Carlos Santana opened the show at Jones Beach on August 20th, which lasted for over 3 hours of music between two Hall of Fame acts.  If Rod Stewart was here to do a greatest hits package, Santana was conent to jam.  Luring the crowd with the fishhook of Tequila (done originally by the Champs), he settled into a groove with his licks wafting out over the ocean.  Vocalist Andy Vargas admirably handled Santana standards Black Magic Woman, Oye Como Va, and Smooth.  The Latin flavored rockers paid tribute to Bob Marley with So Much Trouble in the World, as video screens enhanced the view for the capacity audience.  Santana’s new release Corazon, which was recorded live in Mexico stands as a record of what Carlos is currently producing at this period of his career. It is a nice addition to the artist’s overall archive. The surprise of the night was a cover of Roxanne, made famous by the Police. The ten time Grammy winning artist released his first self-titled disc back in 1969.  Youngsters may wish to join the mostly veteran crowd while he continues touring, to see one of the legendary acts from Woodstock live in person while he remains well on his game.
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The stage was draped in a classic movie house curtain while the table was being set for a meal of Rod Stewart and company.  The faces in the crowd were filled with expectation while they awaited the rascal-troubador. At one point, Stewart has had six consecutuve albums reach number one in the charts. His garden is replete with much choice fruit to choose from the vine. As Rod came out to greet his faithful, the band kicked into Infatuation.  The crooner wore dark pants, and a stylish jacket and piano key tie, which he changed mid-set. The set was filled with the classics that have marked the highlights in a career that was born on record with 1969’s An Old Raincoat Won’t Ever Let You Down.  Video screens displayed photos of Rod through the many phases of his career, while women responded to his dapper figure on the stage before them. Tonight he certainly did not let anyone in the packed theater down. The set included Having a Party, It’s A Heartache, Rhythm of My Heart, Forever Young, Have I told you Lately, toppped off with the cherry on the sundae of Maggie Mae.  Carlos Santana joined Rod for the Etta James cover I’d Rather Go Blind.
 
Stewart is an uber-showman, and he compensates for road worn vocals by using his band to the max. Beautiful backup singers adorned in aqua skirts are aestehtically pleasing, and handle their musical responsibilities with aplomb. Â Stewart’s recent release Time finds him both writing and singing, not relying only on his stacked catalog of classic songs of yesteryear to continue his journey. Â The video display behind the singer features settings that remind one of the great day of the saloon singer, and are quite a bit of entertainment in and of themselves. Â Be sure to check out both Rod and Carlos before they sound last call. Â Each artist will now continue touring past this show on their own. Â Â Words by Bob Wilson, Â Photos by Wayne Herrschaft