You hit the nail on the head. Carlos playing is utterly unique and beautiful. I would argue that he is perhaps one of the most identifiable guitarist ever. He can play just one note and if that was all you heard you would know it was him. Not many people can make that claim. And as time marches on and year after year I pull out all the old Santana albums they just seem to get better and better and I can listen to them over and over and over for days on end and it just never gets old ever. He is just a genius master, and I love it.
I totally agree with you, the only other guitarist that I know that fits your description of "one note and if that was all you heard, you would know it was him" is Jimi Hendrix. Vintage Santana albums are awesome!
Carlos has stood the test of time!!! Captivating , smooth .... Yeah!!! Amazing how just holds a note, and it wails on and on!! Mesmerising!!!! The man is on a level of his own, he compliments anybody he plays with!!! You only have to listen to a couple of notes and you know it's him!! Created his own style and sound!!! A true legend!!!!! Great vid Fil!!!!
Yes, like Gary Moore. Very melodic. I don't mind a million miles an hour if it's tastefully done and not repetative. Eric Johnson comes to mind or Guthrie Govan.
I read comments like this all the time. People don't seem to think about what they are writing. Speed has nothing to do with melodic content, get it? There are fast melodies and slow melodies. Your comment doesn't make any sense.
I haven't stated my personal opinion, i stated a fact. Speed is a property of music which is different than melodic content. A melody consists of note and rhythmic content. Which is the note choice, length of notes and length of pauses. The tempo/speed is a completely separate property of music. Whether you choose to mix those up and have false opinions is entirely up to you.
The version of Europa on the live album Moonflower is the best ever! I learned this tune many years ago and still play it to this day. As far as sustain goes, there is a 16 second sustain on the Moonflower version and I'd rather listen to that one note than a thousand notes by Vai or Satriani or Malmsteen in the same length of time. I much prefer soulful players to speed freaks.
Fil, I know Carlos very well, we grew up together in Tijuana México from 1957-62 he was great even back then from the age of 11 years old. I also had the privilege of touring with him in 1996-97 as his tennis coach-personal assistant. I wrote a song in his honor titled “Samba Del Mundo” if you care to check it out, it is on my CD “Only By Grace” you can find it on UA-cam under my name José Molina Serrano. Thank you for your great analysis of his playing, it is spot on.
Santana is no doubt the greatest guitarist - I have listened to his music since 1960. I have not seen another guitarist who can hold a note longer than Santana. He plays music with passion & soul which is received by the listeners. Sometimes he uses the pick & flicked the string upward, sometimes he uses his thumb etc. He has so many techniques to make his music special. All I can say is I’m lucky to be able to enjoy his music. God bless Santana- a gift from heaven to all music lovers .
I was blown away back when Abraxas came out. That was 48 years ago (!) and it sounds as fresh today as it did then and I've been a fan of Santana every since. He can say more with one note than modern day shredders can with a whole album. Less is more!
I discovered Santana through Abraxas and the very first time I heard it, I was gobsmacked! The atmosphere on this album is incredible, one of Santana's best. A couple of years ago, I saw him in concert and he played the whole side one as a start! I was so happy :D
Louis Armstrong once said that when you start playing, you learn all the notes and get as fast as possible. When you get good, you figure out what notes really matter and ignore the rest. That describes Carlos.
"...He can even feature on somebody else's song, that isn't even his band, his setup, and you KNOW that it's Carlos playing...": I just LOVED this line of yours. :-) And I totally agree. You may like him or not, it doesn't matter, you know it's him playing. There's a number of these players... Knopfler, Gilmour, a few others. They may not show super-difficult techniques, nor play at WARP speed, but they just put their f***ing SOULS into what they play, and that touches the listener deep. :-) One thing that I love in your "analysis videos" is that you appreciate pretty much EVERY style and genre of music. And you always look at the good in every musician, and point it out in a way that makes we, or at least ME, understand and appreciate as well. That's a GREAT quality of you. Thank you for doing so. :-)
Santana doesn't "busy" it up because he plays guitar like a vocalist. He sings. Can you imagine if Elvis started scatting in the middle of "Love Me Tender"? A lot of players do that.
I met Carlos once at a wedding for a family friend of his once, I was kitchen director of the country club at the time. He was a really great guy to just talk with...and it makes one great story. As a side note...Mexican weddings have some of the best food.
I was a chauffeur in Las Vegas, before retiring 2020, and picked him up a few times. Always enjoyed seeing him; very nice guy. Been listening to him, well, since '69.
Carlos is a soul that must be heard! I've seen him live in San Antonio TX several times many years ago and each time he was Right on key! Lovely experience! Thanks FIL 💘
He's like a Latin chet Atkins . No matter who he's playing with, everyone recognized him. When he played with john mclaughlin he forces john to think about his playing. Carlos is so underrated
@@markrymanowski719 By whom? "The High Times"? He's not even very innovative, or creative. His sister used to cut my girlfriend's hair. There was a song he did that I really liked. His sister said that the song was one that his father's mariachi band used to play in Mexico. The lead line that Santana used was copied from the trumpet solo! I never liked the song as much after I found that out! Don't get me wrong, I like Santana. But saying he's one of the top rated guitarists in the world is ridiculous!
@@markrymanowski719 So, I looked up the top 100 guitarists, as rated by rolling Stone and Guitar Player. Yeah, he made the list. However, in rolling Stone he's quoted as attributing acid to help develop his style. He actually indicates he wouldn't be where he is without it. In the second pole, he's quoted as being inspired by basketball players. How come I don't see LSD in the credits for Black Magic Woman (which, by the way is a cover. Many don't know that)? Oddly, Keith Richards didn't claim his heroin addiction advanced his career, and doesn't cite any athletes! What the hell is wrong with Keith? Face it... Santana's a good guitarist with a very unique style of his own, that is very popular. He has never been, and never will be great! DEAL WITH IT! 😀
Fil, check out his recorded version of "Europa" on the Moonflower album. He never played it better and it's how I remember seeing him play it back then on tour. It's Carlos at his best using all his techniques and dynamics to bring you thru a journey like only he can. This version of Europa is lacking continuity that Moonflowers contains. You will understand after listening. However, the beauty of Art and the Artist is it's ever changing. It's impossible to recreate genius exactly the same at another time...and if you try it just does not have the same inspired feel. Anyway...love you analysis...thanks for taking the time to read my little thoughts.
A fantastic song and human. One the few players that can absolutely make a guitar cry. FYI, this wasn't called Acid Rock back then, I was there. It was simply SANTANA!!! His own class of music, 50+ YRS of beautiful music. So versatile too!
Mr sustain, Mr smooth, Mr silk. The first song I heard by Santana was on my parent's Woodstock album: Soul Sacrifice. It was the first Santana song I learned on guitar. Such power and passion, and that's what I think of when I describe Santana
I've always had respect for Santana's technical skills, but it wasn't until I was older and more mature that I began to understand and appreciate his true musical genius. Ditto all of your comments. His use of vibrato adds to the overall richness of the melody, he knows exactly how to express a note, and how long to carry it thru for the good of the overall composition. It flows so effortlessly as to be not even be an afterthought, it's in his nature. While you are watching his hands, I'm watching his body language and facial expressions. Santana's true genius comes from his ability to express his emotions thru his music. The guitar is not just an instrument conveying a melody, or his emotions, but a sultry mistress who's love story enriches us all.
Carlos Santana - Master of Melody A great way to sum up Carlos. He can play any song in a different way every time, but the essential melody is never, ever lost. Carlos Santana - Sent from Heaven. Received with great appreciation by Earth.
My favorite song by him...such an unique sound. Amazing talent. My growing up in San Diego ca (so close to tiajuana ) it still can be heard and revered both sides of border to this day...
I remember listening to Santana while under the influence...and I was so out of body I remember thinking I was the music. It was truly spiritual. While i don't need drugs to feel this way any longer but wow, he was ultra cool and still is. I love how he hooked up with some more modern artist and in a whole new unit of time made himself relevant (as if he wasn't before) but just the fact he did that was soo admirable.. What a lovely artist! Thank you my friend (Fil)
Again Fil... Great analysis. I introduced my partner to this song (she's from Zimbabwe) and I now hear it on Saturday mornings as she's getting ready. Not suggesting she is going to pick up the guitar. But thanks for analysing this. I need to get back in to playing. My issue is that I was self taught. I just got stuck. James - London
I met him at the Airport and he was so kind and you can tell he’s a wonderful human being! Everyone who saw him that day was asking for an autograph and they wanted a picture with him but He just had a wonderful conversation with me he was talking about his wife how great she played drums I helped him find his gate and he shook my hand said peace my little brother and God bless you! I also met lots of celebrities most of them were very nice very generous! Really loved that job!
Santana was my all time favorite player. He was so melodic compared to most others. And his tone was so original. You always knew it was Santana playing.
I saw a quote from Albert King that said, “think 10 notes, play 5”. The greats don’t need to play a cascade of notes. Just a few will blow your mind just as much!
Great analysis! This was the song that really got me into Santana back in the day. Been my favorite band and artist since I was 12 yrs old. At 54 now and practically have all his music and seen him 13 times I still am amazed and mesmorised by his music.A one of a kind .No one plays with more passion. His ability to get inside the note and say so much with is,what sets him apart.
A few notable quotes from Carlos Santana's master class on guitar: 1. Bending a note is like getting down on one knee 2. Vibrato is a welcome hug 3. If you eat chicken with a fork and a knife, it's not gonna sound as good when you're playing boogie
Magical. I've seen Santana live 3 times, and they varied from 'The is the best band in the world', to rather mixed, not due to his playing, but due to his choice of material, and talking too much between songs. But his mastery sure shines through in Europe. One of the greats. Unique and incredible.❤️🎶🎸🙏
Thank you Fil. You know that saying "I don't know art but I know what I like."? Well, I don't know music but I know what I feel. When you described Carlos' playing as melody driven, it defined for me why I've always felt that his guitar was "singing". I've always thought that it was the sexiest song ever. I heard him play this live at Ravinia (a small outdoor venue) and I just melted.
I remember when Caravanserai came out. When I listened to Song of the Wind I finally got Carlos. I think Neal Schon was 15 at the time and was already playing blitzkrieg flurries of notes as a counterpoint to Santana's sustained melodies. So many players try to achieve meaning by playing as many notes as possible. And sometimes it's necessary, but often it becomes strained and mechanical. Just because you can obliterate the fretboard doesn't mean you should. Carlos is connected to the spiritual and brings that out in this album. It should be recommended listening for every music lover and guitar player. Just an amazing experience to be enjoyed even after years of listening.
I apologize if I sounded harsh on the Woodstock Soul Sacrifice comment the other day. Thank you for this channel and for featuring my all time favorite artist. It sounds so cliche to say it but I will. I was ten years old growing up in Miami, and Santana’s music changed my life. Kids my age were listening to the Archies and Partridge Family. I had never heard anything like Santana!!!! Actually it was their first lp that stirred my soul from the first couple of notes of track one! I heard the live version at Woodstock AFTER I heard the lp version. There was a time in the 80’s and 90’s when I felt like I was the last person on earth buying Santana lps. Zebop, shango, Welcome, Milagro , Beyond Appearances, Blues For Salvador and others. Honestly, I had mixed feelings when Supernatural was released. Loved that he was back but annoyed at all the new fans that had never heard of this legend! Love you, Fil….ROCK!!!!
Carlos doesn't "play" a guitar. He caresses it until it cries for mercy. I saw him at Casino Rama Orillia, Ontario several years back. From the first notes he played, I closed my eyes and dreamed my way home. What he is able to draw out of a guitar is akin to orchestral in nature. When he plays, I wish nobody else on stage would touch their instruments. REQUESTS FOR YOU TO CHECK OUT: Kenny Wayne Shepherd with "Blue On Black", Molly Hatchett cranking out "Flirtin' With Disaster", Nancy Wilson of Heart tooling out with "Crazy On You"(full version), and Carlos Santana backing John Lee Hooker on "Things Gonna Change" and "The Healer" I know you can't do them all, Fil, but at least give them a listen and try your best to do a few of the tunes I've requested. Wishes to you for peace, health, and cheery days filled with good musical thoughts and great guitar rifts that fill your psyche with journies upon the astral planes of your limbic region. Mike from Canada
Its really cool to have you break down why a song is so involving .I have listened to these guitarists (mot just Santana) for 30 years and you point out so many thing I never knew. I can't play a lick, but am a music lover since a baby, can't imagine one day without my classic rock. I really enjoy all your videos, it makes me pull some of the artists I haven't listened to in a while and hear what you are talking about.
In the mid 70's we went to see the Rolling Stones. Well the lead off band was Santana. This was in a domed football stadium with about 75000 in attendance. When the lights went on, he had 3 drummers with full kits, 6 guys on conga drums, organist, bass, 2 more guitarists, girl backup singers, trumpets and sax. He kicked off with Soul Sacrifice and man they filled that whole stadium with sound. They were so good I couldn't help thinking the Rolling Stones had to thinking that how were they going to go on after this.
excellent analysis. You are right. Sometimes Santana makes you want to get up and dance. Sometimes he makes you want to sit down and think. This is one of those sit down and think songs. "Song of the Wind" is another one.
I loved this analysis because Carlos being one of my favorite players I have always been annoyed that there are people out there who say he is overrated. For whatever reason, and it seems particularly with guitar players, people always want to argue who is better than who. I don’t understand this, they are artists. Do we argue whether one painter is better than another? Is Van Gogh better than Picasso, is Davinci better than Monet? Of course not, they produce something that brings out your emotion. Hendrix, Gallagher, Clapton, Van Halen, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Beck, Page, Trucks, Tedeschi, Roy Clark, Glenn Campbell, Feliciano, Charo, Nancy Wilson, who’s better? None of them and all of them. They all paint their own picture in their musical style. It hits people's personal taste. As a friend of mine said that sums this up. “Pizza is a controversial subject.”
Santana and Gilmour the best at making you feel their guitar notes and melodies. Must close eyes to fully appreciate the emotional and loving journey! Thank YOU!
Been a fan since 1979. Moonflower is a tremendous album. I had most of his albums on vinyl until my sister in law borrowed them over 20 years ago. I bought Moonflower again on CD and its my constant companion in my car. Samba pa ti is the one tune both my wife and I love with a passion. Europa. Earth cry, heavens smile.
Greetings Fil, this is great Santa, I saw him on line play with Gato Gabriela, a famous sax guy during the free jazz movement in the 70s, talk about setting a note and letting it go on and on. This is so awsome. Many Thanks, Marty M😉
He pulls at the strings with his right hand as well.the more you pull the string away from the body and then let it snap back the craziest sounds happen.I think mark knopfler was influenced cos you can hear it
It's easier to shred as well as hide behind effects to cover up the sloppiness of defined notes being played. Playing with space and playing melodicallydemand impeccable timing which does not allow for mistakes.
Fil...I'm really getting into watching your videos and enjoying your comments. Santana is really cool, and you can really feel him sharing and connecting with the audience ! I was lucky enough to see him live back in the 70's (yep...that OLD!) from the 6th row...he was tossing BEERS into the audience! thank about SHARING! this brings back great memories! Thanks for another great video Fil!
Carlos is always wonderful to listen to. I've been a big fan for years. Thanks for showcasing one of his many spectacular performances. Love to hear your analysis - always educational. Well done once again.
Excellent analysis, Carlos playing is his soul connecting to the listeners soul.... Nothing phony there, you can see the the emotion it evokes in his face.
His phrasing is romantic and its very similar to romance singers. You can feel his playing like no other. In many ways he is telling stories through his playing and its not forced and thoroughly relevant to peoples lives.
What a brilliant analysis Fil , I wish I could articulate as perfectly as you do . Carlos has his style of playing that does not need an introduction . No one else I know of plays like he does . He's truly a master .
I believe Carlos himself has said that his use of melody so much is because he first played the violin, and when he got his hands on a guitar, played it like a violin, not knowing any other style. His tone developed massively from there, but that is it's roots.
He still plays violin. His father was a well known musician in Mexico and after Carlos became known his father moved up to Marin Country and he played violin strolling around the tables of the Cantina restaurant in Mill Valley that became sort of a hangout for musicians and people in the music and film industry. Carlos lived just a few minutes away. It was a pretty small community or artists, writers, actors, bands all in small area just north of San Francisco. Many of the 60s musicians in San Francisco moved north after 1969-70 when the San Francisco scene was overrun by a flood of kids seeking the Summer of Love, from all over the country seeking free sex, drugs and music. It was a very laid back beautiful low population environment and that too has been overrun by yuppies and dot.com millionaires who moved in, exploded housing costs and made it less cool. At the time I had a large 3 studio recording studio complex so knew everyone in the music scene or groups from around the world who came to record.
My all time favorite song of Santana's! Love his music maybe cause I grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area. Seen him 5 times & he ever disappoints! No matter where I am if I hear his guitar I know it's him!
Some artists just touch your soul . Carlos is one!
Amen the best in my book
I say it a little different some guitarist have Mr. Before their name and yes Mr. Carlos Santana
Amen, Brother. Carlos touches your soul for sure. His beautiful phrasing is just superb. He's a master.
You hit the nail on the head. Carlos playing is utterly unique and beautiful. I would argue that he is perhaps one of the most identifiable guitarist ever. He can play just one note and if that was all you heard you would know it was him. Not many people can make that claim. And as time marches on and year after year I pull out all the old Santana albums they just seem to get better and better and I can listen to them over and over and over for days on end and it just never gets old ever. He is just a genius master, and I love it.
Well said. There is, and will only ever be, one Carlos Santana.
I totally agree with you, the only other guitarist that I know that fits your description of "one note and if that was all you heard, you would know it was him" is Jimi Hendrix. Vintage Santana albums are awesome!
Yes, just one note.
"You don't play a guitar, you make love to the guitar"
-Carlos Santana
Jimmy Page said similar thing on "It may get loud"
ManuelGearbox : i always feel like i’m on a foreign beach, under the stars, free…whenever i hear Santana.
Yes, that's it! He does!
One of the most beautiful pieces of guitar playing ever!
Carlos has stood the test of time!!! Captivating , smooth .... Yeah!!! Amazing how just holds a note, and it wails on and on!! Mesmerising!!!! The man is on a level of his own, he compliments anybody he plays with!!! You only have to listen to a couple of notes and you know it's him!! Created his own style and sound!!! A true legend!!!!! Great vid Fil!!!!
👍
I would rather listen to slow great melodic leads like this than someone shredding a million miles an hour
Me too.
Amen to that!
Yes, like Gary Moore. Very melodic. I don't mind a million miles an hour if it's tastefully done and not repetative. Eric Johnson comes to mind or Guthrie Govan.
I read comments like this all the time.
People don't seem to think about what they are writing.
Speed has nothing to do with melodic content, get it?
There are fast melodies and slow melodies.
Your comment doesn't make any sense.
I haven't stated my personal opinion, i stated a fact.
Speed is a property of music which is different than melodic content.
A melody consists of note and rhythmic content.
Which is the note choice, length of notes and length of pauses.
The tempo/speed is a completely separate property of music.
Whether you choose to mix those up and have false opinions is entirely up to you.
The version of Europa on the live album Moonflower is the best ever! I learned this tune many years ago and still play it to this day. As far as sustain goes, there is a 16 second sustain on the Moonflower version and I'd rather listen to that one note than a thousand notes by Vai or Satriani or Malmsteen in the same length of time. I much prefer soulful players to speed freaks.
Fil, I know Carlos very well, we grew up together in Tijuana México from 1957-62 he was great even back then from the age of 11 years old. I also had the privilege of touring with him in 1996-97 as his tennis coach-personal assistant. I wrote a song in his honor titled “Samba Del Mundo” if you care to check it out, it is on my CD “Only By Grace” you can find it on UA-cam under my name José Molina Serrano. Thank you for your great analysis of his playing, it is spot on.
Thanks Jose!
how great Jose!
Santana is no doubt the greatest guitarist - I have listened to his music since 1960. I have not seen another guitarist who can hold a note longer than Santana. He plays music with passion & soul which is received by the listeners. Sometimes he uses the pick & flicked the string upward, sometimes he uses his thumb etc. He has so many techniques to make his music special. All I can say is I’m lucky to be able to enjoy his music. God bless Santana- a gift from heaven to all music lovers .
I put Gilmour at he same level of love I feel
I went to see Santana in concert 3 times . All were great memorable events . Their percussion section plays like no other .
I was blown away back when Abraxas came out. That was 48 years ago (!) and it sounds as fresh today as it did then and I've been a fan of Santana every since. He can say more with one note than modern day shredders can with a whole album. Less is more!
Same here. I think Abraxas was the first LP I ever bought.
I discovered Santana through Abraxas and the very first time I heard it, I was gobsmacked! The atmosphere on this album is incredible, one of Santana's best.
A couple of years ago, I saw him in concert and he played the whole side one as a start! I was so happy :D
Louis Armstrong once said that when you start playing, you learn all the notes and get as fast as possible. When you get good, you figure out what notes really matter and ignore the rest. That describes Carlos.
My favorite album of any artist
Carlos is one of Thee Best Guitar Players, No Doubt!
When an english man talks abouts music ......is ok .....you are the kings,grettings from mexico.
It's not about how many notes you can nail per second, but how you play a single note.
👍
@@wingsofpegasus sustainer pick up?
"...He can even feature on somebody else's song, that isn't even his band, his setup, and you KNOW that it's Carlos playing...": I just LOVED this line of yours. :-)
And I totally agree. You may like him or not, it doesn't matter, you know it's him playing. There's a number of these players... Knopfler, Gilmour, a few others. They may not show super-difficult techniques, nor play at WARP speed, but they just put their f***ing SOULS into what they play, and that touches the listener deep. :-)
One thing that I love in your "analysis videos" is that you appreciate pretty much EVERY style and genre of music. And you always look at the good in every musician, and point it out in a way that makes we, or at least ME, understand and appreciate as well. That's a GREAT quality of you. Thank you for doing so. :-)
No problem!
Santana is such a smooth player. His music is so clean and sounds beautiful.
Carlos Santana is the KING of sustain!
Truly music for the masses!!
👍
Gary Moore did well too
# Hashtag right on King of Sustain nobody comes close✌️
Sunn o)))) IS sustain
Carlos always ignites a deep romantic rhythm and melodic dance.
Carlos in his own universe: just like srv😃
Amen!
Santana doesn't "busy" it up because he plays guitar like a vocalist. He sings. Can you imagine if Elvis started scatting in the middle of "Love Me Tender"?
A lot of players do that.
Wow, you explained this video with absolute knowledge & understanding that most guitar players have failed to grasp.
Great video & great job
Thanks!
I met Carlos once at a wedding for a family friend of his once, I was kitchen director of the country club at the time. He was a really great guy to just talk with...and it makes one great story. As a side note...Mexican weddings have some of the best food.
I was a chauffeur in Las Vegas, before retiring 2020, and picked him up a few times. Always enjoyed seeing him; very nice guy. Been listening to him, well, since '69.
My favorite Santana song. So amazing and so emotional. Proving you don't need to be all flashy to play an incredible solo
👍
Carlos is a soul that must be heard! I've seen him live in San Antonio TX several times many years ago and each time he was Right on key! Lovely experience!
Thanks FIL 💘
He's like a Latin chet Atkins . No matter who he's playing with, everyone recognized him. When he played with john mclaughlin he forces john to think about his playing. Carlos is so underrated
Carlos is one of the most highly
rated guitarists in the world.
Santana forces John McLaughlin to think about his playing? Please! 😂
@@markrymanowski719 By whom? "The High Times"? He's not even very innovative, or creative.
His sister used to cut my girlfriend's hair. There was a song he did that I really liked. His sister said that the song was one that his father's mariachi band used to play in Mexico. The lead line that Santana used was copied from the trumpet solo! I never liked the song as much after I found that out!
Don't get me wrong, I like Santana. But saying he's one of the top rated guitarists in the world is ridiculous!
@@carlwilliams6977
He is top rated.
Deal with it.
@@markrymanowski719 So, I looked up the top 100 guitarists, as rated by rolling Stone and Guitar Player. Yeah, he made the list. However, in rolling Stone he's quoted as attributing acid to help develop his style. He actually indicates he wouldn't be where he is without it.
In the second pole, he's quoted as being inspired by basketball players. How come I don't see LSD in the credits for Black Magic Woman (which, by the way is a cover. Many don't know that)?
Oddly, Keith Richards didn't claim his heroin addiction advanced his career, and doesn't cite any athletes! What the hell is wrong with Keith?
Face it... Santana's a good guitarist with a very unique style of his own, that is very popular. He has never been, and never will be great! DEAL WITH IT! 😀
Just such a great player, so amazing still, all these years on..
Fil, check out his recorded version of "Europa" on the Moonflower album. He never played it better and it's how I remember seeing him play it back then on tour.
It's Carlos at his best using all his techniques and dynamics to bring you thru a journey like only he can.
This version of Europa is lacking continuity that Moonflowers contains. You will understand after listening.
However, the beauty of Art and the Artist is it's ever changing. It's impossible to recreate genius exactly the same at another time...and if you try it just does not have the same inspired feel.
Anyway...love you analysis...thanks for taking the time to read my little thoughts.
A warm blanket to the soul, sometimes it feels like I took flight, I feel so light.
A fantastic song and human. One the few players that can absolutely make a guitar cry. FYI, this wasn't called Acid Rock back then, I was there. It was simply SANTANA!!! His own class of music, 50+ YRS of beautiful music. So versatile too!
Santana's style is melodic, rhythmic, highs and lows, and just like you said takes you on a journey
👍
Mr sustain, Mr smooth, Mr silk. The first song I heard by Santana was on my parent's Woodstock album: Soul Sacrifice. It was the first Santana song I learned on guitar. Such power and passion, and that's what I think of when I describe Santana
I've always had respect for Santana's technical skills, but it wasn't until I was older and more mature that I began to understand and appreciate his true musical genius. Ditto all of your comments. His use of vibrato adds to the overall richness of the melody, he knows exactly how to express a note, and how long to carry it thru for the good of the overall composition. It flows so effortlessly as to be not even be an afterthought, it's in his nature. While you are watching his hands, I'm watching his body language and facial expressions. Santana's true genius comes from his ability to express his emotions thru his music. The guitar is not just an instrument conveying a melody, or his emotions, but a sultry mistress who's love story enriches us all.
👍
It's always been my opinion that Santana is a great guitarist despite his notable lack of a vibrato.
Yes indeed Santana listens too his band and so does his band continues to contribute too the final sound all in all. one🎙
Carlos Santana - Master of Melody
A great way to sum up Carlos.
He can play any song in a different way every time, but the essential melody is never, ever lost.
Carlos Santana - Sent from Heaven. Received with great appreciation by Earth.
My favorite song by him...such an unique sound. Amazing talent. My growing up in San Diego ca (so close to tiajuana ) it still can be heard and revered both sides of border to this day...
Absolutely beautiful!!! Carlos could make the guitar cry. His ability to be solo with only the way he does. Hats off to the Legend!!!
I remember listening to Santana while under the influence...and I was so out of body I remember thinking I was the music. It was truly spiritual. While i don't need drugs to feel this way any longer but wow, he was ultra cool and still is. I love how he hooked up with some more modern artist and in a whole new unit of time made himself relevant (as if he wasn't before) but just the fact he did that was soo admirable.. What a lovely artist! Thank you my friend (Fil)
I love how you can tell it's Carlos right away. A very unique & soulful sound.
Superb performance! His phrasing is inspired. I feel like I just listened to a prayer, or heard words of encouragement, or the most wonderful story.
Pure CLASSIC ... Thank You for Bringing Back Some Fantastic Memories.
Again Fil... Great analysis. I introduced my partner to this song (she's from Zimbabwe) and I now hear it on Saturday mornings as she's getting ready. Not suggesting she is going to pick up the guitar. But thanks for analysing this. I need to get back in to playing. My issue is that I was self taught. I just got stuck. James - London
Sitting Back with My Eyes Closed ... I Can Envision His Guitar Crying Real Tears. Then All of a Sudden It’s Smiling.
Great review Fil, many thanks. Ain’t Carlos fabulous! I really love his groove and style, such a tasteful player.
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I met him at the Airport and he was so kind and you can tell he’s a wonderful human being! Everyone who saw him that day was asking for an autograph and they wanted a picture with him but He just had a wonderful conversation with me he was talking about his wife how great she played drums I helped him find his gate and he shook my hand said peace my little brother and God bless you! I also met lots of celebrities most of them were very nice very generous! Really loved that job!
love this when I have had a rubbish day I come home put on some Carlos Santana really helps me to relax and chill out
Fantastic observations. Thank you for your reaction.
Santana was my all time favorite player. He was so melodic compared to most others. And his tone was so original. You always knew it was Santana playing.
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What I always loved about his music, is that you could hear the passion coming from his heart to his fingertips. A true legend!!
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I saw a quote from Albert King that said, “think 10 notes, play 5”. The greats don’t need to play a cascade of notes. Just a few will blow your mind just as much!
Music is really a language of emotion. Carlos knows this and speaks it quite fluently. A lesson for any musician.
🎸🤘Great video
Carlo Santana 🎸
That's a legend 🎸🤘👍
You are right, Carlos has such a unique sound and style you can recognize him playing immediately. I like his Latin rock vibes.
Fil your commentary is like his playing so expressive so considered we all like to watch you reactions thanks
Thanks Bruce!
Great analysis! This was the song that really got me into Santana back in the day. Been my favorite band and artist since I was 12 yrs old. At 54 now and practically have all his music and seen him 13 times I still am amazed and mesmorised by his music.A one of a kind .No one plays with more passion. His ability to get inside the note and say so much with is,what sets him apart.
A few notable quotes from Carlos Santana's master class on guitar:
1. Bending a note is like getting down on one knee
2. Vibrato is a welcome hug
3. If you eat chicken with a fork and a knife, it's not gonna sound as good when you're playing boogie
latin way of expression. emotions on display. one of the best. Carlos Santana...amazing
Carlos blows my mind every time love hes playing.
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Have you heard of robben ford he is brilliant too and Larry carlton.
Carlos Santana is just one of the best guitarists out there!!!! Sincerely,Bobbyk
ha....bro you really explain these artists so well ..... thanks
Magical. I've seen Santana live 3 times, and they varied from 'The is the best band in the world', to rather mixed, not due to his playing, but due to his choice of material, and talking too much between songs. But his mastery sure shines through in Europe. One of the greats. Unique and incredible.❤️🎶🎸🙏
Thank you Fil. You know that saying "I don't know art but I know what I like."? Well, I don't know music but I know what I feel. When you described Carlos' playing as melody driven, it defined for me why I've always felt that his guitar was "singing". I've always thought that it was the sexiest song ever. I heard him play this live at Ravinia (a small outdoor venue) and I just melted.
buzzy boodog I saw him at Ravinia too. Melting is a good description .
Nice job Fil.
the connection between moore and carlos is one I've never expressed out loud but as soon as you said it, it made total sense, another great job
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I remember when Caravanserai came out. When I listened to Song of the Wind I finally got Carlos. I think Neal Schon was 15 at the time and was already playing blitzkrieg flurries of notes as a counterpoint to Santana's sustained melodies. So many players try to achieve meaning by playing as many notes as possible. And sometimes it's necessary, but often it becomes strained and mechanical. Just because you can obliterate the fretboard doesn't mean you should. Carlos is connected to the spiritual and brings that out in this album. It should be recommended listening for every music lover and guitar player. Just an amazing experience to be enjoyed even after years of listening.
Amen!
I experienced Caravanseria just as you describe it ourwayne, a true masterpiece. Viva Santana!!
Song of the wind is incredible... Probably my favorite Santana song.. And to think he wrote it in the early 70s
Thank You for your reaction! This is one of my all-time favorite song! He just gets better!
Thanks for this. I've been wanting to look at Santana more deaply for years now. Love that bent note and "clunky" down stroke😎. Fantastic!
I apologize if I sounded harsh on the Woodstock Soul Sacrifice comment the other day. Thank you for this channel and for featuring my all time favorite artist. It sounds so cliche to say it but I will. I was ten years old growing up in Miami, and Santana’s music changed my life. Kids my age were listening to the Archies and Partridge Family. I had never heard anything like Santana!!!! Actually it was their first lp that stirred my soul from the first couple of notes of track one! I heard the live version at Woodstock AFTER I heard the lp version. There was a time in the 80’s and 90’s when I felt like I was the last person on earth buying Santana lps. Zebop, shango, Welcome, Milagro , Beyond Appearances, Blues For Salvador and others. Honestly, I had mixed feelings when Supernatural was released. Loved that he was back but annoyed at all the new fans that had never heard of this legend! Love you, Fil….ROCK!!!!
Carlos Santana is one of those rare guitarists, who has a signature tone that you can identify after the first note.
He is amazing the way he plays guitar, makes you want to dance. I would like to hear you and Carlos play together, that would be mind blowing!!
Fil you've picked a truly awesome song in Europa to break down his playing.Chills baby!
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A true master. Great analysis Fil.
Thanks!
Carlos doesn't "play" a guitar. He caresses it until it cries for mercy. I saw him at Casino Rama Orillia, Ontario several years back. From the first notes he played, I closed my eyes and dreamed my way home. What he is able to draw out of a guitar is akin to orchestral in nature. When he plays, I wish nobody else on stage would touch their instruments.
REQUESTS FOR YOU TO CHECK OUT: Kenny Wayne Shepherd with "Blue On Black", Molly Hatchett cranking out "Flirtin' With Disaster", Nancy Wilson of Heart tooling out with "Crazy On You"(full version), and Carlos Santana backing John Lee Hooker on "Things Gonna Change" and "The Healer"
I know you can't do them all, Fil, but at least give them a listen and try your best to do a few of the tunes I've requested.
Wishes to you for peace, health, and cheery days filled with good musical thoughts and great guitar rifts that fill your psyche with journies upon the astral planes of your limbic region. Mike from Canada
Thanks!
Carlos is not just a Great guitar player, but he's also an extraordinary band leader, and his musicianship is to die for!
Thank you Fil! As always, you’re spot on! Bravo 👏🏽
Thanks!
Jimmy Muniz hola
Its really cool to have you break down why a song is so involving .I have listened to these guitarists (mot just Santana) for 30 years and you point out so many thing I never knew. I can't play a lick, but am a music lover since a baby, can't imagine one day without my classic rock. I really enjoy all your videos, it makes me pull some of the artists I haven't listened to in a while and hear what you are talking about.
Thanks!
In the mid 70's we went to see the Rolling Stones. Well the lead off band was Santana. This was in a domed football stadium with about 75000 in attendance. When the lights went on, he had 3 drummers with full kits, 6 guys on conga drums, organist, bass, 2 more guitarists, girl backup singers, trumpets and sax. He kicked off with Soul Sacrifice and man they filled that whole stadium with sound. They were so good I couldn't help thinking the Rolling Stones had to thinking that how were they going to go on after this.
Cool!
excellent analysis. You are right. Sometimes Santana makes you want to get up and dance. Sometimes he makes you want to sit down and think. This is one of those sit down and think songs. "Song of the Wind" is another one.
It has always amazed me that he never seems to use his little finger. Never a doubt who is playing when you hear him. Style oooooozes from him.
Saw him twice in live in the 10 last years.
Unique.
Awesome.
This man spreads Love & Peace all around him.
Cool!
I loved this analysis because Carlos being one of my favorite players I have always been annoyed that there are people out there who say he is overrated. For whatever reason, and it seems particularly with guitar players, people always want to argue who is better than who. I don’t understand this, they are artists. Do we argue whether one painter is better than another? Is Van Gogh better than Picasso, is Davinci better than Monet? Of course not, they produce something that brings out your emotion. Hendrix, Gallagher, Clapton, Van Halen, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Beck, Page, Trucks, Tedeschi, Roy Clark, Glenn Campbell, Feliciano, Charo, Nancy Wilson, who’s better? None of them and all of them. They all paint their own picture in their musical style. It hits people's personal taste. As a friend of mine said that sums this up. “Pizza is a controversial subject.”
Davinci > monet
Santana and Gilmour the best at making you feel their guitar notes and melodies. Must close eyes to fully appreciate the emotional and loving journey! Thank YOU!
Carlos - the best for me (apart from pop ventures with dismal vocalists over later years!). Europa here.
Been a fan since 1979. Moonflower is a tremendous album. I had most of his albums on vinyl until my sister in law borrowed them over 20 years ago.
I bought Moonflower again on CD and its my constant companion in my car.
Samba pa ti is the one tune both my wife and I love with a passion.
Europa. Earth cry, heavens smile.
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One of my favorite songs along with samba pa ti
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Greetings Fil, this is great Santa, I saw him on line play with Gato Gabriela, a famous sax guy during the free jazz movement in the 70s, talk about setting a note and letting it go on and on. This is so awsome. Many Thanks, Marty M😉
He pulls at the strings with his right hand as well.the more you pull the string away from the body and then let it snap back the craziest sounds happen.I think mark knopfler was influenced cos you can hear it
He is singing with his guitar. An old song called "Y Volveré". He just nails it !!!
It's easier to shred as well as hide behind effects to cover up the sloppiness of defined notes being played. Playing with space and playing melodicallydemand impeccable timing which does not allow for mistakes.
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Fil...I'm really getting into watching your videos and enjoying your comments. Santana is really cool, and you can really feel him sharing and connecting with the audience ! I was lucky enough to see him live back in the 70's (yep...that OLD!) from the 6th row...he was tossing BEERS into the audience! thank about SHARING! this brings back great memories! Thanks for another great video Fil!
Thanks!
He has such great tone.
Amen!
I love PRS's. I want one so bad!
Tone can be bought in a store. Playing music is another matter.
Carlos is always wonderful to listen to. I've been a big fan for years. Thanks for showcasing one of his many spectacular performances. Love to hear your analysis - always educational. Well done once again.
my favorite
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Excellent analysis, Carlos playing is his soul connecting to the listeners soul.... Nothing phony there, you can see the the emotion it evokes in his face.
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His phrasing is romantic and its very similar to romance singers. You can feel his playing like no other. In many ways he is telling stories through his playing and its not forced and thoroughly relevant to peoples lives.
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What a brilliant analysis Fil , I wish I could articulate as perfectly as you do . Carlos has his style of playing that does not need an introduction . No one else I know of plays like he does . He's truly a master .
Thanks!
I believe Carlos himself has said that his use of melody so much is because he first played the violin, and when he got his hands on a guitar, played it like a violin, not knowing any other style. His tone developed massively from there, but that is it's roots.
Cool!
He still plays violin. His father was a well known musician in Mexico and after Carlos became known his father moved up to Marin Country and he played violin strolling around the tables of the Cantina restaurant in Mill Valley that became sort of a hangout for musicians and people in the music and film industry. Carlos lived just a few minutes away. It was a pretty small community or artists, writers, actors, bands all in small area just north of San Francisco. Many of the 60s musicians in San Francisco moved north after 1969-70 when the San Francisco scene was overrun by a flood of kids seeking the Summer of Love, from all over the country seeking free sex, drugs and music. It was a very laid back beautiful low population environment and that too has been overrun by yuppies and dot.com millionaires who moved in, exploded housing costs and made it less cool. At the time I had a large 3 studio recording studio complex so knew everyone in the music scene or groups from around the world who came to record.
My all time favorite song of Santana's! Love his music maybe cause I grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area. Seen him 5 times & he ever disappoints! No matter where I am if I hear his guitar I know it's him!
Carlos Santana's "Waves Within" instrumental is perhaps his best.
Wow! Just one of my all time favorites. And won Grammy album of the year with Rob Thomas and many others.
There is a reason Carlos talks a lot about innovative jazz sax legend John Coltrane.
You can hear Trane in Carlos' phrasing!!
............listen
He also talks about Miles Davis, you can hear that too.
I've never seen you smile so much as when you analyze Carlos Santana's melody mastery.