SANTANA | THE DOOBIE BROTHERS

Supernatural Now Tour

Xfinity Center
Mansfield, Massachusetts
August 20, 2019

Photos & Review by Dan Wenc

It was 50 years ago, almost to the week, that the Ten Time Grammy® Award Winning, Carlos Santana performed at Woodstock. The Doobie Brothers appeared soon thereafter in 1970. It was the dawn of a new musical era, one that has sustained to this day. These two artists embarked on decades of music which would be termed this day, as Classic Rock. Nearly fifty years later the two rock legends were out on the road performing on a U.S Tour. The continued turnout at shows like these is a testament to the power of each artist’s music and how they have shaped the music world. This stop in Mansfield, Massachusetts was one of them. It was a wonderful thing to see the joy that their music brought to people that night. Both brought people together that night for one common enjoyment, music. This night was show #25 of 29 for this tour. This nights performance brought people to their feet, dancing, clapping and singing along with the music. A feel good night.

Through the years The Doobies Brother’s lineups have changed. Nonetheless, The Doobie Brothers have sustained five decades and are still going strong performing to crowds around the world. The Doobie Brothers have sold over 48 million albums and have won four Grammy® Awards. Turn on a radio and at any given moment you are bound to hear a Doobie Brother song. This night was pure enjoyment of their harmonious classic rock sound. The arrangement of their songs are unmatched to the music of today. To see and hear these Doobie Brothers classics performed live was an amazing experience. Through the years The Doobie Brothers have totaled up five Top 10 singles and 16 Top 40 hits. Starting with their 1972 multi-collection Toulouse Street, they have 3 multi-platinum, 7 platinum and 14 Gold albums. Their Best of the Doobies (1976) has sold more than 12 million copies.

The Doobie Brothers are made up of three most original members Tom Johnston (vocals and guitar), Patrick Simmons, (vocals and guitar) and John McFee (guitar and violin). The current touring lineup is Ed Toth (drums), John Cowan (bass), Marc Russo (saxophone) Bill Payne (keyboard) and Marc Quiñones on percussion. The full stage is packed with years of musical experience. A performance in which the music makes you forget about everything else that is going on in the world for the time you are there. Everyone left with smiles that night.

The Doobies performed about an hour and fifteen minute set which included “Rockin’ Down the Highway”, “Take Me In Your Arms”, “Takin’ It To The Streets”, “Jesus Is Just Alright”, “China Grove”, “Long Train Runin’,”, “Black Water”, “Listen To The Music” and many more.

DOOBIE BROTHERS Photo Gallery

This tour marks two milestones for the iconic guitarist. Carlos Santna celebrating two career anniversaries this year, with the 20th anniversary of the Grammy® Award winning, 1999, Supernatural album. And his 1969 Woodstock performance, one that would catapult him into the world of popular music from that point, to be come one of the world’s most iconic guitarists.

Santana’s set list for the night would highlight songs from both his Supernatural Album and Woodstock eras, in addition to soon-to-be released EP, In Search of Mona Lisa (due out January 25, 2020).

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Santana’s stage set up consisted of a musical ensemble that provided the backdrop of Santana’s smooth and melodic guitar riffs. Santana plays effortlessly, playing with on obvious passion and love for his music after all these years. His backing band, a well oiled machine of percussion, conga drums, keyboards and vocalists. The band consists of Santana’s wife, Cindy Blackman Santana on drums, David K. Matthews on keyboards, Benny Rietveld on bass, Tommy Anthony on guitar, Andy Vargas and Ray Green on vocals and Karl Perazzo and Paoli Mejia on percussion instruments. A powerful performance. It is with great appreciation in watching this show that one can realize that you are watching a living legend, one that has defined the rock guitar on many levels and has influence so many along the way.

The night started off with a video and audio homage to Woodstock. Santana and company started with “Soul Sacrafice”, “Jin-go-lo-ba”, “Evil Ways – A Love Supreme”. The two hour set included a abundance of music from Santana’s catalog, to include “Lamento – Black Magic Woman – Gypsy Queen”, “Oyo Como Va”, to name a few. The night also included “Some Kind of Wonderful – The Way You Make Me Feel”, including the Doobie Brothers. The encore performance concluded the night with “Sentient Sphere”, “Are You Ready People”, “Smooth” and “Get Together”, The Youngbloods cover.