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Carlos Santana had a lot on his plate coming into the Shoreline Amphitheatre at Mountain View on June 26.
He was celebrating not only the 20th anniversary of his biggest album, 1999’s star-studded “Supernatural,” but also the 50th anniversary of his iconic performance at the Woodstock festival in 1969.
On top of that, the 71-year-old Bay Area music legend was supporting the Santana band’s 25th studio album, the Rick Rubin-produced “Africa Speaks,” which was released earlier this month to widespread critical acclaim and debuted at No. 3 on the pop charts.
Yet the show he ended up delivering didn’t feel like some big anniversary celebration or new album showcase.
Instead, it just felt like one gigantic jam session, as the mighty guitarist led the 10-piece band that bears his name through an energetic and nearly seamless mix of Latin rock, jazz and various shades of world music.
Here's @SantanaCarlos pic.twitter.com/GZvZPDatAU
— Jim Harrington (@jimthecritic) June 27, 2019
That’s not to say that there weren’t some pleasant reminders of all that was worth celebrating, including the Woodstock and “Supernatural” anniversaries. It’s just that those factors never outweighed or clouded over the sheer joy of the music being made.
And that joy seemed to wash out over the capacity crowd of 20,000-plus fans, resulting in toothy grins, happy feet and, of course, a massive number of air guitar solos.
“When you come to a Santana concert — it’s therapeutic,” the band leader remarked to the audience. “It’s like seeing an analyst or a therapist.”
Evil Ways @SantanaCarlos pic.twitter.com/39MYKBw7EP
— Jim Harrington (@jimthecritic) June 27, 2019
As the second half of an all-Bay Area doubleheader, Santana took the stage following a great performance by San Jose’s own Doobie Brothers and immediately launched into a blistering version of the Woodstock favorite “Soul Sacrifice.”
He’d remain on Max Yasgur’s farm for a bit longer, performing “Jin-go-lo-ba” and an “Evil Ways” that included a bit of John Coltrane’s “A Love Supreme,” then zoomed ahead on his musical timeline some 30 years to begin plucking from “Supernatural.”
One of the most famous opening leads in rock history … Black magic woman @SantanaCarlos pic.twitter.com/HxOvCHhsDs
— Jim Harrington (@jimthecritic) June 27, 2019
Santana sounded terrific on the frets and the rest of the band kept pace with him nicely. Highlights of the first half of the show included the reworked, hip-hop infused “Hope You’re Feeling Better” and the splendid cover of Tito Puente’s “Oye Como Va.”
The band leader seemed to be in incredible spirits on this night, moving about the stage with plenty of bounce in his step and talking warmly to the crowd.
“It’s a real joy and wonderment to connect with your heart one more time,” Santana said.
Tito Puente @SantanaCarlos pic.twitter.com/IJgBT5X8VC
— Jim Harrington (@jimthecritic) June 27, 2019
The opening set by the Doobie Brothers was just as good, albeit for different reasons. While Santana’s set was a big swirling mix of sounds and jams, the Doobies kept their set nice and tight — and focused on the hits.
One of the greatest Bay Area groups of all time — and one certainly well overdue for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame — the Doobies combined muscular guitar work, propulsive percussion and solid vocals as they ran through such fan favorites as “China Grove,” “Listen to the Music,” “Jesus Is Just Alright” and “Black Water.”
From the great @CityofSanJose – one of the world's greatest cities – comes @TheDoobieBros pic.twitter.com/TwuSGPXoQ5
— Jim Harrington (@jimthecritic) June 27, 2019
Although Santana’s name was on top of the bill, the Doobies clearly factored heavily into why this show was a slam-dunk sell out. That much was clear from watching the fans dance and sing along with the band’s big hits.
The Doobie Brothers got their start in 1970, which means that fans should probably expect a 50th anniversary tour in 2020.
. @TheDoobieBros band is loaded with talent … Including Bill Payne from Little Feat and @BobSeger pic.twitter.com/70zfurlo06
— Jim Harrington (@jimthecritic) June 27, 2019
Love this song @TheDoobieBros bringing the @CityofSanJose magic to @ShorelineAmp pic.twitter.com/e2rwSmncUJ
— Jim Harrington (@jimthecritic) June 27, 2019
Went to same high school as Pat from @TheDoobieBros pic.twitter.com/9EAFpQQS81
— Jim Harrington (@jimthecritic) June 27, 2019
