AUSTIN - It was a hot day and pretty warm evening but that didn't stop fans from filling the Moody Center. While many were happy to be out of the sun, everyone was enthused to see Carlos Santana and his band take the stage.
The opening act was Counting Crows who can be remembered for such hits as Mr. Jones and their cover of Big Yellow Taxi originally made famous by Joni Mitchell. Though years have past the group didn't miss a beat as they took the stage.
While playing through a catalog of classics fans sang along with the group as they jammed and shared stories of their career. Many casual listeners and part time music fans would think that this was just another gig for the group, but we can tell you first hand; Counting Crows are still here, and still going strong.
It was a treat for fans to sing along to Mr. Jones which still gets everyone on their feet. After all these years we don't think any fans have forgotten the words to that classic, then again who among us hasn't strolled through the barrio with Mr. Jones?
While Mr. Jones wishes he was someone just a little more funky, Adam Duritz nailed it with a pair of pants that as he described them "are Austin as fuck." One can't disagree with the man as we all wanna be big stars, and Duritz has indeed become one.
Next came the main event. Carlos Santana, the living legend of guitar and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee arrived with blistering guitar tone that was matched by the sound of drummer and wife Cindy Blackman Santana.
When people talk about power couples many names come to mind but it feels like these two tend to get overlooked in that conversation. Anyone who has been in a band before knows that it's not always easy to get along with your bandmates, now imagine being married.
These two are a prime example of what it means to work together as they both play with an energy and sound that perfectly complements the other. With Carlos making his guitar sing and Cindy Blackman Santana making her drums roar, you can't get more powerful than that.
As you can imagine the show had some deep cuts for the hardcore fans, but the classics were there as you would expect. We can tell you first hand that hearing Evil Ways from the edge of the stage is a once in a lifetime experience that not many would be able to forget.
Santana of course played on his signature model PRS double cutaway though we are not sure if this was "Salmon" or "Son of Salmon." Regardless of which model it was, there was no guitar change that we were able to see aside from the brief use of a nylon string guitar towards the end of the show for Maria Maria.
One thing that caught our eye off the bat as we prepared for the first song was the Amp Carlos Santana was using. Normally we are used to seeing the Mesa King Snake as a main rig for a Santana show, but tonight we saw a Dumble.
For those in the know, it is not unusual for a Santana rig to run a King Snake with a Dumble in the rack off stage. Tonight however it seems as though the Dumble Overdrive Reverb Special.
Why is this significant? Well that is one of the rarest and most expensive amps you can find ranging between 50k to upwards of 150k.
The audience was energetic but at the same time had a mellow presence as many danced and swayed to the songs being performed. One thing that this band brings aside from an infectious energy, is groove.
With groove and energy being led by Carlos, and driven by Cindy the event is rightfully called spiritual. Seeing Santana on stage isn't simply listening to music, it's like visiting with an old friend which is no surprise considering his songs have been on the soundtracks of many lives all over the world.
In regards to old friends Santana told some amusing stories from the past about friend and Texas legend Stevie Ray Vaughan. Santana recalled a nightmarish flight from Europe to Texas after which he felt invincible having survived the ordeal.
Feeling invincible Santana recalled looking at Vaughan and saying "hey, you and me," to which Vaughan looked at his brother Jimmy Vaughan as if to say "has he lost his Fucking Mind?"
Santana though, reaffirmed his challenge to Vaughan. One can only imagine the guitar battle, or jam, that took place after the bold statement.
It's fun to think about, two masters going back and fourth, but at the same time both are very different beasts. One steeped in Texas Blues and the other so full of soul it's hard to compare him to other players.
Was the Santana concert an event that should be attended if you have the chance? It's more than that. Santana live with his band is an experience that you have to see in person to truly appreciate.
You can watch the videos and be amazed, but seeing them live is like a trip to church. Spiritual, Period.
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