SANTANA — Borboletta (review)

Album · 1974 · Fusion

3/5 · 2012-01-20
dreadpirateroberts

'Borboletta' is a album that is less hit and miss than it's predecessor but not a whole lot more rewarding, even if it has a more unified sound to add to its share of noteworthy performances.

The album opens heavy on atmosphere with 'Spring Manifestations' which leads into the dreamy 'Song of the Flowers.' Its simple and effective rhythm, spacey electric keys and flute make for a calm but mood-setting beginning to an album that is not unwilling to take its time - which is quite welcome.

Unfortunately, 'Borboletta' introduces new lead vocalist Leon Patillo with the cheesy 'Life Is Anew.' While his clean cut voice must have been an attractive sound for the spiritual feel Carlos' had been exploring for some time, it didn't have perhaps the required grit for some songs here, being almost a 'soul-lite' sort of voice. Very pure, but somehow both not earthy enough for the few rockier moments, and not fey enough for the more ethereal moments. 'Give and Take' is the best example here, where a great riff is not supported by his Elvis moments or his growls.

'One with the Sun' is basically one of the 'misses' with its mismatched lead lines from Santana and fairly awkward vocal lines. The song would perhaps have been more effective as an instrumental - like 'Aspirations' which follows. It showcases the cymbal work of Shrieve and a heavily treated (but effective) saxophone solo from Jules Broussard, while Coster's keys swell in the background. Santana doesn't actually take a solo here, just as comfortable acting as producer.

Perhaps the next highlight is actually 'Mirage' where the chilled approach to the song, with its organ, happy beat and supporting percussion is a great fit for Patillo, who comes up with a catchy vocal. But it isn't until the mighty, and genuinely moving 'Promise of a Fisherman' that the album peaks. An eight minute exploration of a theme, it's an impressive workout from the entire group. Carlos is inspired and the whole middle section of the song is a burst of welcome, frantic energy. In fact, it's an almost complete overhaul of Brazilian artist Dorival Caymmi's original - which is more of a folk song - upping the tempo and only retaining the vocal line if not the words, re-imagining it for the keys and guitar, and adding a wordless chorus low in the mix. The tension between the fast rhythm section and the slower, meditative key and vocal parts are part of what makes the song such a great listen.

Admittedly, it would be most unfair to give this album, despite some shining moments, three stars instead of four due to the miscasting of Patillo and that's not my intent. Other factors certainty contribute. The songwriting is not at the same standard as on other Santana albums and Carlos himself is not as inventive across the twelve pieces. In fact, he'd probably reached a point in Santana's career that it was becoming increasingly difficult to outdo himself.

That said, 'Borboletta' is probably worthwhile for its quieter instrumental moments and the 'Promise of a Fisherman' alone. Good stuff, but not their best. Fans will want this, but casual listeners may want to give it a miss.