Came across this interesting post about Santana history. I remember loving the album Caravanserai when it came out, and should listen to it again. It’s been decades. I didn’t know that the band did a month of shows without Carlos in 1971… There is even a recording of that.
More troubles were awaiting the band after the release of Santana III. The drugs intake did not subside and Carlos Santana decided to take a stand. On the eve of embarking on a US tour to promote the album, he made a demand: “I’m not going unless we get rid of [manager] Stan Marcum and [percussionist] Michael Carabello, because they’re suppling the band with the heavy stuff and we sound like shit. We’re not practicing, and it’s embarrassing. Either those guys are out or I’m out.” Ok, said the band, and flew out to play a month of Santana shows with no Santana in the lineup. Shrieve remembers that bleak period: “I think that when cocaine entered into the scene for us it kind of closed us down. We were still playing well, but our hearts and minds had closed down to each other.”
Santana 1972-1974, Part 1: The Road to Caravanserai
Great title
“Caravanserais were roadside inns along major trade routes like the ancient Silk Road, that doubled as hubs for the exchange of goods, ideas, and culture”.
The music industry- full of talented people – so inspiring on one hand and so disappointing on another. Puzzles me to no end.
The latest disappointment is with Pink Floyd (R.W) re the UN . Shocked he was even allowed to say anything- nobody wants to hear what he has to say – wtf is wrong with him? And this 40 year fight with him & Gilmour – just nonsense.