SANTANA - ABRAXAS 12" LP Vinyl Album

Original USA Release in Gatefold Cover, incl Large Poster

  Abraxas is the second studio album by the Latin influenced rock band Santana. Consolidating their highly acclaimed live performance at the Woodstock Festival in August of 1969, and the interest generated by their first album, Santana (released in May 1969), the band took some time to issue a follow-up. Released in September, 1970, the album's mix of rock, blues, jazz, salsa and other influences made it a classic that defined Santana's early sound, and showed a musical maturation from their first album. This web-page has hi-res photos of the album covers, record label and a detailed description.

 

High Resolution Photos of santana abraxas usa

"Abraxas" Album Description:

In the vibrant tapestry of the early 1970s music scene, one album emerged as a masterpiece that transcended musical boundaries and etched its mark on the sands of time. Santana's "Abraxas," released in the USA in 1970, stands as a testament to the fusion of Latin rhythms, psychedelic rock, and masterful instrumentation, encapsulating the spirit of its era.

Produced by the dynamic duo of Fred Catero and the iconic Carlos Santana himself, "Abraxas" was more than just a collection of songs; it was a sonic journey that pushed the boundaries of conventional musical genres. Recorded at the Wally Heider Recording Studio in San Francisco from April 17 to May 2, 1970, the album captures the raw energy and improvisational spirit that defined the music of that time.

The sound engineering prowess behind the album was helmed by Dave Brown and John Fiore, ensuring that each note resonated with clarity and precision. The result was an auditory experience that not only pleased the ears but also ignited the soul.

The visual allure of "Abraxas" is equally captivating, thanks to the artistic vision of Bob Venosa, the mind behind the album cover design. The cover, presented in a gatefold format, draws the listener into a world of mystical symbolism and intricate details. The inclusion of a large poster further adds to the album's collectible charm.

Photography played a crucial role in capturing the essence of the musicians and their art. Marian Schmidt and Joan Chase, through their lens, provided a visual narrative that complemented the music within. The album cover photography is a visual feast, echoing the cultural and artistic vibes of the era.

Released in the tumultuous yet culturally rich year of 1970, "Abraxas" made an indelible impact on the music landscape. It served as a bridge between the free-spirited 1960s and the evolving sounds of the new decade. The tracks, including iconic pieces like "Black Magic Woman" and "Oye Como Va," showcased Santana's ability to weave Latin influences seamlessly into the fabric of rock and blues.

As the world grappled with social and political changes, "Abraxas" became a soundtrack for those seeking solace and inspiration. The album's success was not only measured by its chart performance but also by its enduring influence on subsequent generations of musicians.

Music Genre:

Latin Rock Fusion 

Album Production Information:

The album: "SANTANA - Abraxas + large poster original USA" was produced by: Fred Catero, Carlos Santana

Sound/Recording Engineer(s): Dave Brown, John Fiore

This album was recorded at: 17 April – 2 May 1970 at Wally Heider Recording Studio, San Francisco

Album cover design: Bob Venosa

Album cover photography: Marian Schmidt , Joan Chase

Record Label Information:

Columbia KC 30130

Album Packaging:

Gatefold (FOC) cover design with artwork / photos on the inside cover pages

Media Format:

12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 320 gram  

Year & Country:

1970 Made in USA
Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: SANTANA - Abraxas + large poster original USA
    Band-members, Musicians and Performers
  • Michael Shrieve Drums
  • José Chepitó Areas Percussion, Conga, Timbales
  • Gregg Rolie Keyboards, Vocals
  • David Brown Bass, Guitar (Bass), Engineer
  • Mike Carabello Percussion, Conga
  • Fred Catero Producer
  • John Fiore Engineer
  • Alberto Gianquinto Piano
  • Mati Klarwein Illustrations
  • Rico Reyes Percussion
  • Carlos Santana Guitar, Vocals, Producer
Complete Track-listing of the album "SANTANA - Abraxas + large poster original USA"

The detailed tracklist of this record "SANTANA - Abraxas + large poster original USA" is:

    Side One:
  1. Singing Winds, Crying Beasts
  2. Black Magic Wonab / Gypsy Queen
  3. Oye Como Va
  4. Incident at Neshabur
    Side Two:
  1. Se a Cabo
  2. Mother's Daughter
  3. Samba Pa Ti
  4. Hope You're Feeling Better
  5. El Nicoya
High Quality Photo of Album Front Cover  "SANTANA - Abraxas + large poster original USA"
High Resolution Photos of santana abraxas usa
Large poster included with this album
High Resolution Photos of santana abraxas usa  
Album Back Cover  Photo of "SANTANA - Abraxas + large poster original USA"
High Resolution Photos of santana abraxas usa  
Inner Sleeve   of "SANTANA - Abraxas + large poster original USA" Album
High Resolution Photos of santana abraxas usa  
Photo of "SANTANA - Abraxas + large poster original USA" Album's Inner Sleeve  
High Resolution Photos of santana abraxas usa  
Close-up Photo of "SANTANA - Abraxas + large poster original USA" Record Label 
High Resolution Photos of santana abraxas usa  

 Note: The photos on this page are of the actual album. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone ).

Santana: Pushing Boundaries and Defining a Sound in the Iconic Rock Era of the 70s and 80s

SANTANA Band Description:

Santana during the 70s and 80s was a seminal period for the band, with numerous releases and live performances cementing their reputation as one of the most innovative and influential rock groups of the era. In this web-page, we will explore some of the highlights of Santana's career during this period, and examine how they established a unique and enduring musical legacy.

Santana first rose to prominence in the late 1960s with their self-titled debut album, which blended rock, blues, and Latin influences into a distinctive sound. However, it was during the 70s and 80s that they truly came into their own, exploring new directions and incorporating an ever-wider range of musical styles.

One of the most significant albums of this period was 1970's "Abraxas", which spawned the hit singles "Black Magic Woman" and "Oye Como Va". This album was a perfect showcase for the band's eclectic approach, with tracks that ranged from Latin-tinged rock to jazz fusion to psychedelic blues. The album also featured some of Carlos Santana's most inventive guitar playing, incorporating a range of effects and techniques to create a unique and deeply expressive sound.

Santana's live performances during this era were also legendary, with the band's high-energy shows earning them a devoted following. One of their most memorable concerts took place at Woodstock in 1969, where they delivered a fiery set that helped to establish their reputation as one of the most dynamic and exciting live acts of the time. Over the years, the band would continue to tour extensively, playing to packed houses around the world and inspiring countless musicians with their electrifying stage presence.

In 1971, Santana released "Santana III", another landmark album that featured the hit single "Everybody's Everything". This album saw the band continuing to push boundaries and experiment with new sounds, incorporating elements of funk, jazz, and even classical music into their already diverse style. Once again, Carlos Santana's guitar work was a highlight, with his emotive playing adding a sense of urgency and passion to the band's already intense sound.

During the late 70s and early 80s, Santana's sound continued to evolve, with the band exploring new genres and collaborating with a range of different artists. In 1976, they released "Amigos", which included the hit single "Europa (Earth's Cry Heaven's Smile)". This album showcased the band's ability to blend rock and jazz influences, creating a sophisticated and melodic sound that was both powerful and accessible.

In the 80s, Santana continued to experiment with different styles, releasing albums that incorporated elements of pop, R&B, and even electronic music. 1981's "Zebop!" featured the hit single 


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