LEGENDARY GUITARIST CARLOS SANTANA ANNOUNCES HIS STAR-STUDDED NEW ALBUM, BLESSINGS AND MIRACLES, DUE OUT OCT. 15
First single Move, with Rob Thomas & American Authors, out Aug. 18. Other guests include Chris Stapleton, G-Eazy, Steve Winwood and more
Bm Digital LOS ANGELES, CA (August 18, 2021) Multi-Grammy Award-winning Rock and Roll Hall of Fame guitarist Carlos Santana has announced today that his star-studded, masterful new album, Blessings and Miracles, will be released worldwide via BMG on October 15. The records dazzling first single, Move, which sees the music legend and guitar icon reteamed with Matchbox 20 singer Rob Thomas, will be released to radio on August 18.
In addition to Move, Santanas collaboration Shes Fire with Diane Warren & G-Eazy will be available with select pre-orders.
Blessings and Miracles is one of the most ambitious, inspired and magical albums of Santanas storied career, on which the legendary guitarist aims higher than ever. The title of this album comes from my belief that were born with heavenly powers that allows us to create blessings and miracles, Santana says. The world programs you to be unworthy of those gifts, but we have to utilize light, spirit and soul theyre indestructible and immutable. Those are the three main elements on this album.
In addition to Rob Thomas, Blessings and Miracles sees Santana collaborating with a diverse host of brilliant artists, writers and producers including Chris Stapleton, G-Eazy, Diane Warren, Steve Winwood, Chick Corea, Rick Rubin, Corey Glover, Kirk Hammett, Ally Brooke, American Authors and Narada Michael Walden, among others, on genre-bending, hook-filled knockout musical celebrations.
The record also features bravura performances from members of Santanas touring band (including drummer Cindy Blackman Santana and singer Tommy Anthony), as well as impeccable vocals and keyboards by the guitarists son, Salvador Santana, and stunning lead vocals by daughter, Stella Santana.
Expectations understandably run high with pairing Carlos Santana and Rob Thomas, whose 1999 multiple Grammy-winning smash Smooth became a worldwide staple and the two performers have turned in a new classic. Move is a grinding, grooving and breathtaking mix of pop and Latin rock with sure-fire hooks for days. Thomas, backed by the vocal talents of American Authors, is dynamic and sensual, and Santana matches his supreme performance with solos that explode with tectonic force.
Move came about very much like how Smooth happened, Santana recalls. It was like divine intelligence behind the scenes, and I just knew I had to record it with Rob. The song is about awakening your molecules. Ignite and activate yourself you know, move. When Rob and I work together, we have a sound thats splendiferous.
The albums second single, Shes Fire, is a hypnotically soulful ballad that works its way into your body chemistry and stays there. Its one of two cuts written by mega-award-winning, chart-topping composer Diane Warren, and it sees Santana wrapping his exquisite guitar melodies around an enticing narrative spun by the rapper G-Eazy. Im so honored that Diane reached out to me and sent me her songs, says Santana. Regarding G-Eazy, the guitarist is no less effusive. Hes so talented. Im thrilled at how we both sound on this song, he says. It reminds me of when Bill Graham once told me: Your music is spiritual and sensual. Thats who you are. And thats the message of Shes Fire.
Santana spent much of the past two years recording Blessings and Miracles, serving as producer and collaborating with other record makers. Recording during Covid created a challenge only in that some musicians were separated geographically, beamed into sessions via technology; inspiration, however, was never in short supply. Its amazing how we can record together these days without being in the same studio, Santana notes. I just close my eyes and Im in the same room with whomever Im playing with, even if theyre somewhere far away. We share frequencies together.
As for the stellar talents that appear alongside him on Blessings and Miracles, Santana admits that hes sometimes surprised at how they magically enter his life. I dont choose people its like Im chosen, he says. But, of course, Im honored to work with such incredible artists. Im a surfer riding those waves that become songs by different artists, creators and architects. Im very fortunate that I have the opportunity to do that. Its a gift I dont take for granted.
Ahead of the release of Blessings and Miracles, Santana and his band will mark their long-awaited return to the concert stage after 18 months off. On August 25, Santana will resume their multi-year residency at the House of Blues at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas (shows run from August 25 thru September. 4, with additional dates from November 3 thru December 11).
Santanas Blessings and Miracles tour begins on September 11 at the Borgata Spa & Resort in Atlantic City, NJ, and will make stops in Richmond, VA, Orlando, Augusta, Tulsa, and more before it concludes on October 2 at the Choctaw Grand Theater in Durant, OK.