SOUL SACRIFICE: A SANTANA CELEBRATION -from Woodstock to Supernatural-

Many members of Edmonton's musical scene have been drawn to and inspired by the music of Latin blues rock guitarist Carlos Santana, who since his breakthrough appearance at Woodstock in '69 has created an incredible body of work that knows no boundaries- territorial or musical. It was the 1999 Supernatural recording, which has reached tidal wave proportions, that linked Santana fans, both devoted and new. That explosion acted as the catalyst for a number of Edmonton's finest players to come together as SOUL SACRIFICE: A SANTANA CELEBRATION.

By the time SOUL SACRIFICE was together just five months, they played some of Western Canada's most prestigious gigs: the Sidetrack Cafe, Calgary Jazz Festival, the Medicine Hat Jazz Festival's closing Saturday night parkade party, a headline Klondike Days spot, the ultimate road show- Stage 13 and Vancouver's Fabulous Commodore Ballroom. Each performance was met with magnificent audience response. This all-star ensemble, SOUL SACRIFICE, perform a stunning retrospective that is a faithful conduit to the Santana sound, dispensing the same kind of uplifting and positive energy.

Barrie Nighswander embraced that signature guitar sound of Carlos Santana when he heard those classic Santana albums in the late 60s and early 70s. Barrie's playing is front and centre in this impressive group that's built around a rhythm section that captures the essence of this incredible music. Keyboardist Dennis Meneely, along with bassist Duane Smith and drummer Bill Hobson are the collective force behind the excellent singers: Christian Mena, and Malaika Barriffe. In the esteemed role of percussionists are: Mario Allende on congas and timbale master Tilo Paiz who, once in his native homeland of El Salvador, had the good fortune to play with Carlos Santana.

When an artist has played thousands of shows worldwide for millions of fans and recorded no less than a couple of dozen critically acclaimed albums over a 30 year time span, it's safe to say that the music in question has both a timeless quality and universal appeal. There is no better artist to pay tribute or homage to than Carlos Santana- this guitarist, bandleader and composer who is not only one of San Francisco's favourite sons, but one of this planets most enduring voices and brightest artistic lights.