Carlos Santana at the Santa Barbara County Bowl
October 1st, 1999

By Cowboy Surfer, Seedless Records (more articles from this author) 1999-10-05

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Review of Carlos Santana at the Santa Barbara County Bowl October 1st, 1999

Santana's Website: www.santana.com
Ozomatli's Website: www.ozomatli.com
Photo Credit: Jay Blakesberg
"Smooth" - RealAudio

Before I get into a review of the show, I'd like to share this excerpt from Carlos Santana's website because it describes the man and his music better than I could. If you are interested in reading the entire dialogue, then I highly recommend doing so at his creatively artistic website.

"Long before anyone heard of the concept, "World Music," Carlos Santana was playing it. At a time when the world of traditional, guitar-based rock 'n roll was emerging from the "British Invasion" and reaching new levels of popularity in the English and U.S. markets, Santana infused it with a fresh energy and profound emotional depth that stirred the hearts and souls of millions of new fans around the entire globe. Skillfully blending elements of 12-bar blues, fiery rock riffs and sensuous Afro-Cuban rhythms, and featuring his passionate, unforgettable guitar style, Carlos Santana created a unique, magical sound. It is a sound that remains-like the long, sustained notes that mark his distinctive guitar solos-as powerful, as moving and as meaningful as ever, 30 years after Carlos first shared it with the world. And, it is a sound that earned Carlos many awards, including his 1998 induction (along with the Santana Band) into the Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame."

And, rather than resting on his laurels, Carlos has jumped into 1999 with renewed excitement. He has reunited with Clive Davis at Arista Records and has a new, cutting-edge album in the works. Entitled "Supernatural," the album was released on June 16, 1999, and it features the performing and production talents of some of the hottest names on today's music scene including Rob Thomas from Matchbox 20, Wyclef Jean and Everlast.

Carlos has also used his musical talents to the benefit of numerous worthy causes, such as "Blues for Salvador," San Francisco Earthquake relief, Tijuana orphans, the rights of Indigenous Peoples, and education for Latin youth in association with the Hispanic Media & Education Group (HEMG).

In 1996, Carlos received the Billboard Century Award, Billboard Magazine's highest honor for creative achievement, and he was named the Latino Music Legend of the Year by the Chicano Music Awards in 1997.

In addition to his musical awards, Carlos has received numerous civic and humanitarian commendations as well, including the 1997 Arthur M. Sohcot Award for Public Service and Excellence in Performance, the 1997 Golden Eagle Legend in Music Award from Nosotros, and a "Special Achievement Award" at the 1999 American Latino Media Arts (ALMA) Awards ceremony among others. And, on August 17, 1998, Carlos received the ultimate in entertainment awards when he received his "star" on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

So lest anyone think or even remotely entertain the thought that the man named Carlos Santana is going away anytime soon or has lost a step, you had better think again! In fact he is more together now than ever. After a slammin' opening set by local latin faves Ozomatli who play a Hi Energy blend of Latin rock, rhythm and rap all whipped up into a wild frenzy and who ended their show by marching around the bowl with band in tow still playing long after the lights came on, Carlos Santana emerged on to the stage at the legendary Santa Barbara Bowl made famous by legendary concerts by Jerry Garcia and Bob Marley. But this was Carlos Santana's night to light up the bowl and that he did. With a band that fluctuated from 8 to 12 players onstage at any given time, Carlos Santana and the Santana Band treated the capacity crowd to a seasoned veteran show with blendings of old favorites and new ones that drew very positive responses from the crowd, especially, "Smooth," a beautiful version of Samba Pa Ti with nice accompaniment from Chester Thompson on keys was devoured by the Santana crazy crowd and a burning version of Maria was nice on the ears.

The visual effects to the show were a nice surprise too. Beginning the concert was a large oval video screen that had a slow motion dove flying effect that accented what Carlos was playing. At which point Carlos said to celebrate the angels and just then angels flew across the stage. At another point in the concert, a huge sheer curtain was hung across the stage with all sorts of psychedelic images that were lit up by colored flood lights. It was a very stimulating visual effect for me.

Patrice Rushen came out and played on a couple of songs on keyboard with C.T. with some heavy freestyle jazz riffs which showed off Santana's true world music roots. He said he met Rushen while on tour with Wayne Shorter. The Santana Band seemed more relaxed and played with much enthusiasm. They seemingly were allowed to stretch out more than previous shows and seemed very happy onstage. Santana's new drummer had an extended drum solo that pleased the crowd and the ever present rhythm section added their usual spice to the mix. At one point during the concert someone had lit an incense stick right in front of Carlos during a guitar solo and from my vantage point it looked like his fingers were on fire across the fretboards. Or maybe it was that Purple Haze. All in all, Santana proved what a veteran of music scene he truly is and that a legend doesn't just have to come out and play the old hits to survive. Carlos Santana does that and then some and his new tunes are just as lively and vibrant as are his old hits. After all Carlos Santana on guitar is what it's all about and that hasn't changed at all.

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