Under “normal circumstances” we would be gearing up for the band’s first appearance towards the end of April. To keep our hands in, we thought it would be fun to put together a little music video, social distancing style. This is us performing an early Santana classic, “Evil Ways”. We had a blast doing this. We hope you enjoy it too.
Social distancing jamming
The Coronavirus and associated lock-down means the Corazon Santana tribute will be delayed by a few weeks. Not a big deal … the important thing is you folks out there keeping safe and well! We can’t gig, we can’t get together and rehearse … but we do have plenty of time to solo jam!
Here’s Martin soloing a few bars (in the style of Carlos) over a set of chord changes that might sound familiar!
Video post – Martin talks about the project and getting that sound
In this short video blog Martin chats about the Corazon project and has a little go at getting that trademark guitar sound.
For the love of Carlos
Martin Smith writes…
I first fell in love with the music of Santana when, as a teenager, I heard the brilliant Moonflower album. That was “double album” that featured new studio material (e.g. a storming cover of The Zombies’ “She’s Not There”) alongside some outstanding live recordings. I had never heard anything quite like it and it blew me away. The pulsing latin rhythms, Carlos Santana’s trademark singing, sustained guitar sound, some great soulful vocals (from Greg Walker) and all-round great musicianship.
It was hugely influential on me – particularly at a time when I was making my first tentative steps as a guitar player. I soon found myself trying to emulate the notes and phrasing of Carlos’ playing. Because it formed an early part of my musical development, my own “sound” and “style” (in as much as I can lay claim to these) still bears the hallmarks of that early Santana influence.
All that said, although Santana material has often made its way into the setlist of bands I’ve played in, I have not, until now, sought to play a full set of Santana material and play that in the style of the great man himself.
I’m very lucky to have assembled a great band of musicians around me. There is my usual Martin Smith Band cohorts (Jeff Rae, Chris Holliman, Robin Atkins) and we are joined by a fabulous latin percussionist. Hailing from Cuba, Chino is an in-demand percussionist who’s work includes regular sessions at Ronnie Scott’s. Personally, I’m loving the challenge of recreating the trademark guitar tone and nailing those licks. We are very excited about our first live outing scheduled for Friday, 24th in Caterham. Details here: https://buytickets.at/surreyrhythmandblues/354596
Coming soon … an exciting new tribute to the king of latin rock, Carlos Santana.
This is an exciting new project featuring pro musicians who share a love for the music of Santana. Rehearsals are underway and a date is set for a first live performance in April.
More news to follow…