ABRAXAS

This was SANTANA's commercial breakthrough album from 1970 thanks in large part to their biggest hit "Black Magic Woman". Interesting that when they were recording this album Peter Green who was then with FLEETWOOD MAC was hanging out with them in the studio. He had this song he wrote called "Black Magic Woman" that his band didn't seem to want to play, in fact it took a year of pestering them before FLEETWOOD MAC finally recorded it for their "English Rose" album in 1969. He really wanted SANTANA to record it, and they obliged and adopted it as their own, and yes the rest is history. As SANTANA went into the studio to record this second album the most important thing for them was for the sound quality to be better than the debut. So they hired a producer (Fred Catero) who's albums were known for the quality of sound.

"Singing Winds, Crying Beasts" is such a good opener with the atmosphere and piano early. The guitar makes some noise before a beat kicks in at 1 1/2 minutes as the atmosphere continues. "Black Magic Woman / Gypsy Queen" needs no introduction. The guitar leads early then piano as percussion continues. Vocals join in. The bass is prominant throughout. I love the second part "Gypsy Queen" with the guitar out in front. "Oye Como Va" was the other big hit from this record. The organ pulses with bass and percussion as guitar joins in. Vocals follow in this catchy tune. "Incident At Neshabur" is uptempo with percussion, organ and piano standing out. Guitar 2 minutes in then it settles right down a minute later. It picks up again with piano before a calm to end it.

"Se A Cabo" opens with percussion as organ and guiitar join in. Vocals and piano 2 minutes. "Mother's Daughter" sounds great when it kicks in with guitar. Vocals around a minute. The guitar is lighting it up after 3 1/2 minutes to end it. "Samba Pa Ti" is a beautiful instrumental with percussion and guitar. Bass and organ arrive after 1 1/2 minutes then the tempo proceeds to pick up. "Hope Your'e Feeling Better" is a catchy track that opens with organ then a full sound. Vocals too, and i love the guitar. "El Nicoya" is a short tune with percussion and vocal expressions.

I can't say enough good things about this album. The mood they create just draws me in. And yes it's 1970 one of my favourite years.