Carlos Santana – “Guitar Heaven: The Greatest Guitar Classics of All Time”

Okay here is the setup. Legendary guitarist Carlos Santana along with record label executive extraordinaire, Clive Davis has handpicked a collection of 12 classic songs spanning many decades and genres. Santana has reinterpreted the songs and added a star studded cast to lend their vocal talents to the mix.

From the very beginning this disc really blew me away. Where else are you going to hear the classic AC/DC song “Back In Black” reworked by Carlos Santana with guest vocals by none other than the Rap guru Nas and Robun Troup? The result of this collaboration is a song that is quite freakin’ unbelievable; it really has to be heard to be believed.

While I absolutely love everything about this disc, there are a few tunes that just absolutely floored me. Besides the previously mentioned AC/DC tune, there is a version of Def Leppard’s “Pyromania” that really needs to be checked out. Chris Daughtry’s pipes are the cherry on top of this arrangement which features a slight Latin flair complete with congas.

The other song worth mentioning is the Rolling Stones tune, “Can’t You Hear Me Knocking.” Santana’s interpretation is once again phenomenal but combined with the vocal prowess of one of my absolute favorite singers, Scott Weiland, this song is off the chain.

I have never been a great big fan of cover tunes, especially a whole album full of them, but I feel this record nails it. The song selection is great, the interpretations are dazzling and the caliber of musicians is exceptional… really this is top notch stuff here folks.

Regardless of what genre of music you listen to I think there is something on here for just about everyone. I mean mixing some of the best players and musicians in the world with some of the greatest songs of all time you really can’t go wrong. I suggest checking this one out.  [ END ]

Track Listing:

01. Whole Lotta Love featuring Chris Cornell (Led Zeppelin)
02. Can’t You Hear Me Knockin’ featuring Scott Weiland (The Rolling Stones)
03. Sunshine Of Your Love featuring Rob Thomas (Cream)
04. While My Guitar Gently Weeps featuring india.arie and Yo-Yo Ma (The Beatles)
05. Dance the Night Away featuring Pat Monahan (Van Halen)
06. Back In Black featuring Nas and Robyn Troup (AC/DC)
07. Riders Of the Storm featuring Chester Bennington and Ray Manzarek (The Doors)
08. Smoke On the Water featuring Jacoby Shaddix (Deep Purple)
09. Photograph featuring Chris Daughtry (Def Leppard)
10. Bang A Gong featuring Gavin Rossdale (T. Rex)
11. Little Wing featuring Joe Cocker (Jimi Hendrix)
12. I Ain’t Superstitious featuring Jonny Lang (Howlin’ Wolf, Jeff Beck Group)

Run Time: 55:03
Release Date: 09.21.2010