Can Santana genuinely "own" an album that depends so heavily on his musical "all stars?" Using Rob Thomas on smooth was one thing, but his new album, chocked full of visiting vocalists and musicians? At least Ringo Starr was honest enough to recognize that with his weak voice, he needed "some help from his friends." Therefore, his concerts were like great family sing-a-longs. But Santana is recording using this technique. Do you think this reveals his ability to "feed off" the creativity of others (I mean that in a positive sense); or does it reveal his desperation in trying to remain relevant vicariously through the great talents of today? What do you think?

Sorry as I am to say it, Rev., it feels like an attempt to stay relevant in the current music scene and I don't think Santana is alone. Consider Frank Sinatra's ill-conceived Duets album, which included not only the obvious attempt to reach younger listeners by pairing him with Bono, but boasted the baffling decision to have the musicians record their "duets" apart from one another. Despite critical praise, I found last year's The Genius Loves Company an uncomfortable coda to Ray Charles' career although the pairings in general made more sense. Now, Herbie Hancock has given us an album this year featuring the likes of Christina Aguilera, John Mayer, and Damien Rice. The result is, I think, unfortunate. There is a precedent in the jazz world for established musicians recording with "young lions." Duke Ellington and Coleman Hawkins were both notable in their ability to work comfortably with musicians whose styles were very different from their own (John Coltrane and Thelonious Monk respectively), but success in that situation feels more the exception than the rule.

I don't doubt any established musician's sincere interest in current music and artists. I'm just hard-pressed sitting right here, right now to bring an example of them parlaying that interest into a quality album.

Now Playing: NPR's Fresh Air

I think he found a formula with "Supernatural", and is sticking with it. Santana has never been known for singing or songwriting. His biggest hit prior to "Smooth" was "Black Magic Woman", a Fleetwood Mac cover. So he basically has three choices:

1. Form a band like Van Halen and hope for the best.

2. Do the Joe Satriani thing and release albums full of guitar solos, which no one is going to buy unless they subscribe to Guitar Player magazine.

3. Get a bunch of successful artists to record songs for you and play guitar over these songs.

Obviously, the third choice is what's working for him.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by LinnTate:
Sorry as I am to say it, Rev., it feels like an attempt to stay relevant in the current music scene and I don't think Santana is alone. Consider Frank Sinatra's ill-conceived Duets album, which included not only the obvious attempt to reach younger listeners by pairing him with Bono, but boasted the baffling decision to have the musicians record their "duets" apart from one another. Despite critical praise, I found last year's The Genius Loves Company an uncomfortable coda to Ray Charles' career although the pairings in general made more sense. Now, Herbie Hancock has given us an album this year featuring the likes of Christina Aguilera, John Mayer, and Damien Rice. The result is, I think, unfortunate. There is a precedent in the jazz world for established musicians recording with "young lions." Duke Ellington and Coleman Hawkins were both notable in their ability to work comfortably with musicians whose styles were very different from their own (John Coltrane and Thelonious Monk respectively), but success in that situation feels more the exception than the rule.

I don't doubt any established musician's sincere interest in current music and artists. I'm just hard-pressed sitting right here, right now to bring an example of them parlaying that interest into a quality album.

I don't think it could be said better.
Believe it or not, listening to Aaron Neville's version of the George Jone's classic "The Grand Tour." If you haven't heard it, give it a try.

quote:

Originally posted by Rev. Rikard:
Believe it or not, listening to Aaron Neville's version of the George Jone's classic "The Grand Tour." If you haven't heard it, give it a try.

Thanks for the kind words and the recommendation, Rev. Aaron Neville can do very little wrong in my book regardless of the material, so a George Jones track is a treat.

I want to say I've heard it before because the piano sounds familiar on this recording, but perhaps it's very close to George's original because I know for a fact I never picked up this particular Neville album.

Regardless, thanks!

Now Playing: "The Grand Tour" Aaron Neville The Grand Tour

Supernatural was a perfect example of cultural auto-eroticism that spawned what, two or three sequels? Not that it matters anyhow; I think people are finally tired of it.

Was good on Supernatural, but now I think it's gotten excessive.. to me, Santana now seems like an accessory.