by Brian D. Holland.

Carlos Santana Plays Blues At Montreux 2004

Carlos Santana’s signature guitar sound, personified with subtle Latin flavorings, is one of the most stunning and recognizable sounds in music. Without even being acquainted with his past, it’s easy to discern through the passion he exerts that he’s a musician who once played the blues extensively, a music style that’s known for its raw feeling and devout passion. In the late '60s, the “Santana Blues Band” spurred the interest of Al Kooper and Mike Bloomfield, among others, which eventually led to a record deal. The rest is history. Though Santana went on to be one of the most renowned guitarists in rock history, the blues has always been an important factor in his musical makeup.

In Carlos Santana Plays Blues At Montreux 2004 Santana shares the stage with three of his favorite blues players. Keep in mind that although his name is on the DVD, his position is often the humble sideman to these blues greats, Santana himself appearing as a guest of the show's headliner. It’s just as much a Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown, Bobby Parker and Buddy Guy DVD as it’s a Carlos Santana one. It’s also a nice tribute to “Gatemouth,” who passed away back in 2005. The DVD opens with Brown doing a funky rhythm intro into “I’ve Got My Mojo Working.” Though the Texas bluesman and Santana trade interesting licks back and forth, it doesn’t stop there, as the rest of the band stands out individually. Next is a slow blues treat for “Gatemouth” fans as well as Santana’s, as Brown leads the band through an infectious rendition of his own “The Drifter.” After trading sweet licks of conformity back and forth, Brown gives his Gibson Firebird a break and plays the fiddle for a while. Although Santana excels with interesting tone and chops on this one, once again the band stands out individually. Everybody gets a chance to excel, and no one gets left out.

In the next set, it’s time for the soulful blues of Bobby Parker. “Chill Out” begins in a more Santana element, with sweet Latin chops that segue nicely into Parker’s melodic picking. The two get into some heavy riffing back and forth in this set. But with all that said, it’s a delight to see and hear the swapping of licks between Santana and Buddy Guy in “Stormy Monday,” as well as the vocal exchange between Guy and jazz legend Barbara Morrison. Santana adds sweet notes to their lyrical conversation. Morrison sticks around for “So Many Roads, So Many Trains” before Bobby Parker joins both Guy and Santana for a closing jam. Behind every standout musician is a great backup band as well, and this concert is no different in that manner. Names too many to mention, a couple of notables are Chester Thompson (keyboards)and Nile Rodgers (guitar).

Since Carlos Santana Plays Blues At Montreux 2004 was recorded and filmed a mere four years ago, listeners can expect the sound quality to match the musicianship, of which is excellent in any listening mode: PCM Stereo, Dolby Digital 5.1, or DTS Digital Surround. Though the DVD is an excellent addition to any blues collection, it’s certainly an excellent view of a side of Carlos Santana that we don’t often get a chance to see. Though we’ve known him to be a true gentleman and a superb musician, this film proves it again and again. The icing on the cake is seeing a healthy and energetic Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown doing what he loved above all else.

Note: Though Eagle Vision released a 3 DVD set of the complete show a couple of years ago, this new one is a single disc version featuring all of the Santana performances, over 90 minutes of great blues music.

Carlos Santana with Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown:
I’ve Got My Mojo Working
The Drifter
Grape Jelly
Okie Dokie Stomp

Carlos Santana with Bobby Parker:
Chill Out
Mellow Down Easy
Watch Your Step

Carlos Santana with Buddy Guy (and Barbara Morrison):
Stormy Monday
Jam Session 1
So Many Roads, So Many Trains
Jam Session 2

Eagle Vision 2008

Link:
Carlos Santana Plays Blues At Montreux 2004 on Amazon