CORAZON is a UK-based band celebrating the extraordinary music of Carlos Santana — at its core five musicians sharing a passion for its unmistakable blend of rock, blues, jazz and Latin rhythms.
From the raw energy of the early Santana band and Woodstock through albums such as Abraxas, Caravanserai and Moonflower to the worldwide success of Supernatural and beyond, Santana’s music has constantly evolved while retaining an identity all its own.
That’s what fascinates us — and it’s what we try to capture on stage.
Where it started
For CORAZON founder and guitarist Martin Smith, the journey began in the autumn of 1977.
His first real encounter with Santana came through She’s Not There. The single led him to Moonflower — and Moonflower opened the door to an entirely new musical world.
There was that wonderful guitar, of course. But there was much more: Latin percussion, jazz, blues and rock; beautiful melodies alongside fierce rhythms; tightly constructed songs giving way to extended instrumental passages and improvisation.
From Moonflower, his journey went backwards to discover the groundbreaking early Santana albums and then onwards through the music that followed. Nearly fifty years later, that fascination remains at the heart of CORAZON.
It’s why the 50th anniversary of Moonflower in 2027 has a particular resonance for us. We’re not simply celebrating a landmark Santana album. We’re celebrating the record that started a musical journey.
Celebrating, not impersonating
CORAZON isn’t about wigs, costumes or pretending to be Santana.
It’s about the music.
We approach these songs as musicians and fans: respecting the melodies, arrangements and sounds that made them special, while embracing the spontaneity, interplay and improvisation that have always been part of Santana’s music.
That means no two CORAZON performances are quite identical. Guitar and keyboards interact, the rhythm section drives and responds, and Latin percussion adds another layer of energy and movement. There is room for the music to breathe.
As the County Chronicle put it:
“Not impersonators … messengers.”
We rather like that.
The Santana sound
Few artists have created music quite like this.
Blues and rock guitar sit alongside congas and timbales. Jazz harmony meets Afro-Latin rhythm. Beautiful instrumentals such as Samba Pa Ti and Europa share a musical world with the hypnotic groove of Oye Como Va, the drama of Black Magic Woman and the irresistible energy of Smooth.
And running through it all is that guitar.
But we don’t believe there’s a single “Santana sound” to reproduce. The music has changed enormously across more than five decades, while something unmistakably Santana has remained at its heart.
That’s what interests us: the feel, phrasing, dynamics and rhythm; the interaction between the musicians; and the freedom to bring something of ourselves to music we love.
The live experience
A CORAZON show spans more than five decades of Santana’s music — familiar classics alongside carefully chosen favourites for those who know the albums a little more deeply.
It’s music we genuinely love playing, and that enjoyment is a huge part of the show.
“Amazing musicians!!! Great evening thank you so much!!”
“It’s clear you guys don’t just know the music — you really get it.”
Whether it’s the bluesiness of Black Magic Woman, the lyrical beauty and fiery improvisation of Europa, the percussion-driven excitement of Soul Sacrifice or the sheer infectiousness of Oye Como Va, our aim is simple:
to celebrate this remarkable music and send people home smiling.
CORAZON — The Heart & Soul of Santana.
Follow Corazon on social media and join our mailing list for upcoming shows, videos and latest news.