Album Information:

About Santana:

Santana is an iconic guitarist and band known for blending rock, blues, and latin music. The band was formed in San Francisco in 1966, by lead guitarist Carlos Santana, who was born in Autlán de Navarro, Jalisco, Mexico.

Santana was originally a blues rock band, but their music evolved to include a fusion of rock, latin rhythms, jazz and psychedelic. Santana's eponymous debut album, released in 1969, was a massive success, reaching No. 4 on the U.S. album charts. The album's hit single 'Evil Ways' became a classic rock radio staple and helped establish Santana as a major force in the music industry.

The success of the first album paved the way for Santana to become one of the biggest bands in the world, with hits like 'Black Magic Woman,' 'Oye Como Va,' and 'Smooth,' featuring Matchbox Twenty's Rob Thomas. Their 1999 album 'Supernatural' was a massive commercial success, taking home nine Grammy Awards, with the single 'Smooth' topping the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

Despite lineup changes and ups and downs through the years, Carlos Santana and his band continue to record and tour, bringing their unique fusion of rock and latin music to audiences worldwide.

In addition to his musical success, Carlos Santana is well known for his philanthropic work, supporting various causes through his Milagro Foundation. He has been honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998. Known for his distinctive guitar tone, inspired by both jazz and Afro-Cuban music, Santana is considered one of the greatest guitarists of all time.

About the album Santana (III):

Santana (III) is the third studio album by the American Latin rock band Santana, released in 1971. It is widely regarded as one of the band's best and most significant works, and it features some of their most iconic songs.

The album opens with 'Batuka,' a percussive instrumental piece that sets the tone for the entire album. The song features a mesmerizing rhythm section of percussion and drums, with Carlos Santana's guitar weaving in and out of the mix.

The second track, 'No One to Depend On,' is a classic Santana tune that features a driving rhythm section and infectious melody. The song is punctuated by Carlos Santana's searing guitar solos, which showcase his unique blend of Latin and blues influences.

'Singing Winds, Crying Beasts' is a calmer, more introspective track that features a haunting melody and beautiful acoustic guitar work. The song builds to a gripping climax before settling back into its melancholic groove.

The album's centerpiece is undoubtedly 'Black Magic Woman/Gypsy Queen,' a medley that has become one of Santana's signature songs. The track starts with 'Black Magic Woman,' a bluesy number that features a killer guitar riff and catchy lyrics. The song then segues into 'Gypsy Queen,' a percussive instrumental piece that showcases the band's virtuosic musicianship.

Other highlights include 'Oye Como Va,' a cover of the Tito Puente classic that became a massive hit for Santana, and 'Everything's Coming Our Way,' a breezy and optimistic track that features uplifting lyrics and a catchy chorus.

Overall, Santana (III) is a masterful album that showcases the band's incredible musicianship and unique blend of Latin, rock, and blues influences. Every track is a classic in its own right, and the album remains a timeless masterpiece nearly 50 years after its release.

Members:

Santana is a band that has gone through many iterations over the years, with numerous members coming and going. However, some of the key members and their biographies are as follows:

1. Carlos Santana - Born in Mexico in 1947, Carlos Santana is the founder of the band that bears his name. He is the lead guitarist and has been a driving force behind the band's sound for over five decades. Santana's musical career began in the late 1960s, and he has released numerous albums throughout his career, earning multiple Grammys and other awards for his work.

2. Gregg Rolie - Born in Seattle in 1947, Gregg Rolie was the band's original lead vocalist and keyboardist. He was a key member of Santana during the band's early years, singing on hits like 'Black Magic Woman' and 'Oye Como Va.' Rolie left Santana in the early 1970s to form the band Journey.

3. Michael Carabello - Born in San Francisco in 1947, Michael Carabello was the band's original percussionist. He was a vital part of Santana's sound, particularly in the band's Latin-infused rhythms. Carabello left Santana in the early 1970s but rejoined the band in the late 1990s.

4. Jose Chepito Areas - Born in Nicaragua in 1946, Jose Chepito Areas was another percussionist for Santana in the band's early years. He played a key role in crafting the band's distinctive sound, blending rock and Latin rhythms. Areas left Santana in the early 1970s but has collaborated with the band on various occasions over the years.

5. David Brown - Born in New York City in 1947, David Brown was the band's bassist during its most successful period in the early 1970s. He played on hits like 'Black Magic Woman' and 'Oye Como Va' and was known for his precise, melodic bass lines. Brown left Santana in the late 1970s and passed away in 2000.

6. Michael Shrieve - Born in San Francisco in 1949, Michael Shrieve was Santana's original drummer. He played on the band's early albums, including their breakthrough hit, Abraxas. Shrieve's drumming style incorporated elements of rock and jazz, and he was an integral part of Santana's sound. He left the band in the mid-1970s but has continued to perform and record music over the years.

Track List for Santana (III):

1. 'Batuka' (3:34) - A dynamic opening track, 'Batuka' features a high energy percussive rhythm with Latin influences. It includes instrumental solos showcasing both the guitar and percussion.

2. 'No One to Depend On' (5:29) - A popular hit from the album, 'No One to Depend On' features a catchy melody with a driving rhythm guitar, and is highlighted by organ and guitar solos that are bolstered by Carlos Santana's signature vibrato.

3. 'Taboo' (5:34) - This instrumental track is characterized by a slower, more contemplative groove and includes beautiful acoustic guitar work, punctuated by dynamic organ and piano accents.

4. 'Toussaint L'Overture' (5:56) - A tribute to the Haitian Revolution leader, 'Toussaint L'Overture' is a musical journey through Santana's rock-fusion legacy. The track includes powerful percussion solos, soaring guitar solos, and brass sections that move the track forward, evoking an epic feel.

5. 'Everybody's Everything' (3:31) - A catchy pop-inspired track, 'Everybody's Everything' is a playful song with a memorable vocal hook and a driving beat, brought to life by Santana's passionate guitar lines.

6. 'Guajira' (5:44) - Featuring a captivating Latin rhythm, 'Guajira' is propelled forward by Carlos Santana's inventive guitar work, funky basslines, and intricate percussion work.

7. 'Jungle Strut' (5:22) - A funky instrumental tune, 'Jungle Strut' features a bluesy, soulful melody and a groove that is both sophisticated and accessible.

8. 'Everything's Coming our Way' (3:15) - A relaxing, soulful tune, 'Everything's Coming our Way', is a beautiful ballad marinated in soulful guitar riffs, string and horn arrangements topped with a beautiful vocal harmonization.

9. 'Para los Rumberos' (2:46) - Closing out the album, 'Para los Rumberos' is a lively, percussion-driven instrumental tune, highlighted by a hypnotic percussion groove, making it the perfect finale to an amazing album.

Discography for Santana:

Sure, here is the complete discography for the artist Santana in chronological order:

1. Santana - August 1969
2. Abraxas - September 1970
3. Santana III - September 1971
4. Caravanserai - October 1972
5. Welcome - November 1973
6. Borboletta - October 1974
7. Amigos - March 1976
8. Festival - January 1977
9. Moonflower - October 1977
10. Inner Secrets - October 1978
11. Marathon - September 1979
12. Zebop! - April 1981
13. Shangó - August 1982
14. Beyond Appearances - February 1985
15. Freedom - February 1987
16. Spirits Dancing in the Flesh - June 1990
17. Milagro - March 1992
18. Supernatural - June 1999
19. Shaman - October 2002
20. All That I Am - November 2005
21. Guitar Heaven: The Greatest Guitar Classics of All Time - September 2010
22. Shape Shifter - May 2012

Singles and other releases:

1. 'Jingo / Persuasion' - September 1969
2. 'Evil Ways / Waiting' - December 1969
3. 'Soul Sacrifice / Jingo' - May 1970
4. 'Black Magic Woman / Oye Como Va' - November 1970
5. 'Everybody's Everything / Guajira' - November 1971
6. 'No One to Depend On / Taboo' - March 1972
7. 'Hold On / Give Me Love' - November 1982
8. 'Say It Again / Veracruz' - May 1985
9. 'Once It's Gotcha / Nowhere to Run' - June 1986
10. 'Hands of Faith' (promo single) - 1991

Note: This list includes only the major releases and does not include live albums, compilations, or collaborations.