"Carlos Santana credits Jeff Beck with being an unorthodox virtuoso, despite his initial grounding in traditional blues, and explains the reasons behind his transformative portrayal while covering Michael Jackson's music."
In the upcoming March release of his latest album, Sentient, Carlos Santana pays homage to a significant influence in his music - Jeff Beck. Known for his unconventional and innovative playing style, Beck's impact on Santana's approach to guitar playing is evident throughout the album.
Santana first encountered Beck's music in 1966, when he heard the Yardbirds' song "Over Under Sideways Down." From that moment, he was captivated by Beck's unique sound and imagination. Beck's music transcended conventional boundaries, pushing the limits of guitar playing and showcasing influences from artists like Ravi Shankar and Ali Akbar Khan.
One of the tracks on Sentient that reflects Beck's influence is the cover of Michael Jackson's "Stranger in Moscow." Santana describes his performance as having a different sound, due to him thinking of Michael Jackson and phrasing everything differently. In this cover, Santana plays Michael Jackson's vocal melody on his guitar, creating a unique interpretation of the original track.
Santana's admiration for Beck is not limited to his playing style. He also appreciates Beck's emotional expression through music and his ability to blend different genres. These qualities are reflected in Santana's own work, as he is known for combining Latin rhythms with rock and blues elements.
In an interview with Guitar World, Santana discusses his relationship with Beck and the lessons he has learned from him. He describes Beck as a friend and occasional collaborator, and credits him with taking guitar playing beyond conventional boundaries.
While there is no direct quote on specific lessons, Santana's approach to music reflects a deep respect for Beck's innovative spirit and versatility in music. It is clear that Beck's influence extends beyond just the sound of Santana's guitar, reaching into the very heart of his music.
In addition to his cover of "Stranger in Moscow," Sentient features a variety of original tracks that showcase Santana's unique fingerprint. Despite the different sound, the album remains true to Santana's melodic style and his commitment to pushing the boundaries of music.
For fans of Santana and Beck, Sentient is a must-listen. It is a testament to the enduring influence of Jeff Beck on Carlos Santana's music, and a celebration of their friendship and collaboration. Whether you are a long-time fan or new to Santana's music, Sentient is sure to provide a memorable listening experience.
The unique sound and imagination of Jeff Beck's music, as evidenced in the Yardbirds' "Over Under Sideways Down," captivated Carlos Santana in 1966, setting the stage for a lifelong admiration. Reflecting Beck's influence, Santana's cover of Michael Jackson's "Stranger in Moscow" on his latest album, Sentient, showcases his innovative approach to music, merging different genres much like Beck has done.
