18/06/2012

A Closer Look At...Santana

This week Gigseen are bringing you another fantastic concert to enjoy at your own leisure. Our Gig of The Week featured concerts are completely FREE all week - all you have to do is register at Gigseen TV, sit back and relax as we bring you Santana.


Each week, A Closer Look At... is intended to help you find out a little more about the featured artist and their concert. Or, if you're already a die-hard fan, it's a chance to remind yourself of the talent and spectacle on offer! So if you're wondering why you should subscribe at Gigseen to watch this concert...here's a couple of reasons..


First and foremost, Santana is the primary exponent of Latin-tinged rock. With its infectious combination of Latin percussion (congas, timbales, etc.) and bandleader Carlos Santana distinctive, high-pitched lead guitar playing, Carlos led the band to continuous commercial success over a long-spanning career.


Born in Mexico in 1947, Carlos Santana moved to San Francisco in the early 60's, by which time he was already a professional guitar player. In 1966, he formed the Santana Blues Band with keyboard player and singer Gregg Rolie and other musicians. By mid-1967, the band's lineup consisted of Carlos, Rolie, David Brown, drummer Bob "Doc" Livingston, and percussionist Marcus Malone. The name was shortened simply to Santana and the group caught the attention of promoter Bill Graham, who gave them their debut at his Fillmore West theater on June 16, 1968.



Santana were later signed to Columbia Records, with producer David Rubinson recording the band's four-night stint at the Fillmore West in 1969. The footage was not released till 30 years later when Columbia issued Live At The Fillmore, in 1997.


Hymns For Peace is a very special concert; its first conceptions emerging in late 2003. That year, Montreux Jazz Festival director, Claude Nobs, approached Carlos Santana about doing something special to honor the annual event's 37th year. Over the next six months, the pair conceived a one-of-a-kind performance that would bring together a few dozen of Santana's "closest friends' for jam-packed jam session honoring the best protest songs of the last fifty years.


At first glance, you may be confused at the lack of Santana hits, but this is no solo show. This concert excels in its energetic performances, and features seven stunning songs, including the iconic Exodus, by Bob Marley.


Watch the concert here!