About Caravanserai by Santana Album
Caravanserai, released in October 1972, marked a major turning point in Santana's career as it was a sharp departure from his critically acclaimed first three albums. 1971 marked the departure of original bassist David Brown who was replaced by Doug Rauch and Tom Rutley. Keyboardist Gregg Rolie, who was having a falling-out with Santana, was replaced by Tom Coster on a few songs. The sound contrasted greatly with Santana's trademark fusion of salsa, rock, and jazz, and concentrated mostly on jazz-like instrumental passages. The album is the first among a series of Santana albums that were known for their increasing musical complexity, marking a move away from the popular rock format of the early Santana albums towards a more contemplative and experimental jazz sound. While Caravanserai is regarded as an artistic success, the musical changes that began on its release in 1972 marked the start of a slide in Santana's commercial popularity. It was the last Santana album to feature Gregg Rolie and Neal Schon, who went on to form Journey the following year. Musicians: * Michael Shrieve – Drums, Percussion, Producer * José Chepitó Areas – Percussion, Conga, Timbales, Bongos * Gregg Rolie – Organ, Piano, Vocals * Doug Rauch – Bass, Guitar * James Mingo Lewis – Percussion, Conga, Bongos, Vocals * Armando Peraza - Percussion * Carlos Santana – Guitar, Vocals, Percussion, Producer * Neal Schon – Guitar * Wendy Haas – Piano * Glen Kolotkin – Engineer * Mike Larner – Engineer
