International guitar legend Carlos Santana,
who is all set for his maiden trip to India this week, says he is quite familiar with Indian music and finds it very intense.
The 65-year-old is in awe of Indian artistes like Ravi Shankar and feels that Indian music can have a profound effect on people.
“I have listened to Ravi Shankar. It transcends gravity of time, taking you to meditation and having a profound effect on people. I find Indian music very intense, humorous at times. When I listen to the raagas at 3AM in the morning, it’s like taking an inner shower,” Santana told PTI in an email interview from the US.
The 10-time Grammy winner, who shot to fame in the late 1960s and early 1970s with his band Santana, is a pioneer of rock, Latin music and jazz fusion.
The Mexican-American rock guitarist, who will be playing in Bangalore (October 26) and Delhi (October 28) as part of the Vladivar Rock N India, said he is aware of his fan following in India and is glad to be finally coming to the country to perform.
“People love us. I am honored. Let’s just say the situation didn’t lend itself earlier. I am excited, honored and grateful to tour India,” said Santana.
Santana also plans to visit some historic temples to sample Indian sculpture and spirituality.
“I am particularly interested in visiting some temples for their texture, imagery and the kindness on this tour,” he said.
Santana’s Indian fans will hear him play some of his classic hits such as ‘Black Magic Woman’, ‘Smooth’, ‘Evil Ways’, ‘Dance Into The Night’, ‘Oye Como Va’, ‘Maria Maria’, ‘While My Guitar Gently Sweeps’ for close to three hours at his concert here.
“We will be playing close to three hours. We will play yesterday, today and tomorrow for our fans,” said Santana.
Having been on the music scene for almost four decades now, Santana said he still finds inspiration to make music.
“It’s not difficult at all. I find I can get together with Lady Gaga, Metallica, or the latest grammy winner, Adele. You need to be present with love and with caring. For me, the most important thing is to find the right song,” he said.
Santana rued the fact that the music world has changed so much over the years that technology has taken it over and people with no real talent have become singers these days.
“Technology has taken over music and not the other way round. People who cannot sing get out there with their computers with everything programmed and recorded. Technology is making plumbers into musicians. I make technology work for me. We do Live Live shows and prefer them over studio albums,” he said. (PTI)