Africa Speaks/ Santana - rock/ world music

By NARENDRA KUSNUR

Album: Africa Speaks

Artiste: Santana

Genre: Rock/ world music

Label: Concord Records

Rating: ****

Fifty years after releasing his self-titled debut album, Mexican-American guitarist Carlos Santana continues to experiment with concepts. In the past two decades, he’s gone into multi-artiste collaborations, a reunion with older members, cover versions and a mostly-instrumental album. Some attempts have succeeded, some have not.

On his latest album Africa Speaks, produced by the versatile Rick Rubin, Santana pays tribute to “Africa, the cradle of civilisation.” The 11-track album may sound a bit weird and uncharacteristic on initial hearing, but the deeper you get into it, the more you admire the heady blend of rock, Latin music, jazz, flamenco and African sounds. The band is joined by two fantastic singers – Spanish diva Concha Buika and Britisher Laura Mvula. The net result is something that would automatically fit into the world music space. 

The album is filled with some amazing guitar riffs and wah-wah bursts, some of which seem to be trademark Santana but blended beautifully with the overall sound. Add to that some lively percussion by Karl Perazzo, drumming by Santana’s wife Cindy Blackman and basswork by Benny Rietveid, and it turns out to be a superb mix. All three members are part of Santana’s live entourage.

The opening track is a mood-builder, beginning with hand percussion, and featuring some Afro choruses and a very Moody Blues-styled recitation by Santana. ‘Batonga’ peps up the tempo, with Buika in her element and the rhythms at a high level of energy. Buika excels on ‘Oye Este Mi Canto’, which has smart tempo variations and a sing-along hook.

Other charmers are ‘Blue Skies’, with English words by Mvula and the very danceable ‘Paraison Quemaidos’, which has an outstanding bassline. In fact, a good part of the second half has that foot-tapping quality, with ‘Breaking Down The Door’ having a certain mass-friendliness and a neat trombone solo. ‘Luna Hechicera’ has wonderful interaction between Santana and Buika, who use the call-and-response technique. ‘Bambelo’ cuts down the tempo, and is soulful.

Some may complain that there’s a sameness about many tunes, but on repeated hearing, one notices the subtle differences. There is also a passing resemblance to earlier albums like Santana III and Caravanserai. Though most songs are in Spanish, the language does not really come in the way.

But some things clearly stand out. Despite the fact that he often gets formulaic, Santana’s guitaring is a delight. Buika, who’s done most of the vocals, shines. The Afro and Latino vocal chants and choruses are infectious. And that rhythm section is awesome, as is expected from any Santana album. Another of the many highs in the maestro’s career.