Customer Reviews

Hymns for Peace: Live at Montreux 2004 [Blu-ray]

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

 

 

Numerous jazz musicians incorporated elements of rock into their music during the 1970s, creating "jazz-rock fusion." However, among rock musicians only Carlos Santana returned the favor, bringing elements of jazz into a rock structure --- "rock-jazz fusion", if you will. While his efforts were not as commercially successful as his so-called Latin Rock, his willingness to ignore the artificial barriers between musical styles resulted in some classic recordings.

In this 2004 concert, Santana assembles an impressive cast of guest stars, mostly jazz musicians, for an extravaganza that covers rock, jazz, reggae, blues, soul, pop, and concludes with a tribute to Ludwig van Beethoven. This is the first time I've seen jazz luminaries like Herbie Hancock, John McLaughlin, Chick Corea, and Wayne Shorter jam on pieces like Bob Marley's "Exodus" and Santana's "Jingo". The distinction between musical labels is rapidly erased, and the result is a heady brew.

Of course, this approach isn't for everyone. If you're looking for a Santana concert, this isn't it. There's very little Santana material; the rest is covers, ranging from Miles Davis and John Coltrane to Bob Marley and Bob Dylan. There is one piece from "Supernatural" (a magnificent Celebration Day), plus "Jingo" and the obscure "Let the Music Speak for Itself." For a traditional Santana concert, try Supernatural Live or Sacred Fire (a concert recorded a few years before Supernatural).

With so many performers involved, the result could have been a disastrous mess, but it all works smoothly, and the 2 hr. 40 min. concert goes by quickly. (There are three additional tracks under the bonus features, covering Bob Marley's "One Love" and John Lennon's "Imagine" and "Give Peace a Chance.") Not every track is gripping, and I imagine I'll skip a couple the next time I watch it. But most of it is exhilirating.

The Blu-Ray disc looks and sounds spectacular, which adds to the fun.

Again, this is not a Santana concert in the ordinary sense, but if you're interested in an eclectic blend of diverse musical styles, featuring some of the world's finest musicians, you should give this one a try.

This master on the guitar play wonderfully as usual. I was kinda disappointed to not see Black Magic woman played on here, but it was still wonderful to see him play. Blu ray quality is great as expected. I kinda wish C.S.'s review had been up when I bought this. It was not what I was expecting, not that I did not enjoy it, but it is not really a Santana concert. The man does pull off some very soulful music despite the wide range of artists he plays with here, and I think that reflects his real talent. If it was possible, I would have given it 4.5 stars.

Showcases Blue-rays quality and image not to mention the fantastic performance of Carlos Santana. Highly recommended.

A good bluray see a different side of Carlos Santana having fun with all the lady guest artists on this concert

This is American jazz, with Carlos Santana, being the front man. (He's actually more often in the background.) Most of the songs have a jazzy feel to it, with a variety of instruments and a little Latin flavor sprinkled into it. Some songs have an African influence. Some songs have a religious theme and some have a civil rights tone. There's some soul and there's a Caribbean song. There's anti-war sentiment and a call for peace and tolerance. The first song, "Afro Blue," features African drums. My favorite is the medley "Blowin' In The Wind/A Place In The Sun". The last song is "Ode To Joy," done partially a cappella. The variety of songs is fairly large.

The set list follows.

Intro
Afro Blue
Adouma
Redemption Song
Exodus/Get Up Stand Up
Blowin' In The Wind/A Place In The Sun
Just Like A Woman
What's Going On
Peace On Earth/Boogie Woman
Why Can't We Live Together
Light At The Edge Of The World
Let Us Go Into The House Of The Lord
Banana Boat Song
Day Of Celebration
Ah Sweet Dance/In A Silent Way
Jingo
A Love Supreme
Ode To Joy

The blu-ray has three bonus songs.

One Love
Imagine
Give Peace A Chance

This concert is composed of an ensemble of many different peoples and singers. It's a bit different. There's no overall lead singer. In general, different people sing different songs, and a song may have a few singers taking turns. A few songs are instrumentals. Artists include Carlos Santana, along with the Santana Band. Keep in mind that this is not a Carlos Santana concert. He is only one of many artists. Other artists include Herbie Hancock and Chick Corea and many others.

The concert almost feels like an impromptu jam session. When you first watch this concert, and if you are not used to Jazz, (or are acquainted only with traditional Jazz), you may not understand or appreciate it. But when you get to know this ecletic music, you begin to appreciate this style of American Jazz with various elements thrown in the mix.

This concert was filmed in July of 2004 at the Montreaux Jazz Festival, at Auditorium Stravinski, located in Montreaux, Switzerland. At 2 hours, 39 minutes, consider this concert a mini-jazz festival in itself.

Carlos Santana has put together some of the finest jazz and rock musicians on this planet. What you get are two discs full of one of the best concerts that I wish I could have attended. Captivating. I liked it so much that I bought a copy for my brother without fear of pissing him off for wasting his time (life's too short to listen to bad music).

Without going into a lot of detail, let me just say that the talent and quality of the DVD are superb! If you like Santana and/or Jazz, this DVD is for you!