Whether it’s the groovy “Black Magic Woman,” Latin-inspired “Oye Coma Va,” or the pulsing “Evil Ways,” the 1970s super band Santana reveled in its own unmistakable sound. Just this year, music fans welcomed a new album from the band. Adding to the thrill of the new album release, the band launched ”Santana Luminosity Tour 2016.” One of its last summer concerts is in Reno at the Grand Theatre at Grand Sierra Resort and Casino, September 3, 2016 at 9:00 PM. This is a must-see summer show in Reno!
Santana IV, the band’s new and highly anticipated studio album released April 2015, reunited the legendary early 70s lineup of band members. This album marked the first time in 45 years – since 1971’s multi-platinum classic Santana III – that the group recorded together. The new album features 16 all-new tracks written and produced by the group, replete with the same “Santana” sound that made them a force in world music and a household name around the world.
After the first music-writing sessions and rehearsals held in 2013, the group recorded the album throughout 2014 and 2015, gathering 16 tracks that combined all their recognizable elements – Afro-Latin rhythms, soaring vocals, electrifying blues-psychedelic guitar solos, and amazing percussion work.
"It was magical," Carlos Santana says in a press release. "We didn't have to try to force the vibe – it was immense. From there, we then needed to come up with a balance of songs and jams that people would immediately identify as Santana."
The first single, "Anywhere You Want to Go," written by Gregg Rolie is unmistakably influenced by the cha-cha/Latin jazz charms of "Oye Como Va." The album opener, "Yambu," offers reminiscent organ hooks and guitar crunches.
The original band members Carlos Santana (guitar, vocals), Gregg Rolie (keyboards, lead vocals), Neal Schon (guitar, vocals), Michael Carabello (percussion), and Michael Shrieve (drums) joined forces in the studio with current Santana members Karl Perazzo (percussion), Benny Rietveld (bass), and legendary vocalist Ronald Isley as a guest on two songs.
"When you can go back and break new ground with joy and determination – and some whoop-ass energy – it gets you going," says Santana. "I think we achieved something very rare. This music was screaming to come out of us. It wasn't about nostalgia. It was about passion."
Santana's recurring themes of love and tolerance are common threads throughout Santana IV. Music fans familiar with the "roaring lion" artwork on Santana's 1969 debut album will instantly recognize Heather Griffin-Vine's graphic for Santana IV.
"I really think the music goes along with the cover, and vice versa," says Santana. "It all fits together beautifully."
Don’t miss your chance to experience Santana live at the Grand Theatre, Grand Sierra Resort—what a way to end Reno’s summer concert season and welcome the fall! Call 800-501-2651 for more information or book your tickets online.
