First, some context: I am a 30 + year avid Santana fan. I have seen them in concert over 40 times. I own the Caravanserai LP, purchased on the day of its release in 1972. I also owned the previously released Caravanserai CD. It is possibly my favorite album of all time.

Having said that, this remastered re-release from Columbia is a BIG disappointment.

Its sound quality is perhaps a hair better than the previous CD release of Caravanserai, but arguably there is little difference in the sound quality.

The back side album cover incorrectly states it was released in 1973. The theft protector sealer tape incorrectly notes the album is by "Carlos Santana." The plastic jewel case reflects a new level of cheapness. I quickly reassembled the contents into an older, sturdier jewel case. The article within the enhanced liner notes is interesting and adds some value to the package.

Cheapness and sloppiness aside, it is the sound that disappoints. I expected much greater depth and frequency range. This remastering added little. Perhaps a remix, to account for the technology changes over 30 years, would have been the way to go.

And there was no added bonus tracks as there have been on previous Columbia Santana CD re-releases.

Columbia, you did Santana fans a disservice. Fans, find the vinyl version of Caravanserai or the CD released in the late '90s.


An artist following and achieving his vision   August 7, 2005
John Alapick (Wilkes-Barre, PA United States)
11 out of 11 found this review helpful

Carvanserai saw Carlos Santana and the band plunge headfirst into jazz-fusion. At the time of its release, Santana were coming off three successful albums, the last two of which hit #1, and several hit singles, most notably "Evil Ways" and "Black Magic Woman." They could have taken the safe route and continued to make albums with a similar sound. However, like a true artist, Carlos was searching. Caravanserai would show an artistic growth as the band added doses of funk, gospel, and African rhythms to their already substantial palette. Mostly an instrumental work, the few vocals are sparse and very emotional. Finally, Carlos Santana's guitar work takes a quantum leap as this album may contain his most passionate solos ever constructed.

"Eternal Caravan of Reincarnation" brings visions of nighttime in the wilderness as a jungle beat and quiet flashes of guitar and piano add to the scene. This leads into the fiery "Waves Within", a track super heavy on percussion and Santana's passionate playing. "Look Up (To See What's Coming Down)" continues the journey with its slashing guitar chords and heavy use of funk-bass. This leads into the dramatic "Just in Time to See the Sun", a short vocal track with a heavy African feel. "Song Of The Wind", a track similar to "Samba Pa Ti" from Abraxas, contains a long and passionate solo from Santana. "All the Love of the Universe" is an outstanding track which stays somewhat subdued during its verses but gathers momentum during its gospel-tinged chorus. The bass playing here is fantastic and both Santana and organist Gregg Rolie contribute excellent solos. "Future Primitive" continues the album's African influences with a moody organ leading to a heavy percussion workout (this track sounds awesome on headphones). "Stone Flower", the third and last track to contain vocals, is lead by a jungle beat and a memorable lyrical guitar line from Santana. "La Fuente del Ritmo" is another track very heavy on percussion similar to those on Santana III. Finally, "Every Step of the Way" is a 9-minute tour de force, starting out with a slow long build before it reaches its main theme just before the 3:00 mark. The band's vigorous performance, as well as the flute solo and orchestra near its closing, makes this arguably their most intense track ever recorded, blowing away the more popular "Soul Sacrifice." All told, a very impressive album, one that captures the listener and doesn't let go until its dramatic end. Newcomers may want to start out with their more popular releases like their first three albums or one of Santana's many best-of collections before checking this out. If you jumped on the bandwagon during the late-90's and early-00's, be forewarned. Caravanserai makes albums like Supernatural and Shaman sound like Britney Spears.


DARING MUSICAL WORK   September 13, 2006
W. Noshie (Beirut, Lebanon)
8 out of 8 found this review helpful

Caravanserai is a daring album even by Santana's high standard.
This album was not Rock nor Salsa; but Jazz-Rock and simply very adventurous to any musician even for someone with the musical popularity like Santana.
Full of heartfelt, introspective guitar solos, yet very different from the previous albums, Santana or Abraxas.
In my humble opinion, this is one of the finest accomplishment for this great artist.
Highly recommended.