As a youngster in his early twenties, Mexican-American guitarist Carlos Santana already made a big impression at the 1969 hippie festival Woodstock. His albums from the 70s combine spectacular rock guitar work with Latin American percussion rhythms. Since then he has been a household name in the rock world. After less successful periods in the 80s, he scored commercial hits in the 90s and 00s, such
… as the song Smooth. On Blessings And Miracles, Santana also appears to value commercial potential. He flirts with hip musical styles like reggaeton and brings in a host of well-known guest artists, such as Steve Winwood and the recently deceased Chick Corea. Moreover, all his songs are smeared with a thick layer of Latin percussion. Where his flirtation with reggaeton doesn't quite work out, Break, the song he recorded with the help of young singer Ally Brooks, is a bigger success. Santana doesn't mind, he effortlessly pings over everything. (JV)more
