Not only is Moonflower one of the best works by Carlos Santana, but I think it is one of the best guitar albums I have ever heard.

Moonflower is a stellar recording by the Santana Band, made up of both new releases and live versions of classic Santana songs. The live tracks are all from Amigos, Festival, and Santana's brilliant first three albums; there is nothing from the jazzy middle period. Two quintessential, precious Santana numbers are introduced on Moonflower: the title cut, written by keyboard player Tom Coster and hard to distinguish from "Europa" (also on this album, live) until the latter parts of each, and "She's Not There," a great cover of the 1960s English hit. Coster's piano shines on "Dawn/Go Within." But all the new songs are excellent: "Bahia"; "Zulu," with its great Afro-Cuban rhythms; "El Morocco," jazz fusion and a little funk; and two very lovely numbers, "I'll Be Waiting" and "Transcendance." Carlos' blistering, dazzling guitar magic and, as usual, the percussion section are excellent throughout. "Toussaint L'Overture," "Soul Sacrifice," and "Black Magic Woman/Gypsy Queen" are always gems on a live Santana album (especially live cuts of "Gypsy Queen," beyond breathtaking). There is something here for everyone, all very good. Moonflower is arguably the high-water mark of the Santana Band, capturing the eclectic character and musical dynamism of its early period, and as a double CD to boot.

This is, in my mind probably the best Santana album in terms of material. If you could only get one Santana cd this should be it. What else can one say, buy it and see.

This is one of Carlos' greatest bands. Totally professional, totally mature. This doesn't have the youthful idealism as the Abraxas album, but this is smooth, incredible playing, with Tom Coster on keys and Greg Walker on vocals. This also includes *the* best version of Santana's opus "Europa."

When I was much younger, I sold my meager coin collection (of a few Peace dollars - Hey, I said I was young.) to buy this double album. I have never, I don't think, made a better purchase. Carlos Santana may not play the fastest, or the loudest, or have the most complicated licks. But for me, he is among the elite in terms of making a single note just sing. His playing can touch your heart in ways very few musicians can. He can turn up the technique if he wants to, but I think he's matured at this waypoint in his career to where he doesn't have to, and for me, that is the sign of a master artist. Santana was a bit jazzy here on a few cuts, and his band, as usual, is beyond crazy good. I still haven't heard many drummers who can carry things along and are technically as solid as Graham Lear, and the way all the percussionists fit together without walking on each other or the intent of the song is worth buying itself. Musicianship generally isn't of this quality anymore as we have ventured more into a songwriter/singer phase, but Santana and his band just cook and show 'how it's done'.

The set is a mixed bag of live recording and new studio tracks, and both components work wonderfully. I have far too many favorites on this CD to select one, but Moonflower, Europa, Tom Costers synth solo on Carnaval, Dance Sister Dance all stand out.... just too many spectacular cuts. For me, Santana has only reached this level of merit one other time, in the horribly recorded but otherwise fine Lotus from his earlier days. If you're a 'newbie' Santana fan, or for some reason do not own this album, pony up the cash and get it immediately. I doubt you'll be dissapointed.