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The Universal Tone: Bringing My Story to Light
The intimate and long-awaited memoir of guitar legend Carlos Santana
In the realm of guitar gods, Santana stands alone for what's come to be called his "universal tone"-both the fact that you can recognize a Santana song from just one note and the fact that Santana is well known to believe music and soul are interconnected. In the category of major rock memoirs yet undone, this is at the top-a big autobiography by one of the most mysterious and influential musicians of the last 50 years. From growing up dirt poor in Mexico and suffering abuse to becoming a lowly dishwasher in the US with a hot guitar hand, to a person whom you might almost think is perpetually in a state of nirvana or at least bliss, this is the story of a fascinating man who brings the ideal combination of storytelling gold and a major marketing machine. This is one of the most sensory (and sensual) major rock bios you'll ever read. His voice comes through, it's deeply honest and frank, and from imagining the wisps of smoke from a long gone Miles Davis before Carlos's shows to describing the depths of his connection to sound, Santana brings a remarkable book to his huge following this fall.
In the realm of guitar gods, Santana stands alone for what's come to be called his "universal tone"-both the fact that you can recognize a Santana song from just one note and the fact that Santana is well known to believe music and soul are interconnected. In the category of major rock memoirs yet undone, this is at the top-a big autobiography by one of the most mysterious and influential musicians of the last 50 years. From growing up dirt poor in Mexico and suffering abuse to becoming a lowly dishwasher in the US with a hot guitar hand, to a person whom you might almost think is perpetually in a state of nirvana or at least bliss, this is the story of a fascinating man who brings the ideal combination of storytelling gold and a major marketing machine. This is one of the most sensory (and sensual) major rock bios you'll ever read. His voice comes through, it's deeply honest and frank, and from imagining the wisps of smoke from a long gone Miles Davis before Carlos's shows to describing the depths of his connection to sound, Santana brings a remarkable book to his huge following this fall.
544 pages, Hardcover
First published November 4, 2014
170 people are currently reading
989 people want to read
About the author
Carlos Santana
86 books37 followersCarlos Augusto Alves Santana is a Grammy Award-winning Mexican Latin rock musician and guitarist. He became famous in the late 1960s and early 1970s with his band, Santana, which created a highly successful blend of salsa, rock, blues, and jazz fusion. Their sound featured his melodic, blues based guitar lines set against Latin percussion such as timbales and congas. Santana continued to work in these forms over the following decades, and experienced a sudden resurgence of popularity and critical acclaim in the late 1990s. Rolling Stone also named Santana number 15 on their list of the 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time in 2003.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 157 reviews
November 9, 2021
The Universal Tone: My Life was an incredible memoir of one of my favorite performers dating back to the 1970s, guitar legend Carlos Santana. In fact it seems like his unique music and spectacular sounds have always been a part of my life - "Oye Como Va" and "Black Magic Woman." A few notes of Santana's music and people immediately recognize the sound. A favorite memory is a few years ago at The Cherry Creek Arts Festival known as a mecca for juried art work, gourmet food, and entertainment, taking place annually over the Fourth of July weekend. A local band in Denver known as Soul Sacrifice, a crowd favorite at the festival, playing the sounds of Santana was always a must. However, their tent was filled to capacity so we were sitting outside listening to their music when an entourage approached. We all quickly realized that we were looking at Carlos Santana as he remarked that he really liked that sound and proceeded down the aisle to a hushed crowd, then playing with the group for some time. Amazing music and a lot of thrilled fans.
This memoir was extremely well written and came from his heart as he embraced his life with its ups and downs and was gateful for his better angels. What becomes clear is that Carlos Santana is a deeply spiritual man and he values life and his family. All of that helped him to achieve a sense of balance in the drug-crazed music world. Santana rose to stardom when they were playing Woodstock, and were filmed for an HBO documentary playing the legendary music Soul Sacrifice. And then Santana's rise was meteoric. There is music history of some of the greatest artists we have known that have changed the music scene as Santana relates his relationship to the legendary Miles Davis, B.B. King, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Jimi Hendrix, John Coltrane and others. It was mesmerizing as Santana voices all of the influences from jazz to the blues to African music that he embraced over the years giving Santana its unique sound.
Santana described his childhood in Mexico and the hardscrabble existence of his family in a small village in Jalisco, later moving to Tijuana, and at age 15 his family all immigrating to San Francisco. His father was a musician as was his grandfather. Carlos Santana was always proud of his heritage of being a Yaqui Indian like his father. One of the beautiful threads throughout this book is when Carlos embraces his past and his family coming to terms with his relationship with both his mother and father over the years.
And because of the title of his memoir, the theme of the universal tone comes up throughout this beautiful book. And one of my favorite quotes:
This memoir was extremely well written and came from his heart as he embraced his life with its ups and downs and was gateful for his better angels. What becomes clear is that Carlos Santana is a deeply spiritual man and he values life and his family. All of that helped him to achieve a sense of balance in the drug-crazed music world. Santana rose to stardom when they were playing Woodstock, and were filmed for an HBO documentary playing the legendary music Soul Sacrifice. And then Santana's rise was meteoric. There is music history of some of the greatest artists we have known that have changed the music scene as Santana relates his relationship to the legendary Miles Davis, B.B. King, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Jimi Hendrix, John Coltrane and others. It was mesmerizing as Santana voices all of the influences from jazz to the blues to African music that he embraced over the years giving Santana its unique sound.
Santana described his childhood in Mexico and the hardscrabble existence of his family in a small village in Jalisco, later moving to Tijuana, and at age 15 his family all immigrating to San Francisco. His father was a musician as was his grandfather. Carlos Santana was always proud of his heritage of being a Yaqui Indian like his father. One of the beautiful threads throughout this book is when Carlos embraces his past and his family coming to terms with his relationship with both his mother and father over the years.
And because of the title of his memoir, the theme of the universal tone comes up throughout this beautiful book. And one of my favorite quotes:
"Universal Tone means that there is one note that can connect alpha and omega, that can connect heaven and flesh. There's one note that you can play at any time, in any place, that can make you communicate to all hearts at the same time."
December 22, 2025
Santana.
I just hear his name and I feel like I am back in high school.
Oye Como Va. Black Magic Woman. Evil Ways.
They were all over the radio back then, and even though I morphed into country music by the time I graduated in 1976, I still loved that distinctive Santana sound.
I love it to this day, and this book explains how he developed his style, where his influences came from, and also shares his life story. From a little pueblo in the state of Jalisco Mexico to Tijuana in Baja California Mexico to the USA, he only wanted to play his music, to create the sound he felt in his soul.
The book is awesome, but there is a lot of name dropping going on, both of musicians and of songs. This is not a bad thing, because you get to hear the music that touched Santana enough for him to incorporate into his sound, and you get to know his heroes. But it is tricky to stop reading every page or so and go look up this or that person or song.
So I started a little notebook of everyone he mentions, the songs he points out and what I am supposed to listen for in each one. I will have a nice little side project here for a few weeks, but I am looking forward to becoming a bit more educated about blues and jazz, neither of which I have ever truly listened to.
Santana's love and respect for Music itself comes through on every page, but besides that he discusses his own spiritual journey, which shows his love and respect for himself and the world. He shared many opinions about society, about trying to be a better person, about the state of the world these days compared to what we of a certain age wanted it to be, thought it could be, still believe it should be.
I could go crazy quoting from the book, but I'll do something a little different instead. On page 85 he talks about the difference between jazz and the blues. On page 220 he has a lovely paragraph about true hippies and how people need to think for themselves. Page 327 where his father-in-law asks Santana if he believed in the Universal Tone, one note that can connect heaven and flesh.
This paragraph I have to quote. From page 453.
"To this day I detest anyone who tries to indoctrinate others into hating people because they are different and trying to get ahead and uplift themselves. I detest it as much as I did when some Mexicans were trying to get me to hate gringos. That's what they tried to tell me in Tijuana, and I didn't buy into that lie, either. We're all people. The other stuff ~~ like flags, borders, third world, first world ~~ that's all illusion. I like the idea of one global family under a single flag: a sun and a silhouette of a woman, a man, a little girl and a little boy. All this other stuff keeps us stuck in the same place we were ten thousand years ago. Neanderthals fighting over some damn hill."
With his music, Santana has tried to bring this vision closer. Rock on, man.
This is an intelligent, thoughtful and thought-provoking book. I am looking forward to my music study and want to say thank you to Carlos Santana for sharing so much of himself for all of these years. You are my hero. Peace and love, brother.
I just hear his name and I feel like I am back in high school.
Oye Como Va. Black Magic Woman. Evil Ways.
They were all over the radio back then, and even though I morphed into country music by the time I graduated in 1976, I still loved that distinctive Santana sound.
I love it to this day, and this book explains how he developed his style, where his influences came from, and also shares his life story. From a little pueblo in the state of Jalisco Mexico to Tijuana in Baja California Mexico to the USA, he only wanted to play his music, to create the sound he felt in his soul.
The book is awesome, but there is a lot of name dropping going on, both of musicians and of songs. This is not a bad thing, because you get to hear the music that touched Santana enough for him to incorporate into his sound, and you get to know his heroes. But it is tricky to stop reading every page or so and go look up this or that person or song.
So I started a little notebook of everyone he mentions, the songs he points out and what I am supposed to listen for in each one. I will have a nice little side project here for a few weeks, but I am looking forward to becoming a bit more educated about blues and jazz, neither of which I have ever truly listened to.
Santana's love and respect for Music itself comes through on every page, but besides that he discusses his own spiritual journey, which shows his love and respect for himself and the world. He shared many opinions about society, about trying to be a better person, about the state of the world these days compared to what we of a certain age wanted it to be, thought it could be, still believe it should be.
I could go crazy quoting from the book, but I'll do something a little different instead. On page 85 he talks about the difference between jazz and the blues. On page 220 he has a lovely paragraph about true hippies and how people need to think for themselves. Page 327 where his father-in-law asks Santana if he believed in the Universal Tone, one note that can connect heaven and flesh.
This paragraph I have to quote. From page 453.
"To this day I detest anyone who tries to indoctrinate others into hating people because they are different and trying to get ahead and uplift themselves. I detest it as much as I did when some Mexicans were trying to get me to hate gringos. That's what they tried to tell me in Tijuana, and I didn't buy into that lie, either. We're all people. The other stuff ~~ like flags, borders, third world, first world ~~ that's all illusion. I like the idea of one global family under a single flag: a sun and a silhouette of a woman, a man, a little girl and a little boy. All this other stuff keeps us stuck in the same place we were ten thousand years ago. Neanderthals fighting over some damn hill."
With his music, Santana has tried to bring this vision closer. Rock on, man.
This is an intelligent, thoughtful and thought-provoking book. I am looking forward to my music study and want to say thank you to Carlos Santana for sharing so much of himself for all of these years. You are my hero. Peace and love, brother.
November 15, 2014
A story of my times and music. It was interesting to see how is spirituality developed at a young age and kept him from " ODing on myself" to become the artist and humanitarian he is today. Long book and enjoyable as I knew the "characters" but had to skim some.
April 28, 2015
I’ve always enjoyed a wide variety of music. It was Santana’s mature black and white photo on the book cover that drew me in to comprehend his life story.
Born on July 20, 1947 Carlos Santana’s roots came from the Mexican ghettos of Autlan and from age 8 to 15 in Tijuana residing in a partially constructed home that was void of windowpanes and doors. His father, a carousing musician (violinist) with a very loyal following in the surrounding Mexican communities, provided for the family by playing in clubs and for tourists but in the process he was often absent from home. Santana acquired his gift of music and street savvy air of confidence from his father. His mother was very influential trying her best to keep him on a straight path and close to the Catholic Church. As a youth he played mariachi music attired in fine clothing to both learn music and gather pocket money. From there he expanded his music by filling vacancies with an adult group playing background tunes in popular strip club.
In the early 1960’s at age 15 his family immigrated to America for freedom and opportunity settling in San Francisco. Santana would be held back in school to get a better grasp of the English language. The 60’s music era topped the charts with the British Invasion led by the Beatles and Rolling Stones, Motown from Detroit and the Beach Boys in California. It was not uncommon for Santana to take a high school date to a dance and become frozen on the dance floor focused upon a guitarist’s melody. Upon receiving his first electric guitar Santana acquired a thirst for blues music. Guitarists B.B. King, Miles Davis, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Jimi Hendrix, John Lee Hooker and many others caught his attention. He strove to perfect his own creative technique as the best always have their own style.
Similar to other artists Santana shunned mainstream society. San Francisco was pioneering a hippie cultural revolution in the Haight-Ashbury section a few blocks from his home. Santana was comfortable with who he was. He was no saint but rather a rebel immersed in music and now experimenting with a variety of drugs. His personal psychedelic perception was that a hippie: “… was a rainbow warrior, a reincarnated American Indian. You know who was the original hippie? Jesus – the ultimate multidimensional, multicolor, nothing but love hippie.”
At age 19 he graduated from Mission High with the class of 1967. The Grateful Dead, Jefferson Airplane and other local groups were getting their start playing in the city at the Fillmore. One month after graduation Santana’s group, initially called the Santana Blues Band, received their big stage baptism at the Fillmore as the opening act for the Who. They would meet again two summers later when the band simply called Santana would play alongside the Who at Woodstock.
Santana did not gravitate to the antiwar protest movements as he shunned the politics of both republicans and democrats. During high school his three month hospitalization for tuberculosis officially kept him from service in Vietnam. He simply wished to live life carving music. “Black Magic Woman” is one popular hit but Santana favored songs without lyrics such as “Soul Sacrifice” and “Samba Pi Ti”.
By 1972 Santana was in love with his future wife Deborah. Enriched with discipline he gave up experimenting with drugs and entered into spiritual experimentation with the meditation of Sri Chinmoy. After 34 years the relationship with his first wife fell apart and he was forced to reassess the top priorities in his life; family and religion. A second marriage begins another circle of opportunity.
Through his autobiography Santana offers a glimpse as to what is was like to walk in his shoes as a minority rising out of a ghetto. We live in an imperfect world. Santana rightly points out the ills of society that impacted him and he openly mentions “angles” that helped guide him through difficult situations. Today Santana continues on the cutting edge to perfect his “The Universal Tone” with music flowing through his body. Artists known for singing lose their vocal range as year’s progress however Santana’s guitar sound has aged like fine wine. I’m not surprised that some of his views do not align with mine, as I wish he were a bit more patriotic, but that’s the makeup of society. Most of all I appreciate that he is humble and strives to both give back to society and become a better human being each day.
I graduated high school three years after Santana and as member of the senior prom committee we looked to book a first class band to play at Castle Hill on the seaside Crane Estate, which we rented for the evening. The final choice was between Big D and the Marcels a popular greater Boston stylish dance band, or the local up and coming J. Giles Blues Band with original music, later known as the J. Giles Band. Two great sounds but for the prom, with chandeliers sparkling and outside torches lit, we picked Big D over blues music to dance the night away.
Born on July 20, 1947 Carlos Santana’s roots came from the Mexican ghettos of Autlan and from age 8 to 15 in Tijuana residing in a partially constructed home that was void of windowpanes and doors. His father, a carousing musician (violinist) with a very loyal following in the surrounding Mexican communities, provided for the family by playing in clubs and for tourists but in the process he was often absent from home. Santana acquired his gift of music and street savvy air of confidence from his father. His mother was very influential trying her best to keep him on a straight path and close to the Catholic Church. As a youth he played mariachi music attired in fine clothing to both learn music and gather pocket money. From there he expanded his music by filling vacancies with an adult group playing background tunes in popular strip club.
In the early 1960’s at age 15 his family immigrated to America for freedom and opportunity settling in San Francisco. Santana would be held back in school to get a better grasp of the English language. The 60’s music era topped the charts with the British Invasion led by the Beatles and Rolling Stones, Motown from Detroit and the Beach Boys in California. It was not uncommon for Santana to take a high school date to a dance and become frozen on the dance floor focused upon a guitarist’s melody. Upon receiving his first electric guitar Santana acquired a thirst for blues music. Guitarists B.B. King, Miles Davis, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Jimi Hendrix, John Lee Hooker and many others caught his attention. He strove to perfect his own creative technique as the best always have their own style.
Similar to other artists Santana shunned mainstream society. San Francisco was pioneering a hippie cultural revolution in the Haight-Ashbury section a few blocks from his home. Santana was comfortable with who he was. He was no saint but rather a rebel immersed in music and now experimenting with a variety of drugs. His personal psychedelic perception was that a hippie: “… was a rainbow warrior, a reincarnated American Indian. You know who was the original hippie? Jesus – the ultimate multidimensional, multicolor, nothing but love hippie.”
At age 19 he graduated from Mission High with the class of 1967. The Grateful Dead, Jefferson Airplane and other local groups were getting their start playing in the city at the Fillmore. One month after graduation Santana’s group, initially called the Santana Blues Band, received their big stage baptism at the Fillmore as the opening act for the Who. They would meet again two summers later when the band simply called Santana would play alongside the Who at Woodstock.
Santana did not gravitate to the antiwar protest movements as he shunned the politics of both republicans and democrats. During high school his three month hospitalization for tuberculosis officially kept him from service in Vietnam. He simply wished to live life carving music. “Black Magic Woman” is one popular hit but Santana favored songs without lyrics such as “Soul Sacrifice” and “Samba Pi Ti”.
By 1972 Santana was in love with his future wife Deborah. Enriched with discipline he gave up experimenting with drugs and entered into spiritual experimentation with the meditation of Sri Chinmoy. After 34 years the relationship with his first wife fell apart and he was forced to reassess the top priorities in his life; family and religion. A second marriage begins another circle of opportunity.
Through his autobiography Santana offers a glimpse as to what is was like to walk in his shoes as a minority rising out of a ghetto. We live in an imperfect world. Santana rightly points out the ills of society that impacted him and he openly mentions “angles” that helped guide him through difficult situations. Today Santana continues on the cutting edge to perfect his “The Universal Tone” with music flowing through his body. Artists known for singing lose their vocal range as year’s progress however Santana’s guitar sound has aged like fine wine. I’m not surprised that some of his views do not align with mine, as I wish he were a bit more patriotic, but that’s the makeup of society. Most of all I appreciate that he is humble and strives to both give back to society and become a better human being each day.
I graduated high school three years after Santana and as member of the senior prom committee we looked to book a first class band to play at Castle Hill on the seaside Crane Estate, which we rented for the evening. The final choice was between Big D and the Marcels a popular greater Boston stylish dance band, or the local up and coming J. Giles Blues Band with original music, later known as the J. Giles Band. Two great sounds but for the prom, with chandeliers sparkling and outside torches lit, we picked Big D over blues music to dance the night away.
June 2, 2015
Tedious, self indulgent and way to much cosmic spiritual metaphysical bs. This book brings to light Carlos's penchant for creating music for other musicians and not enough for the music buying public.
January 5, 2015
This has not been my first rock-star autobiography by any means but it is by far my favorite. I will admit, there are several Santana albums I have not heard over the span of his career but I was more intrigued by the man, Carlos Santana, than I was by the band Santana.
A what a beautiful man Carlos Santana really is. A man who you can see from his earliest days to where he now is a spirit of genuineness and kindness. He has a real humble sense of humor as well and I found myself smiling and even laughing at some of his stories as he pokes fun at himself and laughs with his audience.
I admire men who recognize within themselves, that they have what is needed, already available to them for no cost, and further, for what no money can buy. Carlos is a very spiritual man, but not condescendingly so. He makes a difference by his gentleness, and has been a magnet to several other men and celebrities who recognize that he has something that they want, which is an inner peace that is so evident on the pages of his life.
He doesn't subscribe to any one religion but most would probably place him into New Age as he speaks about raising consciousness and awareness of the light within. He does delve into Christianity and some Eastern religions like Hinduism and Buddhism well, but never instructs one to subscribe to any but rather to keep of the path of enlightenment of community.
If you want juicy rock star stories of loud parties, romantic or unromantic interludes, copious amount of drug usage, then, well, Carlos Santana isn't your style. He does talk about drug usage a bit, but more often than not, the negativity of it and it's destruction to one's soul. There is virtually no sex in the book. I believe Carlos was completely faithful to his wife as it's not in his personality to be any sort of hedonist player.
His talks quite a bit about other major influences in his life such as Bill Graham, Miles Davis, and John Coltrane and you feel you get a mini-biopic on those individuals. If there is any criticism of the book, it would be that he can spend too much time going over musicians in his various bands which can be a bit too many names of unknown people. But then you realize, Santana is a man full of gratitude to so many, that he doesn't want to not include people who have been with him through his career, helping him, enjoying crafting music on his journey.
Overall, I read this book with many smiles as I turned the pages. Carlos is one of the good guys in the world. I also learned a lot more of his music and purchased a lot more of his music as he went through his own favorite albums. He is very indebted to his biggest album sales-wise, Supernatural, and speaks about it with gratitude. But you can tell, his own favorites in his career, by a round-about admission, is the period of Caranvanserai and Welcome. Not any albums with radio singles, but free flowing music that comes straight from the soul. Which, in reality, is really Carlos Santana. A free spirit.
A what a beautiful man Carlos Santana really is. A man who you can see from his earliest days to where he now is a spirit of genuineness and kindness. He has a real humble sense of humor as well and I found myself smiling and even laughing at some of his stories as he pokes fun at himself and laughs with his audience.
I admire men who recognize within themselves, that they have what is needed, already available to them for no cost, and further, for what no money can buy. Carlos is a very spiritual man, but not condescendingly so. He makes a difference by his gentleness, and has been a magnet to several other men and celebrities who recognize that he has something that they want, which is an inner peace that is so evident on the pages of his life.
He doesn't subscribe to any one religion but most would probably place him into New Age as he speaks about raising consciousness and awareness of the light within. He does delve into Christianity and some Eastern religions like Hinduism and Buddhism well, but never instructs one to subscribe to any but rather to keep of the path of enlightenment of community.
If you want juicy rock star stories of loud parties, romantic or unromantic interludes, copious amount of drug usage, then, well, Carlos Santana isn't your style. He does talk about drug usage a bit, but more often than not, the negativity of it and it's destruction to one's soul. There is virtually no sex in the book. I believe Carlos was completely faithful to his wife as it's not in his personality to be any sort of hedonist player.
His talks quite a bit about other major influences in his life such as Bill Graham, Miles Davis, and John Coltrane and you feel you get a mini-biopic on those individuals. If there is any criticism of the book, it would be that he can spend too much time going over musicians in his various bands which can be a bit too many names of unknown people. But then you realize, Santana is a man full of gratitude to so many, that he doesn't want to not include people who have been with him through his career, helping him, enjoying crafting music on his journey.
Overall, I read this book with many smiles as I turned the pages. Carlos is one of the good guys in the world. I also learned a lot more of his music and purchased a lot more of his music as he went through his own favorite albums. He is very indebted to his biggest album sales-wise, Supernatural, and speaks about it with gratitude. But you can tell, his own favorites in his career, by a round-about admission, is the period of Caranvanserai and Welcome. Not any albums with radio singles, but free flowing music that comes straight from the soul. Which, in reality, is really Carlos Santana. A free spirit.
April 10, 2019
Ending this memoir tonight was hard. It was like waving goodbye to a new friend at the airport, Carlos Santana. I had to stop myself on most pages to take in the wealth of musicians and influences that Carlos makes his own: John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Johnie Lee Hooker, Otis Rush, names I've only heard of, and songs that deepened my appreciation for Santana's well-earned nickname: "Carlos the Collaborator." I actually kept my mobile phone nearby so I could check out the musicians and songs that have influenced Santana for the past seventy years of his life. But this is hardly just a memoir of who's who in R&B, 60s rock, Jazz, Latin and African music. Santana sees himself in three distinct roles--the rock legend, business man, and philanthropist; the family man and devoted father of three; the spiritual seeker who meditates before each performance and carries with him wherever he goes: "A Course in Miracles." And awesome as those roles can be, Santana doesn't shy away from his own weaknesses, his drug-taking, the molestations he suffered in silence as a young teenager, the problems of balancing his rocketing career with family life. Keeping his ego in check with wisdom and humor, I feel with Santana that he's not just speaking to me in his book. He's looking me straight in the eyes when he says: "My philosophy is that being conscious means knowing that you are a creator. Yes, there's the supreme creator, but he gave you free will so that you can be the creator of the movie that is your life. Work with that creator--work with what you are given."
Santana's life is blessed. He knows it's blessed and with that awareness comes a mission that takes music to places that world-famous musicians don't usually talk about. "I love creating music that connects as many people as possible, not only to each other but also to their own divinity. My thing is to use what I have to try to open hearts and minds and to help people crystallize their own existence, reach a deeper awareness, and find their real purpose in life. That's it. That's the alpha and the omega." Whew, that's Carlos Santana. Not that it's always been easy. Born in Autlan, a small city in Mexico, where he grew up with a strong mother, many siblings, and a father, a professional violinist, who was away more than he was at home. "I remember the first time my father pulled me away from my brothers and sisters to show me something about music...It was as if I suddenly found out my father was a great wizard like Merlin, and now he was going to teach his son how to communicate with nature. Only this wasn't magic--it was music."
Beautiful gems and insights make this memoir a joy to read. This has been the best memoir I've read in a long time. Not because Santana is famous, but despite his fame, he comes across as a man who you could easily sit down with and talk about the meaning of life until the sun comes up.
Santana's life is blessed. He knows it's blessed and with that awareness comes a mission that takes music to places that world-famous musicians don't usually talk about. "I love creating music that connects as many people as possible, not only to each other but also to their own divinity. My thing is to use what I have to try to open hearts and minds and to help people crystallize their own existence, reach a deeper awareness, and find their real purpose in life. That's it. That's the alpha and the omega." Whew, that's Carlos Santana. Not that it's always been easy. Born in Autlan, a small city in Mexico, where he grew up with a strong mother, many siblings, and a father, a professional violinist, who was away more than he was at home. "I remember the first time my father pulled me away from my brothers and sisters to show me something about music...It was as if I suddenly found out my father was a great wizard like Merlin, and now he was going to teach his son how to communicate with nature. Only this wasn't magic--it was music."
Beautiful gems and insights make this memoir a joy to read. This has been the best memoir I've read in a long time. Not because Santana is famous, but despite his fame, he comes across as a man who you could easily sit down with and talk about the meaning of life until the sun comes up.
December 14, 2014
For fans only.
Pros:
- good behind-the-scenes stories about albums and performances that I have loved for a long time and still listen to.
- he conveys good ideas for being a musician and playing with others. For example, I enjoyed how he decided that, when he was playing with another big-name guitarist, that he would not compete but complement. That if the other person played fast, he would go slow, etc. He has a good attitude about music and many of these ideas are helpful and inspiring.
- I learned of many other musicians and albums that I wanted to check out, musicians that Santana listened too and who influenced him.
- it got me to go back to many old Santana albums and appreciate them anew.
Cons:
- goes on too long about his spirituality and political beliefs.
- he loves certain musicians and his family, which is nice, but then his writing about them often becomes hagiography.
I'm glad I read this, but I would not recommend to anyone who isn't connected to Santana already as a music fan. Many sections, I just skimmed through to get to the good stuff.
Pros:
- good behind-the-scenes stories about albums and performances that I have loved for a long time and still listen to.
- he conveys good ideas for being a musician and playing with others. For example, I enjoyed how he decided that, when he was playing with another big-name guitarist, that he would not compete but complement. That if the other person played fast, he would go slow, etc. He has a good attitude about music and many of these ideas are helpful and inspiring.
- I learned of many other musicians and albums that I wanted to check out, musicians that Santana listened too and who influenced him.
- it got me to go back to many old Santana albums and appreciate them anew.
Cons:
- goes on too long about his spirituality and political beliefs.
- he loves certain musicians and his family, which is nice, but then his writing about them often becomes hagiography.
I'm glad I read this, but I would not recommend to anyone who isn't connected to Santana already as a music fan. Many sections, I just skimmed through to get to the good stuff.
January 2, 2015
I listened to 9 of the 16 CD's (it's long) of this audio book and I just can't finish it. It seems so repetitive and I find myself snoozing through it. There's a lot of names that are mentioned and I only recognize a few. I still can't believe you were only 22 when you performed at Woodstock, I on the other hand was barely 2. This would probably make a great read for a fan who is more familiar with the 60's and the hippie movement of the time. I really am very sorry Mr. Santana, but I still love your music, and now I can't seem to get "Oye Como Va" out of my head.
November 22, 2014
I loved this book ... As a musician, it inspired me. As a human being, it inspired me. Sometimes in the weeds of words, Carlos presents a bloom of beauty to rest upon until the mind can process. Thank you.
April 22, 2023
Great book by one of my favorites musicians, Carlos Santana. So many surprises as he tells his life’s story. Such a strong connection to another one of my favorite musicians, Miles Davis. And his life in San Francisco! A bit overboard with the profanity, otherwise 5 stars
January 24, 2015
You know who was the original hippie? Jesus—the ultimate multidimensional, multicolor, nothing-but-love hippie. He never said, “It’s my way or the highway.”
How many people can claim that they were on first name basis with Miles Davis, Buddy Guy(though he used the surname of the author more often, Wayne Shorter and many such legends and yet be humble and down to earth. Even when he picks up a project of writing his autobiography. Very few can. Carlos Santana is one of them. He had proved this earlier with his words and music, and once again he proves that through THE UNIVERSAL TONE.
What is the best deal one can get from this book? The one which says that if you read this book, you will not only get to read about the life of Carlos, but also the reader will get a short and concise course on the life of Miles Davis, John Coltrane and Bill Graham. Carlos Santana almost speaks with a childlike joy when he starts on Miles and Coltrane. He gives away the vibe of an awestruck fan when he discusses their life, and their music. He speaks like a music addict high on his drug as he brings Buddy Guy, Otis Rush, Bola Sete, Gabor Szabo in his pages. He creates a book which not only talks about his life, his spirituality his vision but also gives the readers about his idols, his favourite “cats” as he calls them.
His friend Andre Agassi spoke about his addiction in his book aptly named OPEN. Carlos speaks about once hitting a woman, speaks about the infamous Woodstock based “Electric Snake” incident without any shame. He speaks about shunning cocaine and accepting marijuana. On how he felt the cool vibes coming from Rahsaan Roland Kirk and Wilson Pickett. Or how he still considers Frank Zappa a wonderful musician, even after the latter almost parodied Carlos in one of his song. He is open about his admiration for Guru Sri Chinmoy, his friendship mixed admiration for Armando Peraza, the man who urged him to take control of his eponymous band Santana. He speaks about his divorce from Deborah Santana, his devotion for Cindy Blackman. His admiration and anger towards his mom and dad.
This book could have been a five star if not for some minor glitches. One, he speaks almost nothing about Raul Rekow, the ultimate congero in the Santana family, or Orestes Vilato, the timbalero who along with Raul and Armando created the best rhythm section of that day. I did skip a few pages where he talks about Alice Coltrane. I never synced up to Turiya’s music, and never went through the pages with her in them. That took away a star. Even though this still will be a must have for a Santana fan.
How many people can claim that they were on first name basis with Miles Davis, Buddy Guy(though he used the surname of the author more often, Wayne Shorter and many such legends and yet be humble and down to earth. Even when he picks up a project of writing his autobiography. Very few can. Carlos Santana is one of them. He had proved this earlier with his words and music, and once again he proves that through THE UNIVERSAL TONE.
What is the best deal one can get from this book? The one which says that if you read this book, you will not only get to read about the life of Carlos, but also the reader will get a short and concise course on the life of Miles Davis, John Coltrane and Bill Graham. Carlos Santana almost speaks with a childlike joy when he starts on Miles and Coltrane. He gives away the vibe of an awestruck fan when he discusses their life, and their music. He speaks like a music addict high on his drug as he brings Buddy Guy, Otis Rush, Bola Sete, Gabor Szabo in his pages. He creates a book which not only talks about his life, his spirituality his vision but also gives the readers about his idols, his favourite “cats” as he calls them.
His friend Andre Agassi spoke about his addiction in his book aptly named OPEN. Carlos speaks about once hitting a woman, speaks about the infamous Woodstock based “Electric Snake” incident without any shame. He speaks about shunning cocaine and accepting marijuana. On how he felt the cool vibes coming from Rahsaan Roland Kirk and Wilson Pickett. Or how he still considers Frank Zappa a wonderful musician, even after the latter almost parodied Carlos in one of his song. He is open about his admiration for Guru Sri Chinmoy, his friendship mixed admiration for Armando Peraza, the man who urged him to take control of his eponymous band Santana. He speaks about his divorce from Deborah Santana, his devotion for Cindy Blackman. His admiration and anger towards his mom and dad.
This book could have been a five star if not for some minor glitches. One, he speaks almost nothing about Raul Rekow, the ultimate congero in the Santana family, or Orestes Vilato, the timbalero who along with Raul and Armando created the best rhythm section of that day. I did skip a few pages where he talks about Alice Coltrane. I never synced up to Turiya’s music, and never went through the pages with her in them. That took away a star. Even though this still will be a must have for a Santana fan.
July 1, 2022
Read first back in 2016 and just reread due to pending concert this August when I will finally see him live. From a cheated child hood spent working hard to help his family survive and a father always on the road touring with his music through the formative music day to being thrust in the world stage at Woodstock through to today as the elder statesman of the music industry.
A true rags to riches story for sure but as Carlos would say it was a spiritual journey to find his life meaning to manifest love, light and joy to the world. Santana is an amazing musician with his unbelievable tone that touches the soul. He has given many critical entries in the songbook of many our lives while living the life of a very beautiful soul.
A true rags to riches story for sure but as Carlos would say it was a spiritual journey to find his life meaning to manifest love, light and joy to the world. Santana is an amazing musician with his unbelievable tone that touches the soul. He has given many critical entries in the songbook of many our lives while living the life of a very beautiful soul.
January 3, 2015
I appreciate Carlos's ability to write an autobiography and not make it a nasty tell-=all. It's not surprising the book reads like a symphony. Having always been a fan of Carlos Santana, he came across as passionate, charming and spiritual in this book.
June 18, 2017
This book is kind of like finding out your favorite actor clubs baby seals for fun (and then doesn't even eat the meat - do baby seals HAVE meat?) You can never look at their artistic efforts the same way again. But that is a comparison to his religious foolery and values. (I'm sure Carlos would be the first to invest a million dollars in making a safe baby-seal habitat to preserve their god-consciousness and future potential as all animals are equal to humans. Except Chicken. Even religious nutters eat chicken. Although there's not a lot of baby seals in Las Vegas, where Santana lives...maybe that's why he's there - to avoid the temptation?)
Throughout the last 30 years I've tried to be a Santana fan. It almost happened around 1990 when Carlos recorded his Rockin' album "Spirit's Dancing In The Flesh". Still a good album - I listened to it the other day. But even then I knew spiritually this guy was a fruitloop and seriously confused by world religions and hippy propaganda. So indeed, all of that is splattered throughout this book.
The best part of this stroll through memory lane is hearing Carlos chat about the music legends he came to know. Although you'll never think of Miles Davis the same way again, lots of crazy bits about him. And to hear him chat about Buddy Guy and John Lee Hooker was worth the effort. OF course we get the gossip on the Woodstock Festival and the summer of love crap with the Grateful Dead and other NOW DEAD hippy musicians and ventures. Sorry everyone, love and peace (through music) was a myth and a lie - even the musicians just wanted fame and the spoils of war - endless drugs, alcohol and sex for the self-centered hippy cause. You'll see that perfectly played out on the written page.
Gladly, Carlos kept family a huge issue in this writing. (not that I fully trust rockstars to reveal the horrible truth) but Carlos made an effort to keep it all together - way better than most musicians. Sadly his Guru chasing wife eventually left him for? Something. Typical hippy ending there, hopefully Carlos has better luck the 2nd time. Just keep an eye on those Indian Guru's and spiritual insanities. Of course, maybe it was Carlos and his smoking habits (it really does give people horrible breath. I'd leave Carlos for just that reason. Sorry Buddy!) Maybe she just wanted a hamburger and a mint.
Like usual in Rockstar Biographies: Carlos mentions the actual craft of music and music gear minimally. He mentions an amp or two, and a few guitars he owns. But I wanted MORE. He's really more of a poetic guy than a nuts and bolts player it seems.
Reminds me: I just watched a concert (on Youtube) of Carlos doing a gig with Phil Lesh (from the Grateful Dead) and Warren Haynes (from Allman Brothers, and Gov't Mule). Poor Carlos was out of his element. He got some good licks in on occasion - like throwing Jello at a wall to see what might hopefully stick. But Carlos always has passion. And occasionally he has an amazing guitar tone.
As long as he doesn't go on babbling about this UNIVERSAL TONE nonsense.
Almost hate to tell him: His guitar noodling will NOT bring unity and enlightenment to the world. That's just silly left-over hippy crap. Sombody needs to show Carlos that all Bob Marley really did was give the stoners some music to smoke pot to, and to help them ignore their children and other priorities. But it's normal for a successful musician to BLOAT their self-importance and legacy. (This shouldn't take away from Carlos being known as a really nice guy though). But lets keep Miles Davis and Coltrane in their proper place: Audio Entertainment. And this is coming from somebody who REALLY loves music.
So, for anyone who cares, let's rip into Carlos and his religious understandings.
PLEASE, somebody get this guy to a comparative religions course at a local Bible College. For some ludicrous reason Carlos assumes you can mush all the religious leaders of the past together into one big happy divine Pizza.
I realize he gets this idiotic understanding from his Indian Guru spiritual fruitloops. Apparently all of them are too lazy to actually read "The Bible, The Quran, Buddhist literature, Hindu literature, religious history and the branches that fall off of it." But they all seem to find plenty of time for Deepak Chopra and books about God-consciousness and self-divinity. (See Deepak's: The Third Jesus) Basically everything Carlos preaches from the stage.
Sorry Carlos, but somebody needs to properly inform you that ALL religions are exclusive at their core. YES, next time you mention Jesus: please recall that Jesus said He was the ONLY WAY, and that you will be judged for your sins by HIS FATHER. It's heaven OR HELL.
Carlos doesn't like that idea at all. But the problem is Islam ALSO mentions hell, as does Buddhism. If you look - basically all religions proudly declare it's THEIR WAY or... Actually it's always THEIR way.
But Carlos is perfectly normal for a guy who gets advice from J.J. Hurtak: a metaphysical historian and multidimensional archaeologist. (pg. 469 - apparently this is serious stuff.)
Yes, Carlos has surrounded himself with people who are thought adjusters and enlightenment accelerators. You get what you pay for...and i'm curious how much money Santana has given them??? Nobody does this kind of con for free.
Which reminds me of Carlos and his New York Guru buddy "Sri Chinmoy". I read the book: Cartwheels in a Sari: A Memoir of Growing Up Cult by Jayanti Tamm. She mentions Carlos and the attention he received from the wannabe-musician enlightenment Guru leader. Basically Carlos got to break all the rules and still get divine treatment - anybody else in the cult would be disowned or banished if they did the same things Rockstars got away with. The Jesus of the Bible doesn't play that game - which is why Carlos really hates A God who actually has organized religion with standards and Cosmic justice.
But we can't totally blame humanity: Carlos shares with us his personal Angel Metatron. (an archangel of course - nobody would want just a normal angel to visit a celebrity musician. This is the part where you shake your head and just laugh).
But it's okay: Metatron is the celestial form of the Jewish Patriarch Enoch. So there. It all makes sense now. (pg. 469.)
So here's the problem:
Carlos keeps mentioning Biblical people and spirituality. But like all Cultish believers: The Bible means absolutely nothing to him. On page 454 He is proud of his daughter for mocking her Catholic school religious teachers by stating "You guys don't believe this stuff, do you?" when chatting about "Eve" coming from Adam's rib by the Creator of all life and existence. Carlos is a proud to boast "That's MY girl." Then Carlos goes on to insult the Catholic church in general.
AS a side note:
Eve being created from Adam's rib (by God) is not really that ludicrous. Actually systematically it makes sense. Not much harder than believing 7 billion people came from 2. I wonder how Carlos's daughter then deals with 2 people (1 female, 1 male) then shrunk back to 1 person? OR better yet: how 1 person with Consciousness and purpose came from a lifeless planet and non-caring Big Bang?
Now I get to say "You guys don't believe this stuff, do you?"
I'll just stick with the Biblical account while science endlessly flounders and mocks and readjusts based on peer consensus. YES, you must not upset the publishing Guru's.
I'm fine with him not appreciating the Catholic Biblical understanding. But then don't be a hypocrite and send your daughter to a Catholic school for education. And please quit mentioning Jesus like he's a buddy of yours who agrees with you about doctrine and theology. Biblical sources state that Carlos and Jesus are world's apart in their understandings of Divinity and Purpose. Carlos even boasts of His God-consciousness (He must be a Deepak Chopra follower).
(pg. 418) "Ask God to help your music connect with all hearts on this glorious planet and remind them of their own divinity."
But any 1st year Bible student should know that Jesus is the King of Kings, Lamb Slain For the Sins Of The World, Redeemer and Savior and Messiah, and very God of God. Carlos does not think he NEEDS a savior - he thinks we humans have goodness and light and can save ourselves. The Bible shows differently Mr. Santana. Please read it someday. Then you'll quickly realize that you and Jesus have NOTHING in common spiritually.
But then again, I do recall Satan saying in the garden: "For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil." Ummmh, it's best NOT to know evil. Or to assume you are divine or godly.
AS much as Santana claims to appreciate Gospel music - he has proven he has ZERO understanding of what the Biblical Gospel actually is. Sadly, many Gospel musicians seem to have this flaw - too busy being Rockstars and celebrities. I am thankful when they sing a Christmas song or two though.
I dug through my basement boxes and got out my Santana LOTUS cassettes I purchased over 20 years ago. It's a very interesting concert recorded in Japan in July 1973. Old school RAW Santana. Sadly, Santana's gods have failed and my cassettes are warped and won't play. Hmmm? A sign from the Cosmo's perhaps? I'll stick with Eric Clapton and Skynyrd.
Throughout the last 30 years I've tried to be a Santana fan. It almost happened around 1990 when Carlos recorded his Rockin' album "Spirit's Dancing In The Flesh". Still a good album - I listened to it the other day. But even then I knew spiritually this guy was a fruitloop and seriously confused by world religions and hippy propaganda. So indeed, all of that is splattered throughout this book.
The best part of this stroll through memory lane is hearing Carlos chat about the music legends he came to know. Although you'll never think of Miles Davis the same way again, lots of crazy bits about him. And to hear him chat about Buddy Guy and John Lee Hooker was worth the effort. OF course we get the gossip on the Woodstock Festival and the summer of love crap with the Grateful Dead and other NOW DEAD hippy musicians and ventures. Sorry everyone, love and peace (through music) was a myth and a lie - even the musicians just wanted fame and the spoils of war - endless drugs, alcohol and sex for the self-centered hippy cause. You'll see that perfectly played out on the written page.
Gladly, Carlos kept family a huge issue in this writing. (not that I fully trust rockstars to reveal the horrible truth) but Carlos made an effort to keep it all together - way better than most musicians. Sadly his Guru chasing wife eventually left him for? Something. Typical hippy ending there, hopefully Carlos has better luck the 2nd time. Just keep an eye on those Indian Guru's and spiritual insanities. Of course, maybe it was Carlos and his smoking habits (it really does give people horrible breath. I'd leave Carlos for just that reason. Sorry Buddy!) Maybe she just wanted a hamburger and a mint.
Like usual in Rockstar Biographies: Carlos mentions the actual craft of music and music gear minimally. He mentions an amp or two, and a few guitars he owns. But I wanted MORE. He's really more of a poetic guy than a nuts and bolts player it seems.
Reminds me: I just watched a concert (on Youtube) of Carlos doing a gig with Phil Lesh (from the Grateful Dead) and Warren Haynes (from Allman Brothers, and Gov't Mule). Poor Carlos was out of his element. He got some good licks in on occasion - like throwing Jello at a wall to see what might hopefully stick. But Carlos always has passion. And occasionally he has an amazing guitar tone.
As long as he doesn't go on babbling about this UNIVERSAL TONE nonsense.
Almost hate to tell him: His guitar noodling will NOT bring unity and enlightenment to the world. That's just silly left-over hippy crap. Sombody needs to show Carlos that all Bob Marley really did was give the stoners some music to smoke pot to, and to help them ignore their children and other priorities. But it's normal for a successful musician to BLOAT their self-importance and legacy. (This shouldn't take away from Carlos being known as a really nice guy though). But lets keep Miles Davis and Coltrane in their proper place: Audio Entertainment. And this is coming from somebody who REALLY loves music.
So, for anyone who cares, let's rip into Carlos and his religious understandings.
PLEASE, somebody get this guy to a comparative religions course at a local Bible College. For some ludicrous reason Carlos assumes you can mush all the religious leaders of the past together into one big happy divine Pizza.
I realize he gets this idiotic understanding from his Indian Guru spiritual fruitloops. Apparently all of them are too lazy to actually read "The Bible, The Quran, Buddhist literature, Hindu literature, religious history and the branches that fall off of it." But they all seem to find plenty of time for Deepak Chopra and books about God-consciousness and self-divinity. (See Deepak's: The Third Jesus) Basically everything Carlos preaches from the stage.
Sorry Carlos, but somebody needs to properly inform you that ALL religions are exclusive at their core. YES, next time you mention Jesus: please recall that Jesus said He was the ONLY WAY, and that you will be judged for your sins by HIS FATHER. It's heaven OR HELL.
Carlos doesn't like that idea at all. But the problem is Islam ALSO mentions hell, as does Buddhism. If you look - basically all religions proudly declare it's THEIR WAY or... Actually it's always THEIR way.
But Carlos is perfectly normal for a guy who gets advice from J.J. Hurtak: a metaphysical historian and multidimensional archaeologist. (pg. 469 - apparently this is serious stuff.)
Yes, Carlos has surrounded himself with people who are thought adjusters and enlightenment accelerators. You get what you pay for...and i'm curious how much money Santana has given them??? Nobody does this kind of con for free.
Which reminds me of Carlos and his New York Guru buddy "Sri Chinmoy". I read the book: Cartwheels in a Sari: A Memoir of Growing Up Cult by Jayanti Tamm. She mentions Carlos and the attention he received from the wannabe-musician enlightenment Guru leader. Basically Carlos got to break all the rules and still get divine treatment - anybody else in the cult would be disowned or banished if they did the same things Rockstars got away with. The Jesus of the Bible doesn't play that game - which is why Carlos really hates A God who actually has organized religion with standards and Cosmic justice.
But we can't totally blame humanity: Carlos shares with us his personal Angel Metatron. (an archangel of course - nobody would want just a normal angel to visit a celebrity musician. This is the part where you shake your head and just laugh).
But it's okay: Metatron is the celestial form of the Jewish Patriarch Enoch. So there. It all makes sense now. (pg. 469.)
So here's the problem:
Carlos keeps mentioning Biblical people and spirituality. But like all Cultish believers: The Bible means absolutely nothing to him. On page 454 He is proud of his daughter for mocking her Catholic school religious teachers by stating "You guys don't believe this stuff, do you?" when chatting about "Eve" coming from Adam's rib by the Creator of all life and existence. Carlos is a proud to boast "That's MY girl." Then Carlos goes on to insult the Catholic church in general.
AS a side note:
Eve being created from Adam's rib (by God) is not really that ludicrous. Actually systematically it makes sense. Not much harder than believing 7 billion people came from 2. I wonder how Carlos's daughter then deals with 2 people (1 female, 1 male) then shrunk back to 1 person? OR better yet: how 1 person with Consciousness and purpose came from a lifeless planet and non-caring Big Bang?
Now I get to say "You guys don't believe this stuff, do you?"
I'll just stick with the Biblical account while science endlessly flounders and mocks and readjusts based on peer consensus. YES, you must not upset the publishing Guru's.
I'm fine with him not appreciating the Catholic Biblical understanding. But then don't be a hypocrite and send your daughter to a Catholic school for education. And please quit mentioning Jesus like he's a buddy of yours who agrees with you about doctrine and theology. Biblical sources state that Carlos and Jesus are world's apart in their understandings of Divinity and Purpose. Carlos even boasts of His God-consciousness (He must be a Deepak Chopra follower).
(pg. 418) "Ask God to help your music connect with all hearts on this glorious planet and remind them of their own divinity."
But any 1st year Bible student should know that Jesus is the King of Kings, Lamb Slain For the Sins Of The World, Redeemer and Savior and Messiah, and very God of God. Carlos does not think he NEEDS a savior - he thinks we humans have goodness and light and can save ourselves. The Bible shows differently Mr. Santana. Please read it someday. Then you'll quickly realize that you and Jesus have NOTHING in common spiritually.
But then again, I do recall Satan saying in the garden: "For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil." Ummmh, it's best NOT to know evil. Or to assume you are divine or godly.
AS much as Santana claims to appreciate Gospel music - he has proven he has ZERO understanding of what the Biblical Gospel actually is. Sadly, many Gospel musicians seem to have this flaw - too busy being Rockstars and celebrities. I am thankful when they sing a Christmas song or two though.
I dug through my basement boxes and got out my Santana LOTUS cassettes I purchased over 20 years ago. It's a very interesting concert recorded in Japan in July 1973. Old school RAW Santana. Sadly, Santana's gods have failed and my cassettes are warped and won't play. Hmmm? A sign from the Cosmo's perhaps? I'll stick with Eric Clapton and Skynyrd.
May 17, 2024
Es un gran artista. Te lleva de la mano por su andar espiritual y su desarrollo como músico. Si eres amante de sus canciones y de su música, tienes que leer este libro. Te amo Carlos Santana
October 18, 2024
I love the music. This book? Meh.
June 26, 2023
This was a fairly interesting read and has just as much philosophy in it as musical or biographical info. I had no idea Santana had been on the music scene for soooooo long (Woodstock and before), and I learned an awful lot about guitar, the Blues, Blues culture, etc. He grew up playing violin (like his dad) and a bit of brass too, which I didn’t realize. I definitely take issue with much of his philosophy. He mentioned something about how the 60s in San Francisco had propelled them into an orbit of compassion and grace not yet known before. Um…wow. I did appreciate that despite his upbringing playing in strip joints, he only goes into detail once. There is also some unintended irony – like in his recounting going into the church of Our Lady of Guadalupe back home and praying directly to her, because he believes “everyone has the right to access directly the Highest Power”. Taking for granted that he believes “Our Lady” to be one of the many intercessory saints, or at least presuming he doesn’t believe she’s God, that comment got a double-blink out of me. However, I didn’t pick up the book for his philosophy on life, but specifically for the musical knowledge and philosophy, and he gives you plenty of that. He shares all he has in the book, and I appreciated the unabashed honesty he uses. I especially appreciated his comments about the U.S. I may not agree with a lot he has to say, but I learned a lot, I really like his music, and I got the sense that whatever his views may be, he is true to himself – something I appreciate in anyone. I enjoyed and respected a lot of his comments on marriage, and his commitment to marriage and family. I enjoyed the segment on Supernatural, which is an album I love and is pretty much my only exposure to Santana. I was very interested in hearing the stories behind the collaborations. He pretty well wraps up the discography talking about that album, though parts of the book are much less chronological. I had no idea he was so tight with Miles Davis (or even that they knew each other), and it was interesting to hear the stories about him. However, like so many other musicians, I love the music they do, but the less I know about their personal lives, the happier I am. I was super surprised and very disappointed that Santana never mentioned John Mayer despite exhaustive excerpts on blues guitar. I wondered if having omitted his name was a statement. It may have been. I really wanted Santana’s opinion on John Mayer’s blues abilities. Another time perhaps. As it was, the book was way too long for someone who is not a Santana aficionado.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 6, 2021
În anii ’80, plecam cu Santana în turnee după cum pofteam. Am călătorit prin toată ţara, cântând în aceleaşi cluburi din aceleaşi oraşe, de la Detroit la Chicago şi Cleveland până în locurile obişnuite din zona New York-ului – Nassau Coliseum, Jones Beach. Oamenii ne ascultau la posturi de radio care difuzau rock clasic sau oldies. Sunt mândru că acele melodii au făcut ca arta interpretării la chitară să reziste mulţi ani, chiar şi atunci când existau mai puţine solouri la chitară în melodiile cunoscute. Puteai asculta oldies în lift sau la Starbucks, cu un solo al lui Eric Clapton sau Jimmy Page, iar uneori soloul însuşi era mult mai impresionant decât cântecul însuşi. Unul dintre cele mai frumoase complimente pe care le-am primit după „Supernatural“ a venit din partea lui Prince. – Hei, Carlos, datorită ţie pot interpreta un solo la chitară în unul dintre cântecele mele şi va fi difuzat la radio, a spus el. Nu mă gândisem niciodată la asta. – Da, n-a fost cool să n-ai melodii cu solouri de chitară atâta vreme, i-am spus eu. În anii ’80, radioul nici nu mai ajuta, nici nu mai încurca trupa Santana. Cred că reputaţia noastră se datora mai mult concertelor, pentru că oamenii aveau nevoie să simtă fiori adevăraţi. Când simţi fiorii, imediat devii parte din prezent. Şi datorită faptului că publicul se simţea astfel, intenţia şi scopul trupei sunt mult mai importante decât divertismentul. Pentru a le aduce tuturor aminte la nivel molecular de propria lor importanţă, pentru a transmite ideea că fiecare dintre noi are puterea să îmbogăţească universal chiar acum. Santana este o experienţă live, care oferă mai mult un moment decât o amintire. Asta nu se va schimba niciodată. În ’81, Miles Davis revenea pe scenă după ce nu mai cântase încă din ’76. Nimeni nu mai auzise de el de aproape cinci ani. Toate poveştile care se vehiculau pe atunci spuneau că stătea într-un loc întunecat, cu draperiile trase. Îi trimiteam felicitări şi flori din când în când şi aflam veşti despre el de la Herbie şi Dave Rubinson, pentru că cei doi obişnuiau să îl viziteze. Ştiu că se gândea la mine, la fel cum eu mă gândeam la el. Santana a cântat la Buffalo anul acela şi, pe când ne pregăteam să ne întoarcem la New York ca să cântăm la Savoy, îl ascultam pe Miles. Îmi aduc aminte că Rashiki m-a întrebat ce părere aveam, dacă Miles avea să mai cânte vreodată la trompetă. Încă nu ştiam.
August 18, 2015
After reading this book, I realized that my interaction with Santana centers around two posters. The first one was in my best friend's house in the late 60s, a psychedelic blacklight print of the band that first brought them to my attention. Of course, I remember their hits from the late 60s and early 70s since they were as much a part of the culture as any other band of that era. But, I can't say I really grooved on Santana back then. Cut to 1998, when I was on a sales call with a woman who had a poster in her cubicle of Santana playing guitar. "Santana is God," she said to me. Which catapulted me to take a second look and listen to his music. I started with a Greatest Hits CD and grew quite attached to it. Shortly afterwards, "Supernatural" and "Smooth" exploded on the airways and I really became hooked. Over time, I bought about 15 more CD's. In my own mind, Santana was "the band I never grew tired of listening to."
With my first Santana concert looming 8 days away, I finished reading this book last night and am counting the hours to the opening cords. But, enough about me. Since I knew relatively little about Santana, "Universal Tone" told me everything I needed to know, and then more, about the man and the band. While the book is about 100 pages too long, I greatly appreciated Santana's recollections and deep praise for the musical legends that came before him as well as his contemporaries. Stories about Coltrane, Miles Davis and John Lee Hooker, to name a few, gave me a better idea of Santana's musical depth and inspirations. His stories about growing up in Mexico, being a teenager in San Francisco, meeting Bill Graham, and playing at Woodstock were, to me, the best part of the book. Where I found the book to drag was his descriptions of band members coming and going - it was hard to keep track of all of the players. The book has drawn some controversy because Santana tells the story about how he was molested as a young boy in Mexico. This is a very sad situation, but Santana proves that survivors of such instances can move beyond their past and thrive as adults.
In the end, I don't know if I would say "Santana is God"...but his music is heavenly.
With my first Santana concert looming 8 days away, I finished reading this book last night and am counting the hours to the opening cords. But, enough about me. Since I knew relatively little about Santana, "Universal Tone" told me everything I needed to know, and then more, about the man and the band. While the book is about 100 pages too long, I greatly appreciated Santana's recollections and deep praise for the musical legends that came before him as well as his contemporaries. Stories about Coltrane, Miles Davis and John Lee Hooker, to name a few, gave me a better idea of Santana's musical depth and inspirations. His stories about growing up in Mexico, being a teenager in San Francisco, meeting Bill Graham, and playing at Woodstock were, to me, the best part of the book. Where I found the book to drag was his descriptions of band members coming and going - it was hard to keep track of all of the players. The book has drawn some controversy because Santana tells the story about how he was molested as a young boy in Mexico. This is a very sad situation, but Santana proves that survivors of such instances can move beyond their past and thrive as adults.
In the end, I don't know if I would say "Santana is God"...but his music is heavenly.
August 6, 2019
I am a huge Santana fan.
The music is timeless.
The guitarist behind the music has felt a little more suspect to me through the years however, and this book only heightened those feelings.
The first thing that jumped out at me after finishing this autobiography were the social accolades Carlos bestows upon himself.
A humanitarian of the highest order if you will.
He cried when Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated, he stopped a physical assault taking place from man to woman and proceeded to school the assailant on having respect for women, a survivor of molestation, a family man, etc.
It just wasn't very genuine to me.
I am sure there are elements of truth there, only revised a bit.
Carlos goes on and on about Miles Davis and the personal friendship there, most of which I couldn't sense or feel.
I'm sure there was a mutual respect there, but a bonafide friendship I wasn't sold on.
One of the most preposterous claims was that he "felt" Miles Davis had always wanted to ask Carlos to join the Miles Davis band, however the *question* never actually came.
But since Carlos "felt" the question was there, it was an honor to be "asked".
I get Carlos Santana's frustration with being a Latin Rocker, he wants to expand beyond that pigeonhole, beyond what he was...but the truth of the matter, he was only a great guitar player and not much else in the bigger picture.
He was not a leader in society, only in music, and for a short period.
The Universal Tone gets long winded on political views and race.
This book could have been cut by about 200 pages.
The real interest in this book came with the musical journey alone, and the musicians who bounced in and out of Santana's life.
When we delve into the albums and take that musical journey, it is incredibly interesting.
At least 70 percent of this book covers this.
I didn't mind sitting with Carlos and reading about his upbringing, and his feelings on absolutely everything, but his journey was only mildly interesting outside of his formative years, and after a while, it felt like listening to a rambling uncle.
The humility and thankfulness he has comes across fine in the moment, but it feels fleeting, almost like someone he aspires to be...the chip on his shoulder remains.
The music is timeless.
The guitarist behind the music has felt a little more suspect to me through the years however, and this book only heightened those feelings.
The first thing that jumped out at me after finishing this autobiography were the social accolades Carlos bestows upon himself.
A humanitarian of the highest order if you will.
He cried when Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated, he stopped a physical assault taking place from man to woman and proceeded to school the assailant on having respect for women, a survivor of molestation, a family man, etc.
It just wasn't very genuine to me.
I am sure there are elements of truth there, only revised a bit.
Carlos goes on and on about Miles Davis and the personal friendship there, most of which I couldn't sense or feel.
I'm sure there was a mutual respect there, but a bonafide friendship I wasn't sold on.
One of the most preposterous claims was that he "felt" Miles Davis had always wanted to ask Carlos to join the Miles Davis band, however the *question* never actually came.
But since Carlos "felt" the question was there, it was an honor to be "asked".
I get Carlos Santana's frustration with being a Latin Rocker, he wants to expand beyond that pigeonhole, beyond what he was...but the truth of the matter, he was only a great guitar player and not much else in the bigger picture.
He was not a leader in society, only in music, and for a short period.
The Universal Tone gets long winded on political views and race.
This book could have been cut by about 200 pages.
The real interest in this book came with the musical journey alone, and the musicians who bounced in and out of Santana's life.
When we delve into the albums and take that musical journey, it is incredibly interesting.
At least 70 percent of this book covers this.
I didn't mind sitting with Carlos and reading about his upbringing, and his feelings on absolutely everything, but his journey was only mildly interesting outside of his formative years, and after a while, it felt like listening to a rambling uncle.
The humility and thankfulness he has comes across fine in the moment, but it feels fleeting, almost like someone he aspires to be...the chip on his shoulder remains.
September 29, 2016
Heh Carlos...a GREAT READ! I met Carlos on a Miami-SFO flight in 1999...just a very cool dude! Reading this book confirmed my feelings about him on that day in 1999...He is fun, spiritual, full of energy, passionate about his music, and so cool. A few comments in the book resonate with me...1) He believes in Equality, Fairness, and Justice...we are together on this my man. 2) (About his new wife Cindy) "You don't necessarily attract what you want or what you need, you attract who you are." Carlos...you are so full of great wisdom portrayed throughout the book; I learned a lot about life and about you and about spirituality. A MUST READ! Enjoy!
May 25, 2017
This is a pretty well written book that was simply too long, too full of redundancy and, for me, difficult to complete (so I didn't).
This book has a lot of historic, even chronological importance yet somehow lacks the depth of humanness I would expect from this deeply spiritual man. Other rock star autobiographies, like those from Neil Young and Eric Clapton, give a greater sense of the inner workings of those people and their relationships with other rock stars of the day. There is more context to those other works.
This book has a lot of historic, even chronological importance yet somehow lacks the depth of humanness I would expect from this deeply spiritual man. Other rock star autobiographies, like those from Neil Young and Eric Clapton, give a greater sense of the inner workings of those people and their relationships with other rock stars of the day. There is more context to those other works.
March 21, 2019
A 19 hour audiobook that never got boring. I might borrow the print version because it is chock full of great information that I want to check further, such as his favorite musicians and their best work. Carlos explains his views so well. He has a phenomenal memory. He talks about his life from beginning to present day. He’s very honest. The parts about Santana’s heyday brought back so many memories of that time. Carlos goes into his strong faith and spirituality. He is a gifted storyteller.
February 21, 2016
Santana uses "Universal Tone" to tell the story of his life. His is a true rags to riches coming to America tale, yet he never forgets his roots and how a life is woven together by all the experiences and people one meets along the way.
December 17, 2014
Excellent Book. I have been waiting all year for this book to come out. Santana is one of my favorite guitarists and I learned so much from this book. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
December 31, 2016
This book is written in a spirit of gratitude from a major talent. One of best Rock autobiographies set to ink.
November 21, 2025
The Universal Tone este una dintre acele autobiografii rare în care simți că nu citești doar povestea unui muzician celebru, ci te întâlnești cu omul din spatele legendei. Carlos Santana își începe povestea în sărăcia și culoarea Mexicului natal — Autlán, apoi Tijuana — unde muzica era prezentă la orice colț de stradă. Crescut într-o familie modestă, dar plină de sunet, Santana vorbește cu tandrețe despre tatăl său, violonist, și despre momentul în care chitara a devenit limbajul lui personal.
Odată ajuns în SUA, descoperă blues-ul, rock-ul și jazz-ul, iar întâlnirile cu artiști precum B.B. King, Miles Davis sau John Coltrane îi conturează sunetul unic. Capitolul despre San Francisco-ul anilor ’60 este deosebit de viu: o lume boemă, rebelă și psihodelică, în care trupa Santana prinde aripi.
Punctul culminant, bineînțeles, este Woodstock. Santana povestește cu emoție, umor și o sinceritate dezarmantă cum acel concert neașteptat i-a propulsat cariera. Dar nu se ascunde în spatele succesului: cartea abordează deschis dependențele, destrămarea primei sale căsnicii, tensiunile din trupă și momentele în care simțea că își pierde direcția. Ce face însă diferența este felul în care vorbește despre credință și spiritualitate. Nu ca un guru și nici ca un predicator, ci ca un om care a căutat pacea interioară și a găsit-o în muzică, lumină și în ideea lui de „ton universal”.
Această viziune spirituală poate părea prea mistică pentru unii, dar pentru alții e exact partea care face cartea specială: faptul că Santana vede muzica nu doar ca artă, ci ca energie, vindecare și legătură între oameni. El nu predică nicio religie, nu spune nimănui ce să creadă. Pur și simplu împărtășește drumul său — o combinație de creștinism, religii orientale și o abordare New Age centrată pe conștiință și lumină interioară.
Un alt aspect care iese în evidență este umorul lui. Carlos Santana are un fel foarte modest de a se ironiza, de a povesti evenimente serioase cu o notă de autoironie care te face să zâmbești. Cartea este plină de astfel de momente sincere și calde.
Desigur, există și părți mai dense: Santana menționează o mulțime de nume — muzicieni, producători, membri ai trupelor sale. Pentru un cititor fără background muzical, poate deveni greu să ții pasul. Dar tocmai această abundență arată cât de recunoscător este: nu vrea să lase pe nimeni în afara poveștii, pentru că toți i-au modelat drumul.
Finalul cărții surprinde revirimentul carierei sale, cu succesul uriaș al albumului Supernatural și colaborările cu artiști tineri. Santana vorbește cu recunoștință despre această perioadă, dar se simte clar că sufletul lui aparține unor albume precum Caravanserai și Welcome — muzică liberă, făcută din inimă, nu pentru topuri.
Pentru mine, aceasta nu a fost doar încă o autobiografie de star rock — a fost cea mai bună pe care am citit-o. Pentru că am ajuns să-l admir pe Carlos Santana ca om: autentic, cald, spiritual în cel mai frumos sens și, mai ales, un spirit liber. Cartea te face să înțelegi nu doar cum și-a creat sunetul inconfundabil, ci și de unde vine omul care îl poartă.
Este o lectură care te face să zâmbești des, să asculți muzică la fiecare capitol și să vezi viața cu un pic mai multă lumină. În esență, The Universal Tone este exact ca Santana: plin de suflet.
Odată ajuns în SUA, descoperă blues-ul, rock-ul și jazz-ul, iar întâlnirile cu artiști precum B.B. King, Miles Davis sau John Coltrane îi conturează sunetul unic. Capitolul despre San Francisco-ul anilor ’60 este deosebit de viu: o lume boemă, rebelă și psihodelică, în care trupa Santana prinde aripi.
Punctul culminant, bineînțeles, este Woodstock. Santana povestește cu emoție, umor și o sinceritate dezarmantă cum acel concert neașteptat i-a propulsat cariera. Dar nu se ascunde în spatele succesului: cartea abordează deschis dependențele, destrămarea primei sale căsnicii, tensiunile din trupă și momentele în care simțea că își pierde direcția. Ce face însă diferența este felul în care vorbește despre credință și spiritualitate. Nu ca un guru și nici ca un predicator, ci ca un om care a căutat pacea interioară și a găsit-o în muzică, lumină și în ideea lui de „ton universal”.
Această viziune spirituală poate părea prea mistică pentru unii, dar pentru alții e exact partea care face cartea specială: faptul că Santana vede muzica nu doar ca artă, ci ca energie, vindecare și legătură între oameni. El nu predică nicio religie, nu spune nimănui ce să creadă. Pur și simplu împărtășește drumul său — o combinație de creștinism, religii orientale și o abordare New Age centrată pe conștiință și lumină interioară.
Un alt aspect care iese în evidență este umorul lui. Carlos Santana are un fel foarte modest de a se ironiza, de a povesti evenimente serioase cu o notă de autoironie care te face să zâmbești. Cartea este plină de astfel de momente sincere și calde.
Desigur, există și părți mai dense: Santana menționează o mulțime de nume — muzicieni, producători, membri ai trupelor sale. Pentru un cititor fără background muzical, poate deveni greu să ții pasul. Dar tocmai această abundență arată cât de recunoscător este: nu vrea să lase pe nimeni în afara poveștii, pentru că toți i-au modelat drumul.
Finalul cărții surprinde revirimentul carierei sale, cu succesul uriaș al albumului Supernatural și colaborările cu artiști tineri. Santana vorbește cu recunoștință despre această perioadă, dar se simte clar că sufletul lui aparține unor albume precum Caravanserai și Welcome — muzică liberă, făcută din inimă, nu pentru topuri.
Pentru mine, aceasta nu a fost doar încă o autobiografie de star rock — a fost cea mai bună pe care am citit-o. Pentru că am ajuns să-l admir pe Carlos Santana ca om: autentic, cald, spiritual în cel mai frumos sens și, mai ales, un spirit liber. Cartea te face să înțelegi nu doar cum și-a creat sunetul inconfundabil, ci și de unde vine omul care îl poartă.
Este o lectură care te face să zâmbești des, să asculți muzică la fiecare capitol și să vezi viața cu un pic mai multă lumină. În esență, The Universal Tone este exact ca Santana: plin de suflet.
July 19, 2022
I bought the audio book several years ago but had forgotten I had it. In June of this year, I had the opportunity to hear Santana for the 3rd time in concert. About two weeks before the concert, I decided to begin listening to the audio. It has taken me a bit longer than I expected to finish it but it was well worth it. As I went along, I decided to check the book out from the library so I could see the pictures. I read/listened as the mood struck me, sometimes the printed word was what I wanted and the audio kept me company as I did chores. As my younger self in the 60's would say, what a trip :)
Santana's music makes me happy, I want to dance when I hear it and I am smiling. That is a gift I have been enjoying since I first heard their album Santana in 1969. But on to the book....
This memoir is thoughtful and introspective and shows a man who is deeply spiritual and aspires to live a life of reflection and grace. I was impressed that he was able to do this for many years. He grew up in poverty in Mexico, learned a love of music from his father who played violin as a traveling musician to support his large family. He learned to play the violin before he was a teenager and began to play with his father's band. Soon he decided the guitar suited him better but it would take a while before the family could afford one. Once he did, he took to it with a passion and devotion that helped him transcend his rough existence and had him playing in clubs in Tjuana. His family left for San Francisco to find a better life but he stayed behind for a year before he joined them there. In a few short years he became a band leader and began playing and caught the eye of Bill Graham, the promoter. His group played with other up and coming acts at the Fillmore such as The Grateful Dead, Jefferson Airplane, and more. Bill Graham was responsible for getting them booked at the Woodstock music festival and as they say the rest is history.
I really enjoyed all the anecdotes he shared of his band mates and friendships he developed with big names in the jazz world such as Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock while also being friends with blues legends like BB King, Muddy Waters and John Lee Hooker. In fact there were so many, it became hard to keep track of them all. It also brought back pleasant memories of my own discoveries in the late 70's and early 80's of jazz players I grew to love like Chick Corea, Flora Purim, Al DiMeola and Jean Luc Ponty. The interconnectedness of all these genres has been the basis for Santana's music along with latin rhythms and African beats.
This is a long book and it may not be everyone's cup of tea but if you want a great story of the music scene in the 60's and beyond, this will be a treat. You will also see a man who had spent his life loving music and wanting to share it with everyone. He has proven that as he says consciousness is profitable, he has spread his positive outlook and spirituality with the world. Totally groovy man. :)
Santana's music makes me happy, I want to dance when I hear it and I am smiling. That is a gift I have been enjoying since I first heard their album Santana in 1969. But on to the book....
This memoir is thoughtful and introspective and shows a man who is deeply spiritual and aspires to live a life of reflection and grace. I was impressed that he was able to do this for many years. He grew up in poverty in Mexico, learned a love of music from his father who played violin as a traveling musician to support his large family. He learned to play the violin before he was a teenager and began to play with his father's band. Soon he decided the guitar suited him better but it would take a while before the family could afford one. Once he did, he took to it with a passion and devotion that helped him transcend his rough existence and had him playing in clubs in Tjuana. His family left for San Francisco to find a better life but he stayed behind for a year before he joined them there. In a few short years he became a band leader and began playing and caught the eye of Bill Graham, the promoter. His group played with other up and coming acts at the Fillmore such as The Grateful Dead, Jefferson Airplane, and more. Bill Graham was responsible for getting them booked at the Woodstock music festival and as they say the rest is history.
I really enjoyed all the anecdotes he shared of his band mates and friendships he developed with big names in the jazz world such as Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock while also being friends with blues legends like BB King, Muddy Waters and John Lee Hooker. In fact there were so many, it became hard to keep track of them all. It also brought back pleasant memories of my own discoveries in the late 70's and early 80's of jazz players I grew to love like Chick Corea, Flora Purim, Al DiMeola and Jean Luc Ponty. The interconnectedness of all these genres has been the basis for Santana's music along with latin rhythms and African beats.
This is a long book and it may not be everyone's cup of tea but if you want a great story of the music scene in the 60's and beyond, this will be a treat. You will also see a man who had spent his life loving music and wanting to share it with everyone. He has proven that as he says consciousness is profitable, he has spread his positive outlook and spirituality with the world. Totally groovy man. :)
January 1, 2021
A fascinating glimpse into the life of one of Rock and Rolls' most reverent, spiritual and influential guitarist/bandleaders. From his childhood in Mexico to his musical rebirth with the breakthrough, multi-platinum, collaborative album, Supernatural, to the establishment of his Milagro Foundation and beyond, Carlos paints a colorful picture of his highs and lows, his family and his spiritual journey.
Coming from a musical family, father was an itinerant violin player, from an early age Carlos saw the power of music. Carlos tells of getting his first guitar, his earliest love affair - with the blues, of playing gigs in Tijuana while also working as a dishwasher. He describes his relationship with the producer Bill Graham and how he gave Carlos his start in San Francisco's Fillmore West. His memory for names and details makes this interesting time in history come to life with a vibrancy that's really exciting.
The level of honesty and humility with which he tells his tale makes him a sympathetic character, even when he's making mistakes. When he describes his relationships with the important women in his life, the respect and love he felt for each one comes across. Carlos in his own words is a thoughtful, loving person. He comes across as always having a core of ethics which he lives by, probably rooted in his strong loyalty to his family.
Equally fascinating to me were the descriptions of his friendships with Jazz greats like Miles Davis and Wayne Shorter. The way he approached creating the music and the way working with different people shaped the music. His journey to, with, and post Sri Chinmoy, and his dedication to meditation, clean living and prayer have informed his music as much as it's helped prolong his life.
I'm happy I got this book on audio so I can listen to it again and again. Rather like Victor Wooten's marvelous The Music Lesson, The Universal Tone exudes a positive vibe that's illuminating on multiple levels and peppered with music. Although he could have done, not once did Santana say a bad word about anyone. He could have ripped his exes but instead he showed remarkable maturity in the way he thought about the other people in his life. In most cases, if someone broke with him, he'd figure out how to mend the fences and eventually resolve the conflict.
It's important to have heros, or people who try to live heroically, to inspire one's life. Carlos Santana is heroic. He's using his platform, influence and wealth to spread not only beautiful music, but also to help people through his foundation, his philosophy and his attitude towards life.
If I could I'd give it 6 stars.
Coming from a musical family, father was an itinerant violin player, from an early age Carlos saw the power of music. Carlos tells of getting his first guitar, his earliest love affair - with the blues, of playing gigs in Tijuana while also working as a dishwasher. He describes his relationship with the producer Bill Graham and how he gave Carlos his start in San Francisco's Fillmore West. His memory for names and details makes this interesting time in history come to life with a vibrancy that's really exciting.
The level of honesty and humility with which he tells his tale makes him a sympathetic character, even when he's making mistakes. When he describes his relationships with the important women in his life, the respect and love he felt for each one comes across. Carlos in his own words is a thoughtful, loving person. He comes across as always having a core of ethics which he lives by, probably rooted in his strong loyalty to his family.
Equally fascinating to me were the descriptions of his friendships with Jazz greats like Miles Davis and Wayne Shorter. The way he approached creating the music and the way working with different people shaped the music. His journey to, with, and post Sri Chinmoy, and his dedication to meditation, clean living and prayer have informed his music as much as it's helped prolong his life.
I'm happy I got this book on audio so I can listen to it again and again. Rather like Victor Wooten's marvelous The Music Lesson, The Universal Tone exudes a positive vibe that's illuminating on multiple levels and peppered with music. Although he could have done, not once did Santana say a bad word about anyone. He could have ripped his exes but instead he showed remarkable maturity in the way he thought about the other people in his life. In most cases, if someone broke with him, he'd figure out how to mend the fences and eventually resolve the conflict.
It's important to have heros, or people who try to live heroically, to inspire one's life. Carlos Santana is heroic. He's using his platform, influence and wealth to spread not only beautiful music, but also to help people through his foundation, his philosophy and his attitude towards life.
If I could I'd give it 6 stars.
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