Peter Green's "Black Magic Woman" is a blues rock song that was originally written and recorded by Fleetwood Mac in 1968. However, it gained even more popularity when Santana covered it in 1970. The song is known for its distinctive guitar riff and haunting vocals. Peter Green's mesmerizing guitar playing and soulful voice create a captivating atmosphere that draws listeners in. The lyrics of the song evoke a sense of mystery and intrigue, telling the story of a woman with dark and alluring powers. "Black Magic Woman" showcases Peter Green's incredible talent as a musician and songwriter.
Both timbalero Jose Chepito Areas and conguero Mike Carabello are even more active than usual on Black Magic Woman. Areas, in particular, has a chance to open up and show some impressive chops during the end of the Gypsy Queen jam.
All in all, Black Magic Woman Gypsy Queen showcases some of the best features of the original Santana lineup, and remains, to this day, one of Santana s most popular songs. Their show was heavy on blues standards like Little Red Rooster and I m a Steady Rollin Man, but they did break out a handful of Fleetwood Mac classics like I Believe My Time Ain t Long and The Green Manalishi With the Two Prong Crown.
"Black Magic Woman" showcases Peter Green's incredible talent as a musician and songwriter. His guitar work is both intricate and emotive, with his solos displaying a soulfulness that resonates with audiences. The song's memorable melody and compelling rhythm make it a standout in the blues rock genre.
Santana: Black Magic Woman
Though most people identify the song “Black Magic Woman” with Santana, it was actually written in the late ’60s by Fleetwood Mac guitarist Peter Green. And, in fact, it become a hit in Britain for Fleetwood Mac before Santana ever recorded it.
The original version, however, is substantially different from Santana’s iconic recording (the first and most memorable version appeared on Abraxas in 1970). Fleetwood Mac’s Black Magic Woman is a simple guitar/bass/drum instrumental track with a vocal overlaid. Although there are hints of the melodic guitar riffs that Carlos later made famous, most listeners would barely recognize the song.
One of the most critical differences in the Santana Black Magic Woman, however, is the combination of that original Peter Green song with “Gypsy Queen,” by Gabor Szabo. Gabor was an innovative guitarist who combined elements of jazz, pop-rock, and his native Hungarian music. In Santana’s Black Magic Woman, Szabo’s Gypsy Queen actually bookends the song — inspiring the opening riffs, and providing the framework for the jam at the end.
Technically, the full name of the song on Santana’s albums is: Black Magic Woman/Gypsy Queen.
Latin-Rock Video
Check out the new video for this guitar and percussion-driven song by the leading Santana Tribute and Latin-rock band.
Besides the integration of Gypsy Queen, Santana’s Black Magic Woman differs from the original in numerous ways. First, is the addition of keyboards. Gregg Rolie uses electric piano and Hammond B3 organ to fatten the rhythm section, as well as contributing several standout riffs of his own. Second is the addition of percussion, with not only the usual timbales and congas, but also guiro and bongos in the mix.
Carlos, of course, takes some of the thematic elements hinted at by Peter Green and fleshes them out into memorable hooks. The subtle shadings of his Gibson SG guitar swing from soft clean tones to more raunchy sounds, including some that degenerate into feedback. He also makes good use of his volume control to, like a violinist, add drama by altering the volume and tone during held notes.
Both timbalero Jose Chepito Areas and conguero Mike Carabello are even more active than usual on Black Magic Woman. Areas, in particular, has a chance to open up and show some impressive chops during the end of the Gypsy Queen jam.
All in all, Black Magic Woman/Gypsy Queen showcases some of the best features of the original Santana lineup, and remains, to this day, one of Santana’s most popular songs.
[do_widget /> Black Magic Woman Video
The song's success not only solidified Peter Green's reputation as an influential guitarist but also cemented Fleetwood Mac's place in music history. "Black Magic Woman" remains one of their most well-known songs and a staple in their live performances. Overall, Peter Green's "Black Magic Woman" is a timeless classic that continues to captivate audiences with its mesmerizing guitar work, haunting vocals, and evocative lyrics. It is a testament to the talent and creativity of Peter Green and remains a beloved song in the blues rock genre..
Reviews for "The Artistry of Peter Green's Black Magic Woman: A Masterpiece Revisited"
1. John - 2/5 - I was really disappointed with "Peter Green Black Magic Woman". The writing was sloppy and the plot felt disjointed. It seemed like the author was trying to cram too many ideas into one story and ended up not fully developing any of them. The characters also lacked depth and I found it hard to connect with any of them. Overall, this book just didn't live up to the hype for me.
2. Sarah - 1/5 - I was expecting so much more from "Peter Green Black Magic Woman", but it fell completely flat for me. The story felt forced and unnatural, with awkward dialogue and a predictable plot. The writing itself was lackluster and I found myself skimming through pages just to get it over with. I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone looking for a captivating and well-written read.
3. Michael - 2/5 - "Peter Green Black Magic Woman" had a lot of potential, but it failed to deliver. The pacing was off, with slow parts dragging on for too long and exciting moments rushed through. The characters were one-dimensional and their actions felt irrational at times. The story also lacked depth, failing to explore the interesting themes it introduced. Overall, I found myself disengaged and uninterested in the book, which was a shame considering the intriguing premise.
4. Emily - 3/5 - While I didn't hate "Peter Green Black Magic Woman", I also didn't particularly enjoy it. The writing style was average at best, with nothing standing out to make it memorable. The plot was predictable and offered few surprises. The characters were forgettable and didn't leave a lasting impression. Overall, I felt underwhelmed by the book and it didn't make me eager to read more from the author.