We continue our look back at the music of 50 years ago…..
Columbia Records President Clive Davis said he was “committing career suicide”. In 1972 when Carlos Santana released his 4th LP titled “Caravanserai” you could tell immediately that he wasn’t resting on past laurels.
If you were expecting “Evil Ways” or “Black Magic Woman” you could forget about it. This was the guitarist fully embracing the “fusion” movment that was becoming more and more prevelant among some jazz and rock players.
And his band came along for the ride. Neal Schon, Greg Rolie, Doug Rauch, Tom Rutley, Michael Shrieve, Jose Areas and James Lewis make this work artistically if not commercially.
There were no “hits” on the record but the LP did make it to #8 on the Billboard charts.
The album moved from rock to jazz to latin tinged rhythmns easily and managed to be immersible and entertaining even if it’s not what you’re expecting.
Side two is especially strong featuring my two faves on the record…”La Fuente del Ritmo” and “Every Step Of The Way”. They are both instrumentals as are my other picks…”Waves Within”, “Look Up To See What’s Coming Down” and “Song Of The Wind”.
His next album would be his collaboration with John McLaughlin but his move to fusion music begins here. It may not be your idea of “Santana” music but clearly shows an artist not afraid to stretch his musical chops and try to bring his audience along for the ride.
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