SANTANA - DANCE OF THE RAINBOW CD3 BOX USA

Guitarist Carlos Santana continues to record music, but when contemplating his body of work, it's difficult not to telescope to the "vintage" 1969-1975 period, from first albums Santana and Abraxas through to Lotus. Dance of the Rainbow Serpent offers a well-rounded, three-disc overview of his career, but its the sultry Latin rhythms and stinging guitar of the early years -- captured on disc one, subtitled Heart -- that prove most invigorating. The obvious hits like "Evil Ways" and "Black Magic Woman" are all included of course, although these are scorched by the speedy pyrotechnics of the likes of "Toussaint Overture" from Lotus. The second disc, mistitled Soul, covers material that is, to be kind, bland and overproduced. Without the Latin edge, there's nothing to distinguish the contents from a hundred other MOR performers. Third disc Spirit is more diverse and satisfying; delving into the funkier examples of his later work, plus sessions with John Lee Hooker (including hit "The Healer") and previously unreleased material (including a workout with Living Color's Vernon Reid). In all, plenty here to chew on for fans of Santana's fluid, spiritual style -- with one of three discs left to gather. Project Director - Adam Block Percussion - Airto Moreira Composer - Alan Pasqua Keyboards - Alan Pasqua Vocals - Alex Ligertwood Composer - Alexander Olshanetsky Guitar - Alfred C. Redwine Bass - Alphonso Johnson Bongos - Armando Peraza Conga - Armando Peraza Djembe - Babafunmi Ohene Log Drums - Babafunmi Ohene Ndoma Drums - Babatunde Olatunji Vocals - Babatunde Olatunji Photography - Baron Wolman Keyboards - Barry Beckett Bass - Benny Rietveld Liner Notes - Bill Graham Bass - Bobby Vega Keyboards - Booker T. Jones Composer - Brian Potter Project Coordinator - Bruce Kuhlman Guitar - Bruce Langhorne Composer - Carlos Santana Guitar - Carlos Santana Liner Notes - Carlos Santana Composer - Chaim Towber Keyboards - Chester Thompson Keyboards - Chris Rhyme Keyboards - Chris Rhyne Guitar - Chris Solberg Photography - Coni "Night Loon" Beeson Composer - D. Brown Bass - David Brown Composer - David Brown Bass - David Margen Composer - David Margen Digital Mastering - David Mitson Producer - David Mitson Composer - Dennis Lambert Photography - Diego Uchitel Composer - Don Raye Bass - Doug Rauch Composer - Doug Rauch Guitar - Doug Rauch Guitar - Douglas Rodrigues Djembe - Dundiata Keita Drums - Fran Christina Drums - Gaylord Birch Drums - Graham Lear Composer - Greg Walker Vocals - Greg Walker Composer - Gregg Rolie Keyboards - Gregg Rolie Vocals - Gregg Rolie Photography - Guido Harari Liner Notes - Hal Miller Design - Hooshik Graphic Design - Jeffrey Beck Photography - Jim Marshall Guitar - Jimmie Vaughan Composer - Joe Zack Keyboards - Joe Zawinul Performer - John Lee Hooker Vocals - John Lee Hooker Guitar - John McLaughlin Photography - Johnny Buzzerio Composer - José Chepitó Areas Timbales - José Chepitó Areas Vocals (Background) - Julia Waters Timbales - Karl Perazzo Bass - Keith Ferguson Photography - Ken Friedman Harmonica - Kim Wilson Performer - Larry Graham Vocals - Larry Graham Compilation Producer - Lawrence Cohn Drums - Leon "Ndugu" Chancler Keyboards - Leon Patillo Vocals - Leon Patillo Vocals - Leon Thomas Vocals (Background) - Linda Tillery Package Redesign - Lisa Sparagano Photography - Mark Brady Packaging Manager - Marni Elliott Art Direction - Mary Maurer Vocals (Background) - Maxine Willard Waters Artwork - Michael Rios Cover Art - Michael Rios Composer - Michael Shrieve Drums - Michael Shrieve Composer - Mike Carabello Conga - Mike Carabello Conga - Mingo Lewis Conga - Mino Cinelu Guitar - Neal Schon Vocals (Background) - Oren Waters Timbales - Orestes Vilató Bass - Pablo Tellez Timbales - Pete Escovedo Drums - Peter Erskine Musical Direction - Peter Fletcher Conga - Raul Rekow Keyboards - Richard Baker Keyboards - Richard Kermode Composer - Sonny Henry Keyboards - Sterling Crew Keyboards - Tom Coster Artwork - Tony Machado Cover Art - Tony Machado Horn - Tower of Power Horn Section - Tower of Power Guitar - Vernon Reid Performer - Vernon Reid Bass - Victor Bailey Drums - Walfredo Reyes Vocals (Background) - Waters Family Saxophone - Wayne Shorter