Santana’s 1970 Tanglewood Concert, Newly Released, Highlights David Brown on Bass
The newly released Santana concert from Tanglewood in 1970 shows a band right in the middle of its first wave of fire. The film looks and sounds incredible, and it is a reminder of how much energy and control the group had in those early years.
What really stands out is David Brown. His bass tone is warm and unshakable, the thing that holds the whole mix together while everything else swirls around it. You can hear him pushing and pulling with Michael Shrieve, setting up grooves that let Carlos Santana and Gregg Rolie fly over the top. It is a perfect example of how a great rhythm section can make intensity feel effortless.
From “Evil Ways” through “Soul Sacrifice,” Brown never loses his place or his feel. He keeps the entire thing grounded without ever sounding cautious. It is a beautiful look at a player who rarely gets the spotlight but made one of the most powerful live bands of that time feel alive and human.
The whole show is great but if you only have time for one – START HERE
No Treble CEO Jody Miller is a Chicago-based bassist, guitarist, engineer, and producer best known for his bass gear demo videos and as the co-host of The Bass Nerds podcast.
