CityLife

This was simply the most awesome gig I have ever been to... TO see one of the greatest ever guitarist for 2 and a half (almost solid) hours performing the tracks I know and love plus some new ones was just mind blowing.... the drum solos by Cindy Blackman and Dennis Chambers were fantastic (my dad as an ex drummer loved these)... and just the atmosphere was so relaxing yet still keeping you upbeat and alert...... I do hope I get to see Carlos once more In Manchester..... would love to see him on stage with Vai and Satch... bring on the G3

The Santana gig at the MEN Arena was indeed excellent value for money with a full two and half hour show. The reviewer captured the mood with a background of driving rhythms delivered by the 3 percussionists plus the two lead vocalists adding their tamborines & maracas. The haunting keyboard skills of David Mathews and throbbing bass of Benny Rietveld was the perfect backdrop to the searing guitars. <br /> <br /> We all came to see the main man of course and Carlos never disappoints. He makes guitar playing sound effortless as he switches from acoustic Spanish guitar to his more traditional electric guitars. The set consisted mostly of old classics that got the crowd on their feet from the start. Each song is an extended version and Black Magic Woman was a sheer delight played early on. Oye Como Va and Maria Maria kept us dancing and singing to the Latin beats - it's just so infectious. <br /> <br /> Cindy Blackman came to the front as Carlos proclaimed his love for her and she gave it her all with a drum solo on Corazon Espinado. Main drummer, Dennis Chambers, was just so cool on his extended drum solo taking time out to mop his brow, then take a drink whilst maintaining the beat with his feet. I thought he would go for the sandwiches next! <br /> <br /> The horns of Bill Ortiz's trumpet and Jeff Cressman's trombone added colour to the rich wall of sound. Singers Tony Lindsay and Andy Vargas shared songs and dueted but a surprisingly good She's Not There was sung excellently by guitarist Tommy Anthony who nearly stole the show. <br /> <br /> We were only treated to two songs from the new Guitar Heaven CD - namely a heavy Whole Lotta Love (that Led Zep would have been proud of) and Cream's Sunshine of Your Love. It was a pity Santana chose to omit his version of George Harrison's beautiful While My Guitar Gently Weeps but, hey, you can't have everything.<br /> <br /> The set closed to a rousing Smooth followed by Dame Tu Amor before the lengthy three, or was it four, song / tune encores. I will never tire of listening to the wonderful guitar playing of Carlos Santana who is a most gracious man spreading his heartfelt message of peace and music to the masses.

This was awesome. What a fantastic event!! The whole band put on a brilliant performance. Would love to watch it all again and dance to the music.