Posted by Robert on May 05, 2008 at 22:16:10:
I witnessed the end of the tour with Derek Trucks in Birmingham on Friday. I had read an article in a local paper that said that Santana had not played in those parts for over a decade. The local oldies station was pumped up and kept reporting from the venue early in the day. The Santana band did not disappoint that night. The oldies were there-Jingo, No One to Depend On, Batuka, BMW, Gypsy Queen, Oye Como Va, and the incredible Incident At Neshabur. Of course we were also treated to the new stuff-Maria Maria, Smooth, Into The night. I thought I had enjoyed the highlight of the night when Incident came on, but to my surprise, carlos introduced Derek and said that on this tour, he could not remember when was the last time he had more fun and said that they would be playing something from the heart. Sunlight on Water, one of my favorites, which I thought I would never get to hear live, was played along with The Calling and Boogie Woman. When Derek left the stage he got several hugs from most of the band members. I'm still hearing Sunlight on Water in my head three days later. Were there any tapers at this show? At one point in time it seemed as if Carlos was praying over the crowd. Maybe it was because I had front row seats but this show had alot of feelings, this was one special show, from a very special band. After attending some 30+ Santana concerts, I can say that today was very special but I know that next time or the next will be even better. Is this what he means when he says he keeps climbing that ladder?