CEREMONY, REMIXES AND RARITIES

"Ceremony" is a collection of remixes and other songs from the "Supernatural" and "Shaman" sessions. Of the 11 tracks here, six appeared on those albums, the other five being made available for the first time.

The remixes from "Supernatural" inevitably include the single "Smooth" which is given a stronger dance beat by Chris Starpoli. Wyclef Jean and Jerry "Wonder" Duplessis supply the modifications to "Maria Maria", a song they were both involved in composing. The ubiquitous "Primavera" features vocals by Jerry Rivera, but offers little to get excited about.

There are also three tracks taken from the "Shaman" album. "Why don't you and I" features a fine new vocal from Alex Band of The Calling, while Sam "Sever" Citrin remixes the traditionally influenced "Foo foo". The final selection from the album is a straightforward alternative version of "Victory is won", an excellent guitar and organ workout which slowly builds from a laid back start to a frantic conclusion.

It is though the otherwise unavailable songs which are of the greater interest. "Mañana" is a dreamy soul ballad featuring Keon Bryce on vocals. "Truth don die" leans more towards the traditional Santana/Osibisa sound with some useful guitar work from Carlos. "Let me love you tonight" is a lilting romantic soul piece while "Curacion (Sunlight On Water)" finally sees Carlos taking centre stage with a superb soft guitar instrumental. This is by several light years the best track on the album, and one of Carlos' finest performances in many years. The final new song is "Come to my world", which has more than a hint of Michael Jackson to it. Moving swiftly on...

"Ceremony" is more than simply a collection of discarded songs; it sits well alongside the two albums whose sessions it resulted from. To some extent, the remixes appear to have been included as fillers in order to offer an album of adequate length. The diversity of performers and song writers leads to an overall incoherent feel but many of the individual tracks are worthy of any latter day Santana album. That "latter day" proviso is important though. This is not the Santana of old, the prog influences are long since gone. Carlos generally plays back up musician to the various guests, who in turn supply quality pop of various styles. Recommended if only for "Curacion (Sunlight On Water)".