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Herbie Hancock and Santana Live Performance of Watermelon Man and Evil Ways

Venue: Den-en Colosseum Location: Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan Date: July 26, 1981

In July 1981, during a stellar phase of his career, Santana performed live at the Den-en Colosseum in Tokyo, sharing the stage with jazz legend Herbie Hancock. This concert followed the release of Santana's album "Festival," which came out in 1976 and was part of a period where Santana was venturing into diverse musical territories, blending rock with Latin rhythms. By the time of this recording, Santana had established himself as a prominent figure in the music scene, known for his captivating guitar work and dynamic performances. Interestingly, this live session showcases not just Santana's iconic tunes like "Evil Ways," but also highlights his willingness to collaborate across genres, a testament to his innovative spirit. In fact, this era was pivotal, as it reflected his journey toward a rich fusion of rock, jazz, and Latin music that would define his legacy.

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