Customer Reviews

Best Instrumentals (Sony)

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Hat's off to Sony for recognizing Santana's outstanding guitar playing ability and for taking the time to sift through a decades worth of music to isolate these instrumentals. Included on this CD is a tune from Santana's first release in 1969 "Soul Sacrifice", the incomparable "Blues for Salvador" from his 1987 release of the same name as well as "Europa" from the Amigos album. Overall, it's 71 minutes of great instrumentals that will save you countless hours of attempting to sort through this masters music just to isolate his instrumental works.

There are many great guitarists in the world but only Carlos Santana can move me like he does. Long ago I made my own version of this album on cassette because I wanted all these great instumentals on one tape. Finally it has been done and been done right. Europa is easily the best instrumental number ever and I would argue one of the best songs of all time. It is perfectly married with all the other great Santana numbers that were usually the best thing on their respective albums.
Put this on, turn the lights down low and lose yourself in the music.

Two years after it's release of the "Best Instrumentals" Sony is back with another compilation which builds upon and compliments the first release. Again, Sony deserves a lot of credit for recognizing Santana's outstanding guitar playing ability and for taking the time to sift through a decades worth of music to isolate these instrumentals. On Volume 2, Sony collects 14 more instrumentals covering Santana's 30 plus year career. Included on this CD is the sonically beautiful "Revelations" through the precussion laced "Primera Invasion". Despite the title, Sony has included two tunes with spanish vocals, "Jingo" and "Oye Como Va". While these tunes are mainly instrumentals, I am positive that there are at least two other pieces which would have qualified this as an entire instrumental release similar to Volume 1. Overall, it's approximately 56 minutes of great instrumentals that will save you countless hours of attempting to sort through this masters music just to isolate his instrumental works.

Going over the tune titles, right off the bat I was surprised that a couple of my instrumental favorites were missing .The beautifully soulful, atmospheric TALES of KILIMANJARO should definitely be on there as well as what I consider to be the most ambitious number from the fusion period, the epic FLAME/SKY. Fans who would purchase an all instrumental Santana album are astute listeners looking for the more obscure gems--who needs another best of album with all the obvious tunes? I give this cd three stars not for what it contains but for what it's missing.

This is what Santana is all about. No vocals just his signature guitar sound. His music is perfect for almost any occasion, from easy-listening to dancing around. This are his greatest instrumentals ever. There are some that he has released since, that should be included, maybe on the next volume if there is one. Buy this if you can, I'm glad that I did. It is worth it

This is a very good compilation of only instrumentals by the master. My only regret is that "Every Step of the Way" from "Caravanserai" is missing. That is one of the most powerful Santana songs ever. Also, my favorite in this compilation is "Aquamarina".

Santana has always been capable of infusing his heart and soul into his playing. This album is a perfect example. He recently gained new popularity with the "Supernatural" album, making some think he made a "Comeback". A quick look at his available albums shows almost everything he's ever recorded is still in production, and selling. He's always been there, doing what he loves, creating wonderful music.

This album showcases how touching and beautiful his music can be. He is truly a master at his art.

Does it really get any better than this. Carlos Santana all I can tell you I have had the absolute pleasure of discovering your music when I heard you way back in the late 60's and early 70's and now as I sit and listen to you almost 35 years later the magic is still there. I have introduced countless younger and older music lovers to your heart and soul felt songs and to a one they are all converts to one of the truly great guitar players of any era. Enough said play on Carlos......

i lost this cd when my car was totaled. was happy i was able to get another on your site
thank you sherri

I have been a Santana fan for over 35 years.
This a great collection of instrumentals from several past LPs/CD's
Perfect for that long drive