Who is on tour with Santana?

Carlos Santana is one of the most influential and celebrated guitarists in rock history. He rose to fame in the late 1960s and early 1970s with his band Santana, pioneered a fusion of rock and Latin American jazz, and has gone on to have an incredibly successful solo career.

Even after over 50 years in the music business, Santana continues to tour regularly at 74 years of age. He still delivers energetic and mesmerizing performances, showcasing his signature guitar sound on hits like “Black Magic Woman”, “Oye Como Va”, and “Smooth”.

But who exactly is sharing the stage with Santana on his current tours? His backing band consists of world-class musicians who help bring his music to life. Let’s take a look at Santana’s current touring lineup and the key roles each member plays.

Santana’s Longtime Bandmates

While Santana’s touring band has evolved over the decades, there are a few musicians who have been playing by his side for over 15 years now. They’ve become indispensable to the Santana concert experience.

Karl Perazzo – Percussion

Karl Perazzo has been Santana’s go-to percussionist since 1991. Hailing from the Bronx but born in Paterson, New Jersey, Perazzo is a seasoned performer who has also played with artists like Elton John, Sting, and Mariah Carey.

On stage with Santana, Perazzo’s congas and timbales provide the driving Latin rhythms that are essential to classics like “Oye Como Va” and “Maria Maria”. He effortlessly switches between styles and grooves, backing up Santana’s distinctive guitar work.

Raul Rekow – Percussion

Alongside Perazzo is fellow percussionist Raul Rekow. Rekow has actually been playing with Santana since 1974, giving him almost 50 years as part of the band!

Rekow was born in Santiago de Cuba and specializes in conga drumming. He knows Santana’s extensive catalog inside and out. Rekow provides both rhythmic foundations as well as solo spots on tunes like “Jingo”, showcasing his percussive skills.

Tommy Anthony – Guitar, Vocals

On rhythm guitar and backing vocals is Tommy Anthony. Anthony has toured and recorded with Santana since 2000.

His rhythmic, jazzy guitar parts blend perfectly with Santana’s leads. And Anthony’s vocals provide support on Santana’s many hits. He adds crucial musical depth to the lineup both onstage and in the studio.

Recent Additions

In addition to these longtime band veterans, Santana’s group includes several relative newcomers who have become regulars themselves in recent tours.

Andy Vargas – Lead Vocals

Handling the bulk of lead vocals is Andy Vargas. Born in Los Angeles, Vargas first joined Santana in 2000 and has been on pretty much every tour since.

Vargas’ smooth yet powerful voice is featured on hits like “Smooth”, “Maria Maria”, and “Into the Night.” He was initially brought in to provide vocals on 1999’s multi-platinum Supernatural album. Vargas’ outstanding performance led to him becoming the frontman fans now know and love.

Bill Ortiz – Trumpet

The trumpet player with Santana’s group is Bill Ortiz. Since 2014, Ortiz has added splashes of jazz improvisation and Latin horn lines.

Previously, Ortiz was an original member of Tower of Power in the 1970s. He’s also played with a diverse range of artists including Tony! Toni! Toné!, Destiny’s Child, and Crosby, Stills and Nash.

Ortiz’ trumpet solos are highlights of Santana classics like “Evil Ways” and “Everybody’s Everything.” They spotlight Santana’s music’s roots in Latin jazz.

Paula Fernandes – Vocals

Joining Bill Ortiz as a recent Santana band member is Brazilian singer Paula Fernandes. She was born in Sete Lagoas, Brazil and became famous across South America in the early 2000s for her Brazilian pop albums.

Fernandes started touring with Santana in 2018, adding a bossa nova flair to songs like “Maria Maria.” She also sings lead or duets with Andy Vargas on other hits. Fernandes’ addition strengthens the Latin American influence in Santana’s music.

Ray Greene – Vocals

One more relatively new vocalist often touring with Santana is R&B/soul singer Ray Greene. Greene hails from New York and prior to Santana, sang with legendary jazz pianist McCoy Tyner.

His rich, soulful voice can be heard on Santana classics like “Smooth”, “Maria, Maria” and more. Greene has been appearing with Santana consistently since 2007. He reaches soaring high notes and adds vintage soul style to Santana’s diverse sound.

Putting it All Together

Each of Santana’s band members brings unique talents and experience to his live shows. Together, they form a spectacular ensemble that makes every Santana concert unforgettable.

Here is a summary table of Santana’s current lineup and the key role each member plays:

With Carlos Santana’s iconic guitar work at the center, this combination of stellar musicians is able to masterfully interpret Santana’s diverse catalog of hits. Their energy and synergy keep the band vibrant after all these years.

Each member’s unique musical background shines through, blending with Santana’s vision. The result is an unforgettable, genre-melding concert experience that only Santana can deliver. Audiences are transported through decades of classics, brought to life with authentic Latin percussion and jazz improvisation.

It’s no wonder Santana’s shows continue to thrill fans year after year. This dynamic group surrounding Carlos Santana is a huge part of the equation. Their collective talents ensure Santana’s concerts remain captivating and timeless.

The Magic of Santana Live

Seeing Santana in concert is an occasion no music lover should miss. From the swirling Latin rhythms to the ecstatic guitar solos, it’s a one-of-a-kind musical journey. Having the right bandmates enables Carlos Santana to recreate this magic night after night.

So while Carlos Santana still remains the superstar at center stage, he couldn’t deliver such an amazing show without his world-class backing musicians. Each one elevates the music and energy to another level. Together with Santana’s visionary playing, they provide the ultimate concert experience for fans across generations.

Upcoming Tour Dates

Santana’s 2022 tour dates kick off on June 17th in Chula Vista, CA. The tour runs through late October, crisscrossing America with shows in Oregon, Minnesota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and more.

Notable concerts include two nights at the legendary Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado and two concerts at the Myth Live Event Center in Minnesota. Based on past setlists, fans can expect to hear classics like “Oye Como Va”, “Black Magic Woman”, “Evil Ways” as well as deeper cuts and improvised jams.

Here are Santana’s upcoming tour dates through October 2022:

Get Tickets Now

Catching Santana on his upcoming tour is a can’t-miss opportunity for any music lover. Tickets are on sale now for all of the dates through Ticketmaster or directly through the artist’s website.

Given Carlos Santana’s enduring popularity and legendary status, these shows are sure to sell out. Don’t miss your chance to be transported by Santana’s signature guitar sound and see this iconic band still at the height of their powers after decades.

With an arsenal of hits spanning over 50 years and a red-hot backing band, Santana in concert is an unforgettable experience. Be there this summer when the multi-generational jam band extraordinaire brings the magic once more!

Conclusion

Even after over 50 remarkable years, Carlos Santana still manages to captivate audiences with his singular guitar tone and evocative blend of rock, Latin, jazz and blues. He’s still fortunate to play with a supremely talented backing band, now featuring both longtime stalwarts and exciting new additions.

This combination of musical veterans and rising talents allows Santana to recreate the energy and diversity of his best albums. Concertgoers are treated to an enthralling journey through decades of classics. From the Latin percussion fueling early hits to the soaring vocals driving more recent chart-toppers, Santana’s shows cover all the bases.

With Carlos Santana as the anchor, this versatile band helps deliver a thrilling live experience every single night. Their collective chemistry and skills ensure Santana’s 2022 tour will be another unforgettable run. Don’t sleep on getting tickets to witness this iconic group in action!