Reprinted from Green Man Review.
The Montreux Jazz Festival was established in 1967 and has presented some of the world’s finest musicians over the years. Recently they have issued a series of DVDs featuring many of these classic performances. This latest 2-disc set offers a supergroup under the leadership of Carlos Santana, performing a set of songs normally associated with other artists. It’s an unusually satisfying collection from Santana, who has a tendency to be a sort of one-trick pony.
The familiar tone of his guitar is placed prominently on many, if not all, of the tracks — but there is plenty of variation, and for my money that is the perfect way to enjoy Carlos’ gift. After a long introduction of all the guests, Chester Thompson (keyboards), Ravi Coltrane (sax), Wayne Shorter (sax), Mahavishnu John McLaughlin (guitar), Nile Rodgers (guitar), keyboardists Chick Corea and Herbie Hancock and many other slightly lesser lights the music begins with “Adouma” which boasts vocals by Angelique Kidjo. Her bleach-blonde crewcut tops her statuesque frame and she controls the stage, as the musicians challenge each other back and forth. This leads into a powerful rendition of Bob Marley’s hymn, “Redemption Song.” More Marley follows with “Exodus” and “Get Up Stand Up.” Reggae is turned into a true world-jazz music.
Then there’s a Dylan tribute as “Blowin’ in the Wind” (joined with Stevie Wonder’s “A Place in the Sun”) segues into “Just Like a Woman,” and trailed by Marvin Gaye’s classic “What’s Goin’ On.” These are some of the most important songs of a generation, and are played with respect, and true invention by this band of innovators. Nobody steps on anyone else’s shoes but everyone gets a chance to shine. Disco two continues in a similar vein.
R&B, gospel, calypso, and fusion blend with latin beats and Coltrane jazz. It’s an amalgam of styles and influences that could boggle the mind of lesser musicians, but Santana’s guests are more than up to the task. Special guests appear for a song or two. Steve Winwood joins in for “Why Can’t We Live Together,” Idrissa Diop is featured on “Let Us Go Into the House of the Lord” and “The Banana Boat Song,” and Barbara Morrison and Patti Austin also make appearances.
The video is crisp and the music clear. And the performances are sterling. Add on an interview with Carlos Santana, and a handful of bonus tracks (2 John Lennon songs, and another Marley) and one cannot complain about quantity or quality. All in all, 183 minutes of gorgeous music.
(Eagle Eye Media, 2007)
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