No. Not that Santana people. I’m referring instead to rock guitar genius Carlos Santana, who put on one hell of a performance with his band 10 days ago at Madison Square Garden.

If there’s an overlooked all-time great guitarist, it’s definitely Santana, who just is a genius on it banging out funky solos and instrumentals like they’re going out of style. I’ve always admired his unique talents. Maybe Santana’s style is a tad different which might explain the non-sellout. If you’re a core fan of music and specifically the electric guitar along with so much more brought to the stage, then you should’ve made it your business to be there as tickets were affordable and those who went certainly weren’t disappointed.

This was just a legendary performance by a softspoken man who plays and moves around the stage with such flair. That actually was part of the reason I wanted to go. I just knew Santana would put on a great show but you can’t just point to the genius with the guitar as his band was really tremendous making every song sound so fresh. Sort of that Santana “Black Magic Woman,” which was one of many infamous hits well played by the entire band which included two lead singers. Their sound requires a lot to pull off. It felt like we were in a different era completely. One my Dad is more familiar with. The 1960’s.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention The Derek Trucks Band as they were phenomenal as the opening act and Santana even invited another great guitarist in his own right back out towards the end of what was nearly a two and a half hour music exhibition because that’s how well played everything was. 

The feel at this show was a little different from the chaotic scene a couple of months prior when rock legends Eric Clapton and Steve Winwood took the Garden stage recreating some Blind Faith magic along with so much more.

As noted above, it was like taking a trip Back To The Future some 40 years earlier via Doc’s (Christopher Lloyd) time machine. Only this time I really was Michael J. Fox’s character Marty McFly following an entertaining act which captivated the audience.

Personally, I feel Santana’s one of the all-time greatest guitarists. Maybe I already stated it but again I can’t put into context just how special it was to see the 60 year-old from Mexico perform on the grand stage in NYC. He deserves so much more respect. Ironically enough, he placed 15th in The Rolling Stone’s Top 100 Greatest Guitarists list. I think he should be higher. You could argue back and forth till the cows come home.

I’m a Jimi Hendrix guy, who btw Santana paid tribute to along with Martin Luther King plus many other great musicians such as Marvin Gaye, and John Lennon during a classic rant.

There was just so much to appreciate with all the funky beats, jazz and assortment of special effects on that Tuesday evening. You can find plenty of stuff from the show.

Here’s some more:

Santana: “No One To Depend On“-Live at MSG 4-8-08

Santana and Derek Trucks jam on set -Live MSG 4-8-08

both certainly held up their end of the bargain making the three hours (nearly 2 and a half by Santana) well worth it!

Santana: “Maria Maria“-Live MSG 4-8-08

this is a very soulful song much like most of their music.

Santana: “Soul Sacrifice“-Live MSG 4-8-08

if you’ve ever seen this great tune played, then you’ll be quite familiar with the traditional clapping and singing for this unbelievable encore which dates back to Santana’s Woodstock days. You know. The original! I’m going to link up that as well cause believe it or not, the whole thing is there unlike the beginning of this one.

Santana: “Soul Sacrifice“-Woodstock 1969

listen to the drum beat in this as it’s exceptional and from what’s known, was played that well by a 17 year-old teenager. Unfathomable! Along with Santana’s wicked shredding, it’s just unbelievably played.

Santana: “Samba Pa Ti“-Croatia, 1998

this happens to be one of my faves as it’s really terrific stuff. Santana at his very best. Samba Pa Ti might’ve been the only well known hit which they didn’t play a couple of weeks prior. However, everything else more than made up for it.

What would I say to any doubter who just can’t get into Santana’s distinct sound? If you have a deep passion for great music featuring awesome electric guitar playing to fun dream beats, samba, tangerine, trumpets and jazz mixed in, then give it a shot. They’re a splendid live act who brings so much energy to the stage.

I’d definitely see them again. No questions asked.