When the band Santana made their debut into the stream of Rock and Roll, still in its infancy, back in 1969, they gave us “Evil Ways” from their magnificent first album. In short time, the band, named after Carlos Santana, delivered another album, Abraxas (1970), that provided “Oye Como Va”, the cover of Peter Green’s “Black Magic Woman”, and an FM favorite, “Samba Pa Ti”. By 1971, the band had added the incredible guitar of Neal Schon (Journey), and released III. That album gave us “No One To Depend On”. And thus began the legend of Santana.
Now, I’m a big fan of III’s follow-up, Caravanserai (1972), and other subsequent albums from Santana. But with Caravanserai, a huge change in musical style had given us quite a different band than the first three albums would hint at. The rest is history.
Recently, we’ve been given great news that the band that helped make III will be reunited to make IV. IV is the next chapter in what can be called an expansive Santana career. It brings back Gregg Rolie (keyboards), Neal Schon (guitar), Michael Schrieve (drums), and Michael Carabello (percussion). Joining them will be current Santana band members, Karl Perazzo (percussion), and Benny Rietveld (bass). Vocalist Ronny Isley will guest on two tracks.
The new album, titled IV, to align itself with the classic three albums period, will be filled with sixteen new tracks. The first song from the album, “Anywhere You Want To Go” will be issued as a prelude to IV’s release, on February 5. The album itself is scheduled to be issued on April 15.
Here’s to waiting for what might become a classic! Here’s to IV!
IV – Santana
01 – Yambu
02 – Shake It
03 – Anywhere You Want To Go
04 – Fillmore East
05 – Love Makes The World Go Round (Feat: Ronald Isley)
06 – Freedom In Your Mind (Feat: Ronald Isley)
07 – Choo Choo
08 – All Aboard
09 – Suenos
10 – Caminando
11 – Blues Magic
12 – Echizo
13 – Leave Me Alone
14 – You And I
15 – Come as You Are
16 – Forgiveness