Carlos Santana: 'Elvin is the beat of life itself'

[al bupp]

A hippie at heart, Carlos Santana has long championed music as a potent force for creating positive vibrations that – as this veteran of the 1969 Woodstock festival puts it – "can change your molecular structure."

But the legendary rocker sounded uncharacteristically angry during a discussion about the recent death of one of his musical heroes, jazz drum icon Elvin Jones, who died May 18 of heart failure.

Santana, who will be honored in Los Angeles as the 2004 Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year on Aug. 30, is incensed that Jones' death elicited scant media coverage. He expressed his frustration during a recent interview from his San Rafael office.

"I'm really embarrassed for this nation, and for MTV and VH1 and Rolling Stone, because it was a very racist thing not to acknowledge this most important musician when he passed," said Santana, whose 1999 album, "Supernatural," won nine Grammys and has sold more than 25 million copies.

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/features/20040530-9999-1a30varga.html

[DenverDem]

1. Carlos is brilliant, on stage and off.

One of my all time favorite live performers and spiritual humanitarians.

[al bupp]

2. Unlike Most Rock Stars, IMHO

From my very limited experience, he's an approachable, and down-to-earth person.

[AspenRose]

3. Music keeps you young, I'm a firm believer

Carlos Santana has long championed music as a potent force for creating positive vibrations that – as this veteran of the 1969 Woodstock festival puts it – "can change your molecular structure."


I've yet to meet an "old" musician. Sure, they may be a particular chronological age...but they are youthful in spirit.

Carlos, :yourock:

[gottaB]

4. If you dig Elvin's work with the Coltrane Quartet

Check out his dates as leader. Elvin Jones, 1927 - 2004, recordings as leader. I'm partial to the Blue Note recordings, which have been released in a box set.





Elvin Jones, a good tribute at Drummerworld.



Elvin Jones Changed Jazz Forever

[al bupp]

5. Thanks for the Tip, GottaB

After reading Carlos' remarks, I went home and put on my Love Supreme CD. He's right, the intro is heavenly.