Carlos Santana Reflects on His Musical Journey and New Album 'Sentient'

Table of Contents

1. Key Highlights
2. Introduction
3. Musical Influences and Philosophy
4. The Album's Composition and Tracks
5. The Oneness Tour
6. A Vision for Global Unity
7. The Legacy of a Music Icon
8. Conclusion
9. FAQ

Key Highlights

• Carlos Santana's new album, Sentient, explores themes of compassion, unity, and self-worth, featuring collaborations with both living and deceased artists.
• Santana draws inspiration from music legends such as Miles Davis and Michael Jackson, stating he feels an intrinsic connection to their artistry and legacy.
• He embarks on a global "Oneness Tour" and envisions a massive international concert series aimed at promoting harmony amid global tensions.

Introduction

Carlos Santana stands as a timeless figure in the music world, with a career spanning decades and a discography that speaks of artistic evolution and spirituality. As he prepares to launch his new album Sentient on March 28, 2025, Santana recalls influential moments in his career — particularly what he learned from musical giants like Miles Davis and Michael Jackson. With a vision not only to create music but to inspire humanity through it, Santana describes this forthcoming work as akin to a beautifully arranged bouquet of flowers, crafted to bring forth the divine qualities inherent in all individuals.

The rich tapestry of Sentient incorporates a blend of newly recorded tracks alongside remastered selections from his expansive career. This meld creates not merely an album, but a message — a call to embrace love, eliminate fear, and celebrate humanity. As he prepares for a series of global concerts, Santana aims to spread this message of peace and unity in a world often marked by division.

Musical Influences and Philosophy

Having absorbed influences from a vast array of musical styles and artists, Santana has a unique approach to both composition and performance. He metaphorically compares creating an album to arranging a floral display — combining various elements to create a harmonious whole.

Inspirations Drawn from Legends

In multiple interviews, Santana has spoken candidly about his admiration for the greats, particularly Miles Davis and Michael Jackson. He often refers to them as his musical mentors, even if their interactions were limited by time. “Miles Davis is not here, and Michael Jackson’s not here, but they’re in my heart, and it makes me very grateful,” Santana expressed, highlighting the deep emotional connections he feels toward their legacies.

Learning from Miles Davis

Davis, known for his innovations in modal jazz and his relentless pursuit of artistic expression, embodies the kind of creative bravery Santana strives to emulate. He recalls admiring Davis's ability to push boundaries and invites listeners to explore their depths through music. The ethos of exploring different genres and breaking conventional rules is a cornerstone of Santana’s philosophy, which he intends to translate through his upcoming work.

Channeling Michael Jackson

Santana’s connection to Michael Jackson runs deep. He considers himself to embody Jackson’s spirit during performances of songs like “Stranger in Moscow.” In a recent statement, he noted, “When I play ‘Stranger in Moscow,’ I become Michael Jackson," emphasizing how transformative music can be, allowing artists to channel the influences of those who inspired them.

The Message of Sentient

The core theme of Sentient revolves around bridging divides through compassion and shared humanity. Santana shares, "There’s too much fear, there’s too much anger... the opposite of compassion." His music becomes a medium for fostering understanding and encouraging people to recognize their inherent value and divinity. The album encourages listeners to cultivate kindness and gratitude, which Santana believes can help transform the world.

The Album's Composition and Tracks

Scheduled for general release on March 28, Sentient features a diverse array of tracks. The album comprises eleven pieces, including three previously unreleased songs and others remastered from various periods of Santana's career.

Featured Collaborations

The collaborations in Sentient are a testament to Santana's enduring relationships within the industry:

• Smokey Robinson, who contributes vocals to “Please Don’t Take Your Love.”
• Darryl “DMC” McDaniels, adding his unique flair alongside Santana's legendary guitar work.
• Tribute songs featuring contributions from the late Miles Davis and Michael Jackson showcase Santana's artistically rich connections to the past.

While the selections might seem eclectic, Santana assures his audience that they convey a unified theme, blending various influences yet ultimately promoting a singular message of love and unity.

Notable Tracks

• “Whatever Happens” from Jackson’s album Invincible, serves as a heartfelt reminder of the power of collaboration, even after the artist's passing.
• “Get On” and “Rastafario” with Davis are a nod to the deep impact Davis had on Santana’s musical journey, further enriching the album’s narrative.
• “I’ll Be Waiting”, a favorite from Santana’s live recordings, adds a nostalgic touch, encompassing the essence of Santana's live music magic.

The Oneness Tour

Following the album release, Santana will embark on a nine-date Oneness Tour, commencing on April 16 in Highland, California, and concluding at the prestigious New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival on May 1.

Key Tour Dates:

1. April 16 - Highland, CA
2. April 20 - Las Vegas, NV
3. April 25 - Phoenix, AZ
4. May 1 - New Orleans, LA

Return to Las Vegas

In addition to the tour, Santana will have a residency at the House of Blues Las Vegas from May 14-25, allowing fans to immerse themselves in his music in an intimate setting.

A Vision for Global Unity

Aspirations beyond music seem to fuel Santana even further; he is constructing a grander vision — a multi-day, multi-act worldwide concert reminiscent of the spirit of Woodstock. With current global tensions, Santana seeks to create a platform for unity and harmony.

Proposed Global Concert Series

• Envisioned locations include iconic landmarks such as Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, Central Park in New York City, and Hyde Park in London.
• Aiming to reach audiences across continents, Santana imagines performing in various countries, promoting a message of love and peace globally.

In pursuing this venture, Santana is reaching out to notable artists, including Eric Clapton, Metallica, and Earth, Wind & Fire, who have expressed enthusiasm about participating. “Everybody I talked to, they want to do it...This is my vision," he states with conviction, emphasizing the importance of collaboration for meaningful impact.

The Legacy of a Music Icon

Carlos Santana's journey is marked by resilience, creativity, and an unyielding commitment to uplifting humanity through music. At the age of 77, he continues to inspire with messages of compassion and equity, embodying the spirit of the artists that shaped him. As he channels the legacies of the greats he admires into his work, Santana reinforces the idea that music transcends time, creating lasting bonds among generations.

Conclusion

As he releases Sentient and gears up for the associated tour, Carlos Santana remains a beacon of hope amid difficulty. His life is a testament to the power of music as a transformative force for good. By embracing the wisdom of those who have come before him, he not only honors their contributions but also keeps their spirits alive through his art, affirming that, indeed, he feels immortal like them.

FAQ

1. What is the release date for Sentient?

Sentient is set to be released on March 28, 2025.

2. Who are some featured collaborations on the album?

The album features collaborations with Smokey Robinson, Darryl “DMC” McDaniels, and includes remastered tracks with Miles Davis and Michael Jackson.

3. What are the themes of the album?

The main themes focus on compassion, unity, and encouraging self-worth, with Santana aiming to promote kindness and gratitude through his music.

4. When does the Oneness Tour begin?

The Oneness Tour begins on April 16, 2025, and will conclude on May 1, 2025, at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival.

5. What is Santana's vision for the global concert series?

Santana envisions a multi-day, multi-act global concert to promote unity, harmony, and peace, calling for participation from various artists across the world.

6. How does Santana pay tribute to his musical idols in Sentient?

Through the musical composition and themes within Sentient, Santana channels his experiences and the inspirations drawn from artists like Miles Davis and Michael Jackson, reinforcing their legacies while expressing his unique voice.