Greatest Hits - Live At Montreux 2011 [Blu-ray] [2012]

This is positively one of he best music DVD's that I've seen. The picture quality and sound are spot on. It's three & a half hours ( split between two discs) of sheer magic from Carlos and his band. His playing is effortlessly amazing but so are his band. Even his two lead singers are first class. I really liked his small brass section which I felt added greatly to the piece. The addition of guests like of Tedeschi / Trucks was also a bonus. I wasn't quite sure about his wife's slot on the drums - it sounded a bit like a kid hitting biscuit tins! That aside, the whole concert was amazing and I j just loved it. I was quite surprised at some of the set's content and just how good it was put together - a master at work.

A thoroughly enjoyable new offering from Carlos and an excellent Santana band, recorded in July 2011 at the Montreux Film Festival. Both the visual and audio content of the disc is stunning throughout the two hours and forty minutes length of the concert. For me there is nothing quite like hearing and seeing the energetic Santana percussion section, Raul Rekow and Karl Perazzo, playing "flat out" alongside the incredible guitar playing of their leader.The highlight for me this time around is the inclusion in the set of the opening track of Abraxas "Singing Winds, Crying Beasts" - I believe recorded on video for the first time. It is a favourite of mine, and did not disappoint.This choices for the "Greatest Hits" concert was well balanced in terms of including songs from different phases of Carlos' long career, although shows a bias towards those wonderful early albums. Although the songs are familiar to most fans, they are often played in new and interesting ways, which gives the whole DVD a freshness that adds to the listening pleasure. There are some new to me melodies to be heard here and there, and I particularly liked "Spark of the Divine" which began the concert.Santana has always been a band which defies categorisation, and there are examples here of music ranging from heavy rock to lilting guitar melodies. All of the musicians play a significant part in making it such an enjoyable experience, and a special mention here for David K Matthews who has the unenviable task of following in the keyboard playing footsteps of the great Chester "CT" Thompson. The brass duo, Bill Ortiz and Jeff Cressman, have been an established part of Santana for some time, and play an important part in adding that "extra little something" to many of the songs.There is a relatively short yet enjoyable drum interlude from Cindy Blackman Santana, who shares a spot with long serving Santana bassist Benny Rietveld. Equally, two other special guests, guitarist Derek Trucks and guitarist and vocalist Susan Tedeschi, certainly play their part in adding further great musicianship to the evening.I was lucky to see this in high definition which certainly contributed to the experience. I am sure it will be played for many years to come, although I may use the "skip" option on "Back in Black" - the "Guitar Heaven" album was fine, but not my most favourite of all the Santana offerings. May I cheekily suggest that adding "Flor De Canela/Promise of a Fisherman" from the "Borboletta" album instead, would further strengthen the set!Carlos Santana's playing is immaculate throughout, and there seems to be a renewed sense of pleasure from all band members in playing together, which bodes well for the future.My feeling is that anyone who has enjoyed Santana from any phase of their music in the past, would benefit from adding "Live in Montreux 2011" to their DVD collection.

This is pretty good Santana stuff - especially compared to his Blues at Montreux blu-ray. Loses a star for me due to the rap intrusions and the weak drum solo from Mrs Santana. Otherwise, it's Santana at his grooving best, with some wild and wonderful versions of classic tracks. Against the negative reviewers I don't think the brass is a problem (and I've been a Santana fan since mid-70s) and it is definitely NOT lounge music, unless your lounge is rocking! On a good 5.1 system turned up loud this does it for me, anyway!

Not a lot to say about this wonderful musician that has not already been said. This DVD brings out the true Santana, brilliant razor sharp video footage and a sound to die for. This is also probably the best live version of Black Magic Woman I have heard. Carlos often goes off on one when playing this track live - I have been to some of his concerts where this track has lasted over 20 minutes so it's nice to see it played almost the same as the original. A good price as well considering it is Blu Ray.

The opening tracks were not, in my opinion, worthy of Santana being more like a jamming section with very little common thread but then with "Singing winds" it all came together. A very energetic concert, perhaps a bit heavy on the brass in some places as others have mentioned (which I personally do not like preferring guitar and percussion) but none the less entertaining and distinctively Santana. I have followed Santana since the late sixties and they have remained a very entertaining and energetic band.

My only gripe is why do cover versions? Starts of with AC/DCs Back in Black which to be honest didn't work and I found bizarre. The whole point of Santana is the distinctive music, he has so much material I'd rather hear his stuff rather than another artists. Apart from this, picture quality and audio excellent, glad I got it.

Nothing to dislike - arrived on time, excellent quality DVD.

Excellent Santana at his best brilliant band as well