Carlos Santana is best known as the interpreter of Latin rock stampers such as Jingo and Oye Como Va. However, the guitar executioner also has a more introverted side as evidenced by his interest in Eastern spirituality. Both aspects of his character seem to converge on Shape Shifter. Santana lives out his love for jazz in the quiet songs. Sometimes, as in Angelica Faith, he scrapes close to smooth
… jazz. The rock songs turn out better. Here too, of course, the recognizable guitar sound of Carlos from thousands, but in the form of biting guitar solos. The album is completely instrumental and halfway through the album you start to long for an inspired singer (es). So no rappers on this record and trips to salsa or samba are also limited to the minimum. Fans of Santana's highly successful Supernatural should therefore approach this album with some caution. (PdK)more
