Indeed, Borboletta reflects a diversity of talent that appeared on it, in a period of transition for the Santana Band. Percussionists Michael Shrieve and Chepito Areas were soon to be on new paths. However, jazz keyboardist Tom Coster and percussionist Armando Peraza had debuted with the group very successfully on Caravanserai, and continued their fine performances here. Coster's piano notes highlight the beautiful "Canto De Los Flores." But Borboletta also has the key inclusions of two Brazilian percussionists and a Brazilian lady who supplies glowing choral vocals on the wonderful instrumental "Promise of a Fisherman." The flow of instrumentation from the Coltranesque "Here and Now" through "Flor De Canela" and climaxing with this Brazilian-textured masterwork is one of the most fantastic displays of heavenly musicianship Santana has ever displayed. Of equal stature is the instrumental "Aspirations," lovely, free-flowing modern jazz, with Coster's radiant organ and fabulous saxophone work by Jules Broussard. Carlos' guitar work on this album is terrific from start to finish, among his best, and the percussion section shines all the way as well (hardly a surprise). Borboletta is one of Santana's finest recordings, an instrumental tour de force, absolutely wonderful to listen to.


BEST ALBUM OF ALL TIME?   April 10, 2000
MR JOHN WILLIAMS (Manchester, England)
20 out of 20 found this review helpful

As a Santana fan of over 30 years, it's great to see the man getting the recognition he deserves, after so long in the musical wilderness. Yes, Supernatural is a fine CD, I was a little sceptical at first, but now I play it often, and it works. But it makes me go back to the Santana that I grew up on, and without doubt I think the 2 best Santana albums are The Swing of Delight and BORBOLETTA. Why oh why this record was not a success is beyond me, why are people just interested in 3 minutes of music with a verse and chorus repeated, why can't people open their eyes and ears to the beautiful music that is out there, waiting to be heard?

I am no musician, and I can't talk in technical terms about each individual track, all I know is that Promise of a Fisherman still sends shivers up my spine when I listen to the opening minute, the link with the previous two tracks is seamless, and builds to a wonderful crescendo.

I am a huge fan of Airto and Flora, and their contributions are a very positive feature here, as is the crystal clear, almost spiritual voice of Leon Patillo. Practice what you Preach would make a tremendous 21st century addition to hymn books across the world, such a powerful message, both in words and music.

I can't tell you how much pleasure this album has given me over the past 25 years, if you're reading this as a new Santana fan, wondering if you should delve further than Supernatural, then go and buy this record, and open your mind to the real Santana, rather than the pleasant but commercial stuff that you already know about. This is music for the mind and the soul, music that will inspire you. Go and buy it!


Great blend of Jazz ,Fusion,Soul,and Brazilian music.   August 24, 2002
Jerry S. Campbell (Los Angeles, CA United States)
13 out of 13 found this review helpful

I've owned this title for over 20 years now.When I read Santana
bios they always mention this release as a commercial failure.
I thought I was some kind of weirdo because this was one of my favorite Santana releases. I'm so glad to see other people feel
the same way I do.You can call this head music or an religious experience, whatever, these songs can take you to another zone.
Carlos's and Tom Coster's duet on the beginning of "Practice What
Preach"is a highlight but Carlos closing guitar solo on "Promises of a Fisherman" and the final minutes of that cut are just inspiring. Stanley Clarke on bass is awesome on that cut, and the percussions are dazzling. If this cd doesnot move you, you need to go to E-bay and find yourself a soul.


ORALE!!!   July 30, 2004
K. R Sadler (Philadelphia, PA United States)
16 out of 18 found this review helpful

I have so many Santana cds in my collection, yet this is probably my favorite. Not many folks have even heard this 1974 release. I have been listening to this recording for the last 30 years and it never gets old on me!! Carlos is a genius!! This cd is dreamy, vibrant, intriguing, intellectual, and deep. Buy it, Buy it, Buy it!!!!!


Santana's BEST   June 9, 2003
bob turnley (birmingham,al,usa)
7 out of 7 found this review helpful

This is Carlos at his most expansive, free and heedless of commercial demands. Yes,Supernatural was a comeback: to commercial pop. Commercial pop does not need Santana. Instead of making another Supernatural in Shaman, he should have made another Borboletta. This album has his best band, his best vocalist and some great songs. This album is a timeless classic and sounds as good now as when I bought it in 1975. If Santana is remembered for one album it should be Borboletta.