Overview: On July 15, 2004, Santana took to the stage in Montreux accompanied by a stunning line-up of guests to perform a concert of songs about peace and understanding that they dubbed "Hymns For Peace". Joining the regular Santana line-up in the band were Chick Corea, John McLaughlin, Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Ravi Coltrane and Idrissa Diop with further guest appearances through the night from Angelique Kidjo, Barbara Morrison, Patti Austin, Sylver Sharp, Steve Winwood and Nile Rodgers.

DVD Verdict: Let's get this straight from the start, this is a long show, spanning more than three hours, with the average song running a good eight minutes! Improvs and extended jams are frequent, with the band simply inspiring awe as they seem to dream music up out of thin air, as if under the guidance of some higher force. The fun they seem to be having and the sheer joy displayed on stage, were clearly contagious, and by mid-set the band and the audience seem to become one, everyone swaying to the same universal groove.

Visually, 'Hymns for Peace' is a straightforward show, there are no pyrotechnics, no cavalcade of dancers, just a bunch of musicians up on stage, jamming for three hours in support of a cause they passionately believe in. At times, the show may become a tad self-indulgent, but when you have artists as mesmerizing and talented as these, who cares?

'Santana: Hymns for Peace' is a lively one-off concert celebrating some of the best political power anthems of all time. Though fans won't find any of Santana's biggest hits in the setlist, a strong group of collaborators and some intense, extended jams still make 'Hymns for Peace' a must-see for the faithful. This Blu-ray release from Eagle Vision is a solid high-def music release. The video transfer is typical of live concert recordings, with a very vivid presentation, plus there are a couple of good supplements.

The 18-song setlist features the following songs: 01. Intro / 02. Afro Blue / 03. Adouma / 04. Redemption Song / 05. Exodus / Get Up Stand Up / 06. Blowin’ In The Wind / A Place In The Sun / 07. Just Like A Woman / 08. What’s Going On / 09. Peace On Earth / Boogie Woman / 10. Why Can’t We Live Together / 11. Light At The Edge Of The World / 12. Let Us Go Into The House Of The Lord / 13. Banana Boat Song / 14. Day Of Celebration / 15. Ah Sweet Dancer / In A Silent Way / 16. Jingo / 17. A Love Supreme / 18. Ode To Joy.

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