Devadip Carlos Santana & Turiya Alice Coltrane: Bliss: The Eternal Now
Track
Bliss: The Eternal Now
Artist
Carlos Santana (guitar) and Alice Coltrane (harp, piano)
CD
Illuminations (Columbia 483810 2)
Musicians:
Carlos Santana (guitar), Alice Coltrane (harp, piano).
Composed and string arrangement by Turiya Alice Coltrane
.Recorded: unknown date; released September 1974
Rating: 87/100 (learn more)
The partnership of John Coltrane's widow, Alice, and Carlos Santana produced the mostly wonderful Illuminations. The album is as spiritual as symphonic jazz-rock can get without crossing over into the actual beyond. Santana was lucky enough to have a successful pop career for Columbia Records. One doubts that, had it been otherwise, the company would have been all that pleased with the guitarist and his new fusion direction.
"Bliss: The Eternal Now" is more of a cosmic mood piece than a fully realized tune. Its main mantra, presented in front of a resonating string section, is all of 5 or 6 notes repeated in various shapes and sizes. But Santana makes his notes cry. Coltrane's lush harp and occasional piano runs add celestial texture. This is a successful entry in the Orchestra Meets Jazz-Rock Sweepstakes in which the Mahavishnu Orchestra and Return to Forever were also running at this time.
Reviewer: Walter Kolosky
Tags: 1970s jazz · fusion · guitar
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