Express & Star

Review: Santana, LG Arena, Birmingham

When you're the winner of 10 Grammy Awards, you must be quite good. In fact, when you're the winner of 10 Grammy Awards, you must be very good, and indeed, Carlos Santana is very, very good.

Published

From the moment he arrived on stage in his trademark hat and white attire, he enthralled a mature and extremely enthusiastic crowd at a busy LG Arena.

His introduction to what is billed as The Sentient Tour Europe came in the form of Toussaint L'Overture when his 10-strong ensemble went straight into what was more than a two hour show.

But it was more than a show, with stunning tracks from his extensive back catalogue and new twists on some favoured old classics.

A large video screen beamed close-ups of the artist at work meaning his singing and,, at times, almost talking guitar skills could be seen by everyone.

Firm favourites came early on in the set in the form of Black Magic Woman and Oye Como Va, but it was Maria, Maria which got a thrilled audience dancing in the aisles.

More magic was presented in the form of Foo Foo and when the crowd was invited to stand, dance and even jump, and they did.

Santana, now 65, presented a pure celebration of music, from his award-winning guitar skills, to thumping Latin rhythms and enchanting keyboard skills.

Andy Vargas and Tony Lindsay provided vocal energetic accompaniment to a set which should be described as a little indulgent, and when you're that good, why on earth not?

Emma Farmer

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