The Santana Challenge looked like fun. I don't normally post two songs at a time but this is a short one.

I recently sold off my analog effects chain and adopted a modular effects chain.
I am still learning how to dial it in so I thought I would give it a try.

I put together this little jam for the challenge today.

Santana Challenge

I used the demo song for the style I picked. The picture on soundcloud is hanging on my wall in my studio.

****** Song Summary *************
Title: Afro-Cuban Bolero Quartet with R&B Horn Section
File:SantanaChallenge.SGU
Key=Dm , Tempo 105, Length (m:s)=1:22
No intro. 32 bar chorus, from bar 1 to bar 32. Repeat x1 chorus
No Melody
No Soloist track.
Song is saved with Volume, Pan, Reverb, Chorus, Bank0,
Style is _CBOLRHS.STY (Cuban Bolero w/ Horn Section)

RealTracks in style: 1901:Bass, Baby, Bolero Ev 090
RealTracks in style: 1905:Piano, Acoustic, Rhythm BoleroMelodic Ev 090
RealTracks in style: 1903:Guitar, Acoustic, Rhythm Bolero Ev 090
RealTracks in style: 2110:Horn Section, Background, R&B Ev16 110
RealDrums in style:SalsaBolero: a: SalsaBolerob: SalsaBolero

Very nice my friend! But I have challenged you to a duel to the death, with my White Magic Woman. I put a lot of work into the lyrics. The guitar was effortless.

I expect you to challenge me again.

--David Hector De La Alhambra de Guittierez de Santana de Ramirez de Snyder el Macho Muy Bueno

Scott

Very nice and the tone is excellent.

Good stuff - (maybe we need more challenges?).....

Peter

Nice one, Scott, tone is perfect, as are the licks.

Well done, Scott.

Nice playing, good tone (I thought it needed just a touch more "fuzz" to it - but I am no expert in these matters).

fj

Thank you Senor David Hector De La Alhambra de Guittierez de Santana de Ramirez de Snyder el Macho Muy Bueno. I thought your version of the challenge was very well done as well. But for the next challenge we will have to visit El Toro in the ring to settle the score :-)

Scott,

Very nice Santana Challenge!
I think the Santana and Scott are really well blended.
Enjoyed my listen a lot.

Best regards.

Shigeki Adachi

Hi Scott,

I also think to come close to Carlos! I expect you will have no problem with challencing David
I only would last the two notes at the start a bit longer and less high. But on the other hand, I can't play solo guitars, what am I talking about...

You are very active these days, Scott.
Very well done!

Hans

Yes, Scott, this Santana challenge is definitely fun for my ears. Great jam here. I knew you'd have killer tone and taste. I'm so glad we don't have to pick a winner. And, yes, David Snyder must have put a lot of time on the lyrics for his.

Thanks Peter for checking out the song. I must admit it was lots of fun to do this and hear the different takes on the challenge. Glad you liked my version.



Thanks Dave Really glad you liked my version. Your was pretty cool as well. Carlos has a very unigue sound that is very hard to get close to.

Nice.....

Floyd said it needed more "fuzz", and yes...true dat. I think what he probably meant was more gain. This is almost too clean sounding for Carlos. After all, CS did play with a Mesa Boogie back in the day. Those things were tone machines from nothing but the gain stages being cranked.

Scott...Sure has the flavor of Carlos in it...very sweet and smooth with a hint of spice...great job...as usual!!

Scott C,

This is my first listen to all of the Santana challenge takes—what a great way to start. Terrific offering with a smooth, slick lead guitar. Very nice work!

Best regards,

Deej

Yes, certainly a Santana vibe.
Very good music.
Enjoyed.

Rob and Anne-Marie

Thanks Floyd for checking out my version. Yes the level fuzz was a tough call. I have switched from analog pedals, amos and microphones to a Line 6 modular pedal. I pulled up Santana tunes and noodled along with them on Youtube, The first one was a recorded version of Samba Pa Ti which had a very nasel phasey tone to it with the mids scooped out. Line 6 has a "Tone" community forum where you can share presets. I downloaded the Samba Pa Ti which I was not fond of and one for Europa which was pretty cool. This song has actually three tracks blended. 1. Europe panned 10% left 2. Dry track dead center and a Samba Pa Ti 10% right. The Dry track and the Samba Pa Ti water down the Europe Toned track.

This was a lot of fun. Really enjoyed it. Glad you liked it



Thanks Herb. I added your comment to this thread as I know you are using a modular effects system as well now. Incredible devices. It nice to be able to go back and reapply the effects after the track has been recorded. I lost allot of really cool riffs because something was not set right while I wasd recording it. Most times I could not recapture on the next takes as I rarely place the track the same way twice. Glad you liked it.

Thanks everyone for the comments. They were very much appreciated. Look forward to the next challenge.

You nailed the mellow side of Carlos. Tone and chops.

We also like these RT’s. Janice said that she could close her eyes and your playing had her seeing water flowing down over a rocky stream bed- smooth indeed.

Ok, what’s the next challenge going to be?!

J&B

Thanks Janice and Bud. Was fun to do the challenge. Glad you liked my version

Scott, you nailed Carlos perfectly

Super backing band and mix

Loved it

PS - be careful. I think Senor David Hector De La Alhambra de Guittierez de Santana de Ramirez de Snyder el Macho Muy Bueno entered this forum illegally

As J&B said, a very mellow take. I enjoyed it!

Thanks David and Mario. Glad you like my take on Carlos