Live At The 1988 Montreux Jazz Festival

Carlos Santana & Wayne Shorter

Carlos Santana and Wayne Shorter are giants in their respective musical fields. But together, they take things to an entirely different level. The Live At The 1988 Montreux Jazz Festival DVD beautifully captures these two musicians serving up slices of two different pies all on one stage. The concert was recorded on July 14, 1988, a year before Santana asked Shorter if he could start a rumor that they were touring together. And lo and behold, the rumor became true.

The highlight is the spectacular rhythm section backing Santana and Shorter. Drummer Leon “Ndugu” Chanceler, bassist Alphonso Johnson, and the stellar conga and timbale work of longtime Santana alumni Armado Peraza and Jose Chepito Areas really hooked me. The viewer gets a sense of what might have been if this incarnation had continued on after the tour. Keyboardists Patrice Rushen and Chester Thompson round out the cast. Thompson, Chanceler and Johnson were all, at one time, members with Shorter in Weather Report.

Shorter’s intuitive jazz genius is evident in “Sanctuary,” which originally appeared on Miles Davis’ Bitches Brew. Shorter balances his solos evenly with the band, slowing the tempo for “Shhh” and producing an elegant ease that flows over the Swiss festival. Of course, Santana is one of most expressive guitarists of all time. His signature sound hasn’t changed much since Woodstock; he can still inspire the listener to feel what he’s feeling with each one of his sustained notes. I would have liked more “comping” with Shorter, but what can you do. At least, “Blues for Salvador” and “Europa” were standouts.

As a whole, a little more interaction between Shorter and Santana would have made the show more significant. Each musician seems to stay on his own side of the stage, and it sometimes distracts from the whole idea of the two pairing up. Extras on the DVD include interviews with Santana, expounding on how he and Shorter decided to tour. There are also additional interviews with Shorter and promoter Claude Nobs who relates his deep appreciation for both musicians. I would highly recommend this DVD to fans and musicians alike.

~ Alex Jacard

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