SANTANA BROTHERS

There was a long time since Carlos didn't release any interesting album: nor as a ''solo'' artist nor with this band (the last being ''Zebop'' in .1981 as far as I'm concerned). Ages ago when this record was released.

This one holds some very good Latin-rock tracks of which ''Luz, Amor Y Vida'' is my favourite one. But there are some more that can be easily related with this genre. Not that it is mandatory during a solo career to sound like your band; but as a very, very old ''Santana'' fan (1970) it is always with great pleasure that I'm listening to a track as ''Contigo'' (together with you).

Each ''Santana'' lover will be submerged with pleasure while listening to such a beautiful piece of music. The great ''En Aranjuez Con Tu Amor'' offers the same delights.

This album is very pleasant actually. Of course, I am biased. So, you should maybe take this into consideration while reading this review, but I have never been a blind fan. Maybe somewhat indulgent some times, but not too much (just look at my high number of one star ratings for the band 's career).

My love for the man (and band) is what it is: when it is good, I tell so. Exactly the same when the opposite takes place. When I listen to such gorgeous guitar sounds as during ''La Danza'', I am just under influence.

What I am lacking maybe, is the scarce role of percussions in this album, but this is not relatively too significant (these can be heard during the upbeat ''The Trip'' or ''Reflections'').

Anyway, this is a fine album, and I am really enthusiastic about it. By far the best of Carlos music for about thirteen years. That's quite a long time! And to be honest, since then, no more album comes close (with original work I mean). In terms of rating, I can't go lower than four stars; which means a real good album.

Muchas gracias, hombre! Estaré ''contigo'' todavía mucho tiempo.