There are only a handful of promising new releases in stores today. Among them are a rock godfather’s third collection of collaborations, the latest solo album from the popular former guitarist for Phish and the second studio album from an up-and-coming San Francisco funk band.
Santana, “All That I Am” (Arista): Thirty-eight albums into his recording career and Carlos Santana seems as humble and spiritual as ever. The legendary guitarist chose the name of this third in a series of collaborative albums because he felt it reflected his holistic outlook on life and music. Here Santana teams up with the likes of Mary J. Blige, Big Boi, Steven Tyler, Los Lonely Boys and Joss Stone. However, four of these 13 tracks are pure Santana.
Trey Anastasio, “Shine” (Columbia): Unlike the predominantly instrumental projects this Phish co-founder has undertaken since that band’s breakup, this album pairs Anastasio’s perfectionist guitar work with self- penned lyrics. The DualDisc was produced by Brendan O’Brien and features backing by the band 70 Volt Parade.
Garaj Mahal, “Blueberry Cave” (Harmonized Records): The follow-up to 2003’s “Mondo Garaj” finds this rock and jazz fusion outfit known for high-energy live shows attempting to harness that charisma in the studio. The band is widely recognized for its stellar instrumentation. The 10-song offering features the players drawing on elements of blues, jam and prog-rock.
-Elana Ashanti Jefferson
