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SANTANA Supernatural (Arista/BMG) This is one of the last great albums of 1999! After supporting John Lee Hooker on several super-sessions ie the (Best Of Friends) projects, and doing many sessions including one with Weather Report; Carlos has finally decided to do one for himself and this is the result. Supernatural opens with '(Da Le) Yaleo' that has all the elements of the early compositions from Abraxas, Amigos and Shango. '(Da Le) Yaleo' has gentle melodies combined with furious poly-rhythms. Dave Matthews passionate vocals feature on 'Love Of My Life' that is fast becoming one of my favourites off Supernatural. 'Put Your Lights On' is going to be huge with the teen market; it features the deep vocals of Everlast. 'Africa Bamba' shows off the softer side of Carlos and features him on vocals. Rob Thomas sings 'Smooth' that has a tango/salsa flavour and shares simialities in sound and style to Ricky Martin. 'Do You Like The Way' features the Queen of hip-hop Lauren Hill with Cee-Lo. There is so much soul in this track, with Carlos weaving his strong melodic chords, and Hill & Cee-Lo giving an award performance that brings to mind Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell. 'Maria Maria' is a beautiful ballad with streetwise beats featuring 'The Product G & B', that sound like a Latino De Barge. 'Migra' is a musical chant featuring the wah-wah guitar, and funky rifts of Carlos, with one Celtic flavoured chorus provided by Chester Thompson. Mana features on 'Corazon Espinado' that will be hit on Latin radio stations right across the America's. Eagle-Eye Cherry lyrically swims through the mesmerising 'Wishing It Was'. 'El Farol', is a beautiful instrumental like 'Bella' and 'Samba Pa Ti', and it will gently seduce you. 'Primavera' features all the elements of Puente's 'Oye Coma Va' and Santana's own 'Toussaint L'Overture'; passion, grace & fire! Eric Clapton shares the lead guitar on 'The Calling' that is a long, easy blues ride that fades at about seven minutes, then reamerges a minute later with a semi-acoustic reprise and fusion of 'El Farol' and 'The Calling'. There is something for everyone on Supernatural and even Ry Cooder fans with enjoy these Latin rhythms. Gazz Click on album image to see larger album cover 
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