Carlos Santana - Blessings & Miracles.
One of the domains of the brilliant Mexican guitarist and composer Carlos Humberto Santana is his sense of gradation, by which he can turn seemingly bland motifs into a composition that culminates in a rhythmic and instrumental finale at just the right moment. In addition to leading the melodic guitar line and using Hispanic harmonies, it is usually also a perfect empathy for the listener's taste and choice of arrangement. In the past, Santana has always surprised by casting singers of different styles for the vocal parts. The choices have sometimes seemed almost unconceptual and a bit like a never-ending search for a vocalist suited to Santana's distinctive style. A few weeks ago, BMG released Blessings & Miracles, which again features a plethora of guests, and not just behind the microphone. The beginning of the record is no surprise, and that's a good thing. SAnthana Celebration, Rumbalero, Joy and Move are typical "Santana" songs recalling different periods of Carlos' career. Strange and a little bland, despite the sympathetically bubbling guitar licks, is the cover version of Whiter Shade of Pale with guest Steve Winwood. The point of the dramaturgical intent is not made even during the last notes. On the contrary, the Californian rapper G-Eazy and his hip hop in She's Fire is a diversion. The biggest challenge is probably the pairing with Kirk Hammett (Metallica) in America for Sale, which is sung by Marc Osegueda, frontman of the American thrash metal band Death Angels. The dense underside and the slowly rolling intertwining tones of the guitar solos on top of it feel a bit self-important. The result is a hard rock track completely lacking Santana's elegance and lightness. Compared to the previous, also rock-sounding Peace Power with singer Corey Glover (Living Colour), it seems rather out of place on the album. There's a return to the Santana vibe in Breathing Underwater with the ethereal Stella Santana, but also earlier in Break with guest Ally Brooke, containing several modulations that let the refined vocals stand out. The album contains some very fine instrumentals. Along with Santana Celebration is Song for Cindy, which is dedicated to drummer and percussionist Cindy Blackman, who is bound to Carlos Santana not only by her playing contract but also by her marriage vows. Another dedication belongs to Chick Corea, who died this February. The Angel Choir/All Together collaboration is enhanced by a keyboard part, a jazz fusion by Gayle Moran, widow of the keyboardist extraordinaire. The conclusion, in the form of Ghost of the Future Pull II, is just a return to the overture, and the pulsing tempo in the background is a reminder of the first half of the album.