Abraxas Pool

This record SHOULD have been huge, but alas that was not to be. With four members of 1969 Santana Band: Greg Rolie, Michael Shrieve, Jose "Chepito" Areas and Michael Carabello, Joined together with Santana's most famous 'Second' Guitarist and founding member (With Greg Rolie) of Journey, Neal Schon and later-day Santana bassist Alphonso Johnson. All the elements are here, with the powerful percussion force of Shrieve/Areas & Carabello and those smooth vocals and keyboards of Greg, the stellar guitar of Neal Schon, This CD is something special. The fact that only a few of us would hear this amazing music is quite a shame.That said "Abraxas Pool" is a CD that BELONGS in any music collection. With the BIG drum sound of the opening number "Boom Ba Ya Ya" it is clear to all that this train has not lost any steam, to Describe the sound of these musicians is like describing being charged by a runaway elephant in some steamy jungle. The second tune: "A Million Miles Away" would have sounded real good on the radio. Also of note are the great tunes: "Going Home" and "Don't Give Up" that are as good as anything from The 1969 -1971 period that these musicians remember with great fondness. Mr. Neal Schon get's a showcase number on the wonderful: "Szabo" that has the pure emotion of the best of The Santana Band. But "Abraxas Pool" is not locked in the past, this music is new & fresh and the production is top-notch. Just one listen to the new version of "Jingo" will prove that to your ears.Except for a short tour of the west coast and this stunning CD, Abraxas Pool is no more. Pick this up whilst it is still available.FIVE STARS !!!

I'm glad I bought this C.D. again. This C.D. is so good, someone borrowed it and never returned it. If AMAZON doesn't have it, nobody does. I'm a musician and I teach Conga.

This past release from Abraxas Pool is one of those albums that you can't explain why it wasnt a smash. The former members of Santana's first group from the first three albums got together and recorded this truly amazing release. Their playing is exceptional,the production is outstanding and the tracks sizzle. At times it sounds like the great lost Santana album with this band we never got to hear. And they are all here with the exception of bassist Dave Brown who had passed away. Neal Schon absolutely shines here as well as Greg Rollie tearing it up on guitar and B-3 organ and keyboards respectively. Percussionists Jose"Chepito" Areas and Mike Carabello sound awesome in their execution. There are some truly great songs here played with a lot of gusto and conviction. This release is hard to get but worth every effort. It just rocks!!

I just found this album this week on-line (had never heard of it before, but got a referral while I was searching for a Michael Shrieve album). Oddly enough, I also acquired the new Santana album, Guitar Heaven, which I reviewed with 2 stars. Getting both albums in the same week was certainly eye-opening. This CD is 13 years old and still sounds fresh despite its leaning toward the "original" Santana sound (not surprising at all since 5 out of 6 of these guys were part of the original band - whose sound is this anyway?). This makes the new Santana album of covers sound even worse by comparison. Do yourself a favor - if you've never heard of this or put off picking it up, buy it now (although I recommend you find a reasonably priced used copy - the non-Amazon "mew" prices are exorbitant)!

This album supersedes everything I expected and more. I heard rumors about this group of former Santana members and found it here. The musicianship and quality of production and arrangement is beyond the level of my favorite early Santana albums. Their release of JINGO had me floored, of my thousands of LPs and CDs this has to be in my top 20. A must find if you can get it for musicianship alone!

Love the cd.

Neil Schon does all the guitar work.3/4 of the CD sounds like the old Santana.Very well done.The other 3 songs are Greg Rollie trying to get a pop hit.He doesn't quite make it.Although Going home is a cool rock song.

One of those "perfect" little albums that the world didn't notice. Actually "little" is not true - this is a full blown classic group of songs by musicians that know how to create excitement. I makes me sick that this group didn't keep going for another dozen albums. Maybe if we are real lucky, now that Santana IV has run it's course, these guys will get back together and do a ABRAXAS POOL II.

excellent

Don't miss it if you love Santana, Journey, Neil Schon OR Gregg Rolie! Don't miss it if you like good music, period!

1997年にリリースされた幻のサンタナ作品と言って良いのでは？僕はサンタナでは３rdが一番好きで17歳の餓鬼んちょニール・ショーンを迎えてサンタナが弾きまくった大傑作作品だと確信している。これはその25年後サンタナを除いたオリジナルメンバーが集まってニール・ショーンを主役に作り上げた傑作だ。この時期のニール・ショーンは意欲的なソロを作っていた頃で実にサウンドも似ているが良い出来上がりになっているのに加え、本家オリジナルサンタナバンドの実力が存分に発揮されている。名作だが日本ではあっという間に廃盤。判っていないなぁ本当に。

Great CD ! Muscly I think this is the Best of the original Santana Band even with out Carlos

If you like early Santana you'll like this. It's a terrific album.