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It all began back in 1987, when Carlos Santana met up with his old friend, Wayne Shorter, in Atlanta, Georgia during a tour. When Santana suggested they start a rumor that they were forming a band, Shorter agreed. Some months later, the Carlos Santana/Wayne Shorter Band began their 26-concert tour. Recorded in Montreux, Switzerland in the summer of 1988, Live at the Montreux Jazz Festival is a feast for the senses. It has a powerful rhythm section, plenty of mind-blowing jams and a beautiful mix.
There are interviews with Santana, Shorter, and festival creator/artistic director Claude Nobs laced throughout. As and added bonus, this was recorded in the ‘80s, and there’s a whole heap of big and beautiful hair happening.
The DVD opens with a magnificent rendition of John Coltrane’s “Spiritual.” Here, Carlos Santana (clad in the coolest jacket I’ve ever seen in my life) renders a gorgeous guitar solo in his signature style. The pace picks up with “Peraza,” a danceable track with loads of fabulous percussion and some absolutely insane keyboard work by Patrice Rushen. This woman has magic coursing through her fingers. I’m embarrassed to admit that this is the first time I’ve heard her work, but I was completely blown away. The rhythm section is nicely featured with a couple of magnificent percussion solos. Santana’s guitar stylings in “Goodness and Mercy” are absolutely chilling. Wayne Shorter’s “Sanctuary” is bold and brassy with stellar saxophone work. It closes out with the smoky, sexy “Europa.”
This can’t-miss film features a wonderful fusion of talent and a synergistic mix of sound. I guarantee there’s nothing not to love about it.
