In August 1970, when Santana performed "Black Magic Woman" at Tanglewood, the band was experiencing a pivotal moment in their career. This performance occurred shortly after the release of their influential album "Abraxas," which debuted in September 1970. "Abraxas" included the hit "Black Magic Woman" and demonstrated Santana's unique blend of rock and Latin music, helping to solidify his reputation as a guitarist and band leader. The Tanglewood concert showcased the band's live improvisational talents, which were central to their appeal, particularly during this era when they were becoming known for their energetic and vibrant live shows. Notably, the album "Abraxas" would eventually reach multi-platinum status, indicating the band's significant commercial success shortly after this performance.