Santana Welcome

Santana's fifth album Welcome followed on directly from Love Devotion Surrender, at least on paper. The title is taken from a cut on John Coltrane's Kulu Se Mama, but the feel is more a slight return to the melodic structures of Caravanserai, and heralds the chart-oriented excursions of future albums. Santana managed quite a coup while revitalising the band's lineup, roping in the efforts of Leon Thomas, Flora Purim and Alice Coltrane. But, for many, the guest appearance by McLaughlin on Flame/Sky was originally reason enough to pick up this album, and should be justification again to renew it with this version, except this remastering has adopted the slightly subdued volume of the original. It always felt a little remote, sitting back from the levels on its neighbouring tracks.

Carlos Santana's education from the more technical John McLaughlin is definitely taking effect. There is appreciation of space and melody in his playing, more than ever before. Speaking of his touring with McLaughlin, he says, "When we were on the road I thought, 'Man what am I going to do? I should just shine his shoes.' Then I found out that I may not play as many notes, or know as much as he does, but three notes - if you put them in the right place at the right time - are just as important".

The superb bonus track Mantra, already heard in this informal form on the Love Devotion Surrender Sessions bootleg, and a live rendition on Lotus, but now in staggering fidelity, affording an opportunity to really appreciate the lightness of touch that Shrieve was developing from Caravanserai onwards, perfectly contrasted by Rauch's slippery, sliding bass deluge. No coincidence that this music was recorded soon after Bitches Brew won a Grammy, this extended free-for-all is funky Nirvana.

The repackaging is more impressive than on the other remasters, but still lacks any enthusiastic investment. The remastering is quality though and should be the main concern when thinking about buying the album.