Well, it took over 40 years, but guitar wizards Carlos Santana and John McLaughlin finally reunited after their 12 stringed wonder from 1973 album Love, Devotion and Surrender. This disc (which is also in dvd form) has the two caught at the 2011 Montreux Jazz Festival, and it’s a fitting addendum to the original session.
Most of the songs from the original album are hear, such as the John Coltrane pieces such as “A Love Supreme”and “Naima.” Added to The Great Spiritual Songbook are “The Lord’s Prayer” (Hard to beat Jesus Christ for material) and more human composers such as Pharoah Sanders on “The Creator Has A Master Pl an.” A tribute to Miles Davis is rendered in ”Right Off” while songs referring to spiritual topics ranging from “A Hard Rain Is Gonna Fall” and even “Stairway to Heaven” get the fusion treatment. The supporting team of Cindy Blackman Santana/dr, David Mathews/key, Tommy Anthony/g, Raul Rekow/perc, Etienne M’Bappe’/b and Benny Rietveld/b are anything but “supporting” as they shine and spark throughout. With many of the solos that are exchanged going on for quite a while, it’s best to take this in small morsels to best appreciate the flavors.
Eagle Rock Entertainment