SANTANA
By Patrice Raplee
In October, 15,000 fans of various ages streamed through the doors
of Washington State's Tacoma Dome for the Santana and Everlast concert.
As the concert began, psychedelic laser patterns sprayed out in waves
across a sea of people bathing them in an undulating blue and green
ripple. Reminiscent of the '70s, the light design that impinged on the
crowd made a colorful setting for Santana who stealthily slipped onto
the stage playing a slow, seductive electric lead.
Surrounded by a nine-piece band, Santana started off the set with songs
Spiritual and Yaleo. A video screen backed the performers
casting images of Santana's flying dove, flames and a moon silhouette.
The band heated up the audience with heavy percussive Latin-based rock,
dynamic horns and Santana's guitar interweaving the powerful mix. Punctuating
the velocity of the show, Santana performed several Spanish acoustic
guitar solos that received vigorous applause from the audience.
From the Supernatural CD, the band played the latest hit Maria
Maria, followed by the sound of 15,000 pairs of hands and feet enthusiastically
clapping and stamping out the rhythm to Santana's Corazon Espinado.
The excitement didn't diminish when tunes such as Oye Como Va
and Smooth were added to the musical arsenal. The opening performer
Everlast joined Santana on stage to sing Put Your Lights On.
Everlast also sings the version on the Supernatural CD.
When Everlast began the opening set earlier in the evening, the crowd
offered a courteous response, but didn't know quite what to make of
the hip-hop/alternative singer's rather low-key, nine-song set. Former
lead singer for House of Pain, Everlast (AKA Eric Schrody) is known
for his high profile bad attitude. The rapper toned down his performance
for the evening, surprising the younger portion of the audience. On
the tune Love For Real, the scrappy-voiced singer called for
Santana to join him on stage. By the end of his set, Everlast had gained
a larger appreciation by the concertgoers.
After performing for over 30 years, Santana has not only risen in his
artistry, but also captured a whole new generation by evolving and culminating
his music into a multi-cultural arena. In concert, the proficiency of
Santana's music resonates in the heart and soul of his fans today, just
as it did decades ago.
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