Very Santana

Very Santana is a band performing the music of Carlos Santana, with songs drawn from across the guitarist's career, at Band On The Wall in Manchester's Northern Quarter.

Very Santana is a tribute act that plays the music of Carlos Santana, with Carlos Santana not appearing on stage. The repertoire, as described, moves from the Abraxas period, with classics such as Black Magic Woman and Samba Pa Ti, through late-1970s songs including Europa and She's Not There, to later hits such as Smooth and Maria Maria. The arrangements are extended and rely on improvisation, so each performance differs from the last.

The aim is to recreate the Santana sound, with guitars by PRS, Gibson and Fibenare played through Mesa Boogie amplifiers. Hammond organ and Fender Rhodes sounds sit alongside drums, bass and plenty of percussion. Amera contributes powerful vocals, stage presence and dance moves to the show.

Band On The Wall is a concert and performance venue in the Northern Quarter. The programme suits admirers of Santana's songs, and the act's own description notes that many audience members return to hear the music again.