Santana / NM, USA 09.24.1974 Soundboard Edition

This release features a nearly complete recording of a live performance at Las Cruces, New Mexico, on September 24th, 1974, from their North American tour just before the release of “Immortal Butterfly,” using a stereo soundboard master recently leaked by someone involved in the production. While it lacks some of the live atmosphere due to being a direct board recording from the mixing console, the sound balance is well-maintained, and the sheer power of the sound is tremendous. Although there are some cuts, it possesses a level of realism far beyond that of edited and processed official live albums. What’s particularly noteworthy is that this tour was followed by a second Japan tour in December, and the setlist is almost identical to that one, which is a welcome bonus. The opening medley and the main “ABRAXAS” numbers are reminiscent of their “LOTUS” live performance in Japan the previous year, and new songs from “Immortal Butterfly” are included from the middle of the set onwards. There are also songs like “Savor” from their first album that were only performed during this mid-70s period, making it a truly enjoyable listen. Live at Pan American Center, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, New Mexico, USA September 24th 1974 : Stereo Soundboard Recording DISC 1 : 1. Going Home. A-1 Funk Every Step Of The Way 2. Black Magic Woman Gypsy Queen 3. Oye Como Va 4. Mirage 5. Just In Time To See The Sun 6. Bambele 7. Give And Take 8. Incident At Neshabur 9. Soul Sacrifice Disc 2 1. Samba Pa Ti 2. Savor 3. Toussaint L’Overture Carlos Santana: guitar, percussion, vocals / Ndugu” Leon Chancler: drums / Jules Broussard: flut, sax / David Brown: bass / Leon Patillo: keyboard, vocals / Armando Peraza: percussion, vocals / Tom Coster: keyboards, vocals / Jose “Chepito” Areas: drums