Santana - Soul Sacrifice

This is a live performance by latin rock band Santana playing their classic instrumental song "Soul Sacrifice". The performance is from the infamous Woodstock Festival in 1969. At the time of this performance Santana wasn't really a known act and in fact their debut album hadn't even come out.
The Woodstock performance is remembered for the drummer Michael Shrieve's elaborate solo. And for the sound the band had which was very unique. A distinct fast paced latin rock sound that was really unique.
Carlos Santana has admitted to being on LSD during his performance. He has stated that it was an uncomfortable experience and that he saw his guitar as a snake that he had to hold on to tight. He states that he doesn't recommend it to anyone, but that it somehow worked out and made the performance electric. He also thanks the band's promoter Bill Graham whom he credits for the band's success and preparing them for the crowd. (Interview embeded below)

The song appeared on the band's 1969 debut album also titled "Santana".
It's a great song and an amazing performance.

Enjoy ; )

Jimi Hendrix - Spanish Castle Magic

This is a live performance by guitar legend Jimi Hendrix playing the song "Spanish Castle Magic" live at The Isle of Wight festival, the performance is from 1970.
The song was originally released in 1967 on the album by The Jimi Hendrix Experience titled "Axis: Bold as Love". The song is written by Jimi Hendrix and since its release became a staple on their live performances.
The songs lyrics are about a club that was titled "The Spanish Castle". It was built in the 1930s outside Seattle to avoid the strict night club rules in the city district and Hendrix visited there quite often. (Picture below is of the old Spanish Castle, it was demolished in 1968)

The song's structure is very unique as well, going from aggressive guitar riffs in the intro, to solos, and a riff played in lock step by guitar, drums, and bass.
At the beginning of the clip Hendrix is playing the intro to The Beatle's "Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band", but he quickly switches and goes into "Spanish Castle Magic" instead.
The song is one of Hendrix' most well known songs.It has been covered by progressive speed metal guitarist Yngwie Malmsteen, and by latin rock Guitarist Carlos Santana.
It's a great song with a unique structure courtesy of Hendrix.

Enjoy ; )

Santana - Black Magic Woman

This is a live performance by Carlos Santana and band. They play the song "Black Magic Woman" which over time has become a Santana classic.
It was originally performed by the British band Fleetwood Mac who released the song as a single in 1968 and was released on the albums "English Rose" (US) and "The Pious Bird of Good Omen". (The album had different titles depending on whether it's the US release or the American release).
In 1970 it became a huge hit in America. This version was done and recorded by Santana and sung by Gregg Rolie. It did well in both Canadian and American charts after its release on the 1970 Santana record "Abraxas". It soon became more associated with Santana than Fleetwood Mac.
Santana's version is similar to the original, but it has more of a voodoo feel to it. They added more rhythmic instruments such as clave, conga and timbales which made the rhythm more complex.
It's a really good song, and Santana really owns it and plays it very well. It's like a song written for him, though that was never the case, but it just fits him so well. A great performance of a great song.

Enjoy ; )

Tower of Power ft. Santana - What Is Hip?

This is a live performance from the legendary funk band Tower of Power playing their famous song "What Is Hip?". Carlos Santana is sitting in with the orchestra, and does a little solo, he does all right, but you can tell that he's a bit out of his element. Still doing a pretty good job in my opinion.
Santana's band and Tower of Power are intervened, and members of Tower of Power have played in Santana (the band), so this collaboration might not be as far fetched as one would think. Santana's current keyboardist David K. Mathews started out playing for Tower of Power, or at least rose to fame playing with them.
I think it's a good performance, and this is true funk. It's on a grand scale, with a full horn section and an energetic Brent Carter leading the jam, and keeping the audience in tune as well.
A good performance, of a good funk song.

Enjoy ; )

Santana & Eric Clapton - Jingo

This is a performance by Eric Clapton and Carlos Santana from the Crossroads guitar festival. Clapton joins Santana on stage for one of the songs he has made famous. The song "Jingo" was originally recorded under the name "Jin-go-lo-ba" by Nigerian drummer and recording artist Babatunde Olatunji. Santana re-arranged the song for a more modern three piece rock orchestra setting, something he has done many times throughout his career, like the song "Oye Como Va" that he also re-arranged. The song was released on Santana's 1969 record simply titled "Santana".
It's a great performance, you can really tell that the two guitarists dig jamming with each other, and Clapton leaves plenty of space for Santana to solo, a good and energetic performance, gotta love Santana.

Enjoy ; )

Santana - Oye Como Va

This is a performance from the "Live By Request" DVD featuring Santana performing live, and with some guest artists. It's a great performance, the band is just perfectly in sync, and everything rocks. Santna's guitar solo is amazing, and the solo on the Hammond Organ is just the highlight of the performance.
DVD can be purchased; click here for USA and here for Europe.

The song was originally done by Latin jazz and mambo musician Tito Puente. His version is a little slower and features other instruments, like a horn section and an acoustic piano. Here Santana talks about how he rearranged the song.
It's a great song and a smoking performance.

Enjoy ; )