LIVE AT THE FILLMORE, 1968

What is really cool about this live album recorded at "The Filmore West" is that it preceeds not only SANTANA's appearance at Woodstock but also their debut album. Of note as well is that five of the nine tracks appear only here. Man these guys were very much a jam band at this point, also you can see why they once called themselves the SANTANA BLUES BAND when you here "As The Years Go Passing By".

"Jingo" is one of my favourite SANTANA tracks and so it's interesting to hear them do this one back then. This version is simply an incredible 9 1/2 minute ride. I like the way it builds to start but it's even better once it gets going. "Persuasion" also builds to start until we get some ripping guitar from Carlos. A calm a minute later as the organ floats in. It kicks back in with vocals. Check out the guitar after 4 minutes and after 6 minutes. "Treat" opens with some laid back piano. It picks up and gets fuller 2 1/2 minutes in. Nice. Passionate guitar 6 minutes in. "Chunk A Funk" is led by the organ quickly with lots of percussion. Tasteful guitar before 2 minutes. Organ leads again before 4 minutes. "Fried Neckbones" is my favourite track on here. I can't believe this didn't show up on the debut album. Some killer organ and I like the vocals. Guitar's turn 3 1/2 minutes in. Vocals are back 6 minutes in. Check out the percussion that follows. More organ and vocals too in this 9 minute pleasure cruise.

"Conquistadore Rides Again" opens with guitar as percussion joins in. Love the guitar here. Organ after 2 minutes comes screaming in. What a disply by Rolie. More ripping organ after 6 1/2 minutes. Great song ! "Soul Sacrifice" isn't as good as the studio version as we get extended periods where all we hear is drums and percussion with no organ or guitar. Still I like this jam. "As The Years Go Passing By" is a Blues track that reminds me of ZEPPELIN doing the Blues. Lots of vocals and guitar. "Freeway" is a song they often ended concerts with.This is a 30 minute jam where everyone gets the spotlight. The bass player especially really gets to solo a lot. Again if your into jams you'll probably dig this.

A 4 star album for sure and an important document of SANTANA's early live music before they became famous.