GA, in 1987. Carlos said, "Let's start a rumor that we're putting a band together."Wayne's eyes got bigger and brighter as he smiled and then responded: "Yeah, Carlos, let's start a rumor." A few months later the Carlos Santana/Wayne Shorter Band performed its debut concert at The Fillmore in San Francisco, the beginning of a 26-concert tour throughout the U.S. and Europe. The performance of this magnificent band was recorded at Montreux, Switzerland, on July 14, 1988, and includes interviews with Carlos Santana, Wayne Shorter and festival creator Claude Nobs. DISC 1: Spiritual - Peraza - Shhh - Incident at Neshabur - Elegant People - Goodness & Mercy - Sanctuary DISC 2: For Those Who Chant - Blues for Salvador - FIreball 2000 - Ballroom in the Sky - Once It's Gotcha - Mandela - Deeper, Dig Deeper - Europa. Musicians: Carlos Santana - guitar / Wayne Shorter - saxophone / Chester Thompson - keyboards / Patrice Rushen - keyboards / Alphonso Johnson - bass / Armando Peraza - congas / Jose Chepito Areas - timbales / Leon "Ndugu" Chancler - drums
I've been longing to hear Carlos Santana in an all instrumental setting, sans the cloying vocals, for years. And he delivers, along with his altogether remarkable band, big time.
This is probably the worst I've ever heard Wayne Shorter. He just doesn't seem to be on board with the vibe. Consequently, his playing comes across as tentative, groping, unfocused. Plus, he's very poorly recorded--too far back in the mix and improperly mic'd. It doesn't even matter that Santana is half the musician Shorter is. This is his gig, and he nails it. Patrice Rushen (keyboards) ain't half bad either. Same for Alphonso Johnson (bass) and Leon Ndugu Chancler (drums). These dudes can play.
If you were hoping for a stellar Shorter performance (as I was) you're going to be disappointed (e.g., his lame theme from Star Wars quote on "Shh," strangely reprised and nearly beat to death on "Elegant People," coupled with his generally phlegmatic/pedestrian playing throughout). My advice? Get over it, and just sit back and enjoy some very smart live jazz/fusion instrumental music that always beguiles and sometimes mesmerizes.
****1/2."
Jazz Fusion, Salsa and Rock ...at its best
W. Noshie | Beirut, Lebanon | 04/26/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Wayne Shorter and Carlos Santana in a new release of an old concert; performed in 1988.
I am a huge fan of Santana's early albums when he was very hip to Jazz Fusion and releasing some amazing albums between year 1972 and 1973; and since I am into fusion, no need to say Wayne Shorter's music has always been in my CD collection as well.
This new release is as I expected it to be; main in Jazz Fusion, salsa with a light addition of some rock tunes; also a great reminder of an old 1972 release for Santana called: "Carlos Santana and Buddy Miles! Live."
All 18 tracks are very well performed; CS's Guitar is all over the place, WS is doing a great job same as the entire band. The recording is nicely done giving a good result on a High Fidelity Audio system.
A Live double CD, full of great tunes, well, well worth buying.
If you are into Jazz Fusion and Carlos Santana, check these old releases; Great Stuff
1. Santana and John McLaughlin: Love, Devotion and Surrender. 1972
2. Santana and Buddy Miles: Live. 1972
3. Santana: Caravanserai. 1972
4. Santana: Welcome. 1973
5. Santana: Illuminations. 1974
6. Santana: Oneness. 1979
"
He's Backkkkkkk! Well, sort of
John A. Gregorio | Castalian Springs, TN | 04/03/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is he Santana, both Man and Band, that have been missing the past few years. These offerings are compositions not songs. What is the difference? It is found in the complexity of the music and in the effect it takes to improvise/play them.
All the best elements of Santana's playing such as the blues, jazz, and latin mix is present with the added bonus of the great Wayne Shorter.
The only regret is you have to go back to 1988 to find this great music, as currently Santana is "on hiatus.""
Jaap, Zoetermeer, The Netherlands
JIX | Zoetermeer, The Netherlands | 07/06/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I already have several Santana CD's and I love his particular sound.
I do appreciate jazz and fusion music a lot and also rock music.
This combination with Wayne Shorter is in my opinion a masterpiece and a must-have for Santana fans who also enjoy Jazz muzic. GREAT LIVE PERFORMANCE in good quality recording!"
Dream Band: Santana and Shorter
C. Low | 05/17/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"For those of you who missed this short tour, this is a great performance of a an allstart dream band. Carlos and Wayne fill the Montreux skies with soaring sounds with great chemistry and energy. Patrice Rushen is no slouch as a great instrumentalist in her own right. Unfortunately, Alphonso's bass solo did not make the cut on this dvd\cd. Percussion is the backbone of all Carlos' bands and they mesh like a glove. Of all of their concert tours since the mid 70's, this is my favorite due to the once in a lifetime get together and a very creative period for this band. Thank You Carlos and Wayne for releasing this. Thanks"