At a time when international artistes are flooding India, his act is arguably, the biggest to look forward to. Multi-Grammy Award winning guitarist Carlos Santana, who mesmerised generations with his classic guitar riffs, is set to rock India later this month. In an exclusive email interview with Ruchika Kher, the man known for his Blues-based guitar lines, opens up about his love for Indian ragas, his impending memoir and starting a restaurant
Finally, you will be performing in India. What prompted this decision of yours?
This is officially my first visit. From 1972 to 1981 I had a spiritual guru in India, as well. I want to see temples and I would like to see textures and this is what prompted me to visit India.u00a0u00a0Also Indian music is very profound, yet it has humour, but I like the ragas and meditation music. Indian music, is like exercising.
What can people expect from your performance? Will there be a focus on your evergreen hits or will you concentrate on your more recent work?
I am hungry for colours and sounds. My show will not be boring or traditional. It is a two-and-a-half hour presentation, which will take you through a large collection of music.
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Carlos Santana performs on stage at the Burswood Dome on February 21, 2008 in Perth, Australia. Pic /Getty Images
Would you like to collaborate with any Indian artist?
I have collaborated with artistes like Ravi Shankar and Andrea Bocelli as well as many others in the past. During collaborations, I like having an open heart and an open mind.u00a0u00a0I don’t experience fear when other musicians want to work with me, or want to share music with me. It is not a competition, it is important to learn how to dance with each other; I actually prepare to not have an agenda come in. I like having a fresh perspective.
It has been said that you will be releasing your memoir in 2014. Please tell us a bit on that.u00a0It will come out next year. It is all about spiritual triumph, and away from the usual tradition of shallow, predictable, juicy stories. It is more about sharing the spiritual mechanics and how I was able to grow.u00a0My whole life has been one spiritual victory after another. People should know what makes you resilient, what makes you welcome with everyone across the world.
What are your future plans?
Next year, I will release my memoir and am also looking forward to opening a new restaurant.u00a0Carlos Santana will headline the Rock ‘N India Festival in Bangalore on October 26 and will perform at F1 Rocks at the F1 Circuit in Greater Noida on October 28.
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