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Posted by Xaman
on August 7, 2009, 5:13 pm, in reply to "Re: Freddie Ravel"
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I personally feel that this has been one of the strongest Santana line ups ever. The hits have allowed Carlos to explore jazzy material that was untouched for a long time. The non Las Vegas shows include lots of gems. Plus they quote, to use one of Dr. Jose Sierra's terms, a lot of other obscure material within the better known songs. As an example, She's Not There's" outro easily turns into "Marbles." "Corazon Espinado" turns into so many songs. What fame and money has allowed Carlos is to surround himself with the best musicians money can buy. I mean how much does it cost to keep Dennis Chambers on the payroll? Probably a lot. Despite of all the complaints and nagging, I've learned to appreciate Dennis' playing with Santana. He plays exactly what a trap drummer is supposed to play, no more, no less. Just like Ringo Starr did with the Beatles.
When I go to a Santana concert, I don't drink anything before hand or during the show. My bladder is completely empty. Try to take in every note and every beat, and expect to be surprised by something I haven't heard in a long time, or something unusual, like those Sun Rah like jams.
I like Chester a lot, he is a master keyboardist. He is up in age, and like many of his generation may be suffering from things like diabetes, high blood pressure and such. All that flying against Earth's rotation and sun movement must do something to a man's body. Plus the dieting, being careful what to eat and drink as they travel from country to country, takes a toll.
I liked what I heard from Freddie Ravel, specially the fat Hammond organ notes that he plays. And like other Santana members, he has a musical multicultural background, he has tumbao, a real Cubano feel, besides the jazz and rock stuff. Carlos is way ahead of us. He could have an army of synth bank players, like most major acts do. He must hear something in Freddie. In a not so distant future it will be Santana featuring Salvador Santana, and maybe even his sisters. I told that kid who plays keyboards with Salvador that I could see him in the future singing lead for Santana. He smirked. About half an hour later he was on stage singing with the Santana band.
I agree with Scott about the set list not changing in a long time.
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