Rock meets Latin grooves in an atmospheric masterpiece that sounds as fresh today as it was back in 1970; a rare feat by any standard.
Santana’s Abraxas was not only a music wonder, but that cover art is striking. Yet, for some reason, I don’t have a vinyl copy or even a CD version, subsequently relying on the smaller streaming offering. I’ll certainly have to look at picking up a copy in the near future, but there is so much music that I love, that I should also own, that I’d be broke and homeless if I purchased every album that appealed to me. Nevertheless, Abraxas is special. While it can be catalogued and placed into convenient musical styles, I dare say that Abraxas is almost a genre on its own for even today there isn’t often as much musical diversity on a single album as there is on this release.
While the musical prowess of Santana (the band and the man) is beyond reproach, one may assume that the Apple Music stream, an Apple Digital Master, would result in a lacklustre presentation. While it’s true that I haven’t been fortunate enough to listen to the MOFI (Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab) reissue, or an original vinyl pressing, I can assure you that the Apple Digital Master is magnificent and I would place it up against any edition of this album as it simply sounds right. That, of course, doesn’t mean that I don’t want to pick up one of the aforementioned releases, or even a surround sound edition, but it’s an acknowledgement that mastering really does matter and in this case, it doesn’t matter that the stream is being delivered in a compressed lossy format.
Singing Winds, Crying Beasts is a gorgeous opening, the wind chimes get me every time, as does the roaring guitar element. Plus, that rhythmic bass and percussive elements are immersive, offering a full-body experience, especially if you turn the volume up a little. There is no denying just how good Singing Winds, Crying Beasts is and it sets the tone for the entire album; exceptional!
Black Magic Woman / Gypsy Queen is one truly remarkable song and while the Black Magic Woman component is a cover of the Fleetwood Mac original, a masterful recording in its own right, Santana takes the raw rock elements, infuses them with Latin grooves and additional blues elements, that sets in motion a recording that would become one of the very best covers to have ever been recorded. Plus, Gregg Rolie’s vocal delivery on this edition is absolutely perfect; no wonder it became a chart-topper. While Gypsy Queen isn’t always represented when Black Magic Woman is played, I feel that its inclusion amplifies the core song and therefore I feel it is a natural extension of Black Magic Woman.
Oye Como Va is a fun tune that gets my body moving involuntarily. What’s not to like?
Incident At Neshabur is a little offbeat, in comparison to the previous tracks, but this isn’t a song you’ll likely be wanting to toe-tap to, but be present with for it demands the listener’s attention. That said, I wouldn’t class Incident At Neshabur as one of my favourite Santana tunes, but it is far from bad.
Se A Cabo reminds me of Miles Davis. You might think that that is a strange comparison, but some of Davis’ greatest work was in his fusion of styles and Se A Cabo is very similar in that regard as each listen reveals a new layer of musicality that makes you not only question the song but your relationship to it and music in general.
Mother’s Daughter has a killer opening and is an incredible song, although I do feel that Rolie’s vocal is either a little too forward or the musical aspects are a little too shallow in the mix. It just sounds as though there should, or could, be more.
Samba Pa Ti is simply gorgeous. I could listen to this masterpiece on repeat indefinitely.
Hope You’re Feeling Better gets better the more you play it. It becomes infectious and ultimately becomes one of the most enjoyable songs on Abraxas.
El Nicoya is a solid closer, but I do wish the final track was Hope You’re Feeling Better as I feel El Nicoya is more an interlude than a song in its own right.
Overall, Abraxas is deserving of the reverence it’s given for it is a masterpiece from start to finish. I’d even go as far as saying that Santana never topped Abraxas; a bold statement, yes, but Abraxas reached heights that only a few musicians and bands ever reach.
