Santana III

album by Santana

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July 16, 2026

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Santana III is the third studio album by the American rock band Santana, released in 1971. It followed the success of their previous albums, Santana and Abraxas, and continued to showcase the band's signature blend of rock, jazz, and Latin American music. The album features Carlos Santana's distinctive guitar work and incorporates percussion-heavy arrangements. Santana III reached a high position on the album charts and included new guitarist Neal Schon. The album marked a point where the band began to shift towards jazz-rock fusion, with some members eventually leaving to form the band Journey.12

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Santana
…and “Oye Como Va,” and Santana III (1971), featuring new guitarist Neal Schon, followed. With Caravanserai (1972) the group shifted toward jazz. Musicians began leaving the band—most notably Rolie and Schon, who formed Journey. Influenced in part by the philosophy of Sri Chinmoy, Carlos Santana continued excursions into jazz-rock with
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…and “Oye Como Va,” and Santana III (1971), featuring new guitarist Neal Schon, followed. With Caravanserai (1972) the group shifted toward jazz. Musicians began leaving the band—most notably Rolie and Schon, who formed Journey. Influenced in part by the philosophy of Sri Chinmoy, Carlos Santana continued excursions into jazz-rock with
Read More