Hear Santana and Steve Winwood Cover Procol Harum’s “Whiter Shade of Pale,” ‘Blessings & Miracles’ LP Out 10/15

Another preview of Blessings and Miracles, the anticipated new studio album from Carlos Santana, is here — and it finds the legendary guitarist teaming up with a fellow music icon, Steve Winwood, for a cover of Procol Harum’s classic “Whiter Shade of Pale.”

Featuring Winwood’s unmistakable voice paired with the steady, entrancing guitar licks from Santana, the cover is warm, reverent and quite relaxing:

Apparently, this collaboration had been in the works for a while. Per a news release:

Santana recalls how he and Winwood were at a show in London’s Hyde Park, and he went up to him and suggested they record the song. “I said, ‘You and I have to do it, but we’re going to do it very sexy, like a Hare Krishna but with congas.’ I played the components in his ear, and he said, ‘I hear it, Carlos. You’re right.’ So that’s what we did – it’s Santana, Cuban, Puerto Rican in an African way. And man, you talk about sexy. Steve’s voice is so sexy and beautiful.”

Santana’s new album, Blessings and Miracles, is due out Oct. 15.

Click here to pre-order Blessings and Miracles on CD from our Rock Cellar Store

This new version of “Whiter Shade of Pale” is the latest preview of the new record, joining the previously debuted “Move,” featuring Rob Thomas, a lively sequel to their global smash-hit “Smooth” from 1999:

And “She’s Fire,” a collaboration with Diane Warren and rapper G-Eazy:

Revisiting the inspiration that spawned 1999’s Supernatural album, Santana teams up with a host of other notable names for the new record, the guest list including Chris Stapleton, Winwood, Chick Corea, Rick Rubin, Corey Glover, Kirk Hammett, Ally Brooke and Narada Michael Walden, among others.

Of the many guests who join him on the record, he says:

“I don’t choose people – it’s like I’m chosen. But, of course, I’m honored to work with such incredible artists. I’m a surfer riding those waves that become songs by different artists, creators and architects. I’m very fortunate that I have the opportunity to do that. It’s a gift I don’t take for granted.”

As for the backing band supporting the legendary guitarist, a news release notes that Blessings and Miracles “features bravura performances from members of Santana’s touring band (including drummer Cindy Blackman Santana and singer Tommy Anthony), as well as impeccable vocals and keyboards by the guitarist’s son, Salvador Santana, and stunning lead vocals by daughter, Stella Santana.”

The album’s track listing:

1. Ghost of Future Pull/ New Light
2. Santana Celebration
3. Rumbalero (featuring Salvador Santana & Asdru Sierra)
4. Joy (Carlos Santana & Chris Stapleton)
5. Move (Carlos Santana, Rob Thomas, Zac Barnett & American Authors)
6. A Whiter Shade of Pale (featuring Steve Winwood)
7. Break (featuring Ally Brooke)
8. She’s Fire (Diane Warren, G-Eazy & Carlos Santana)
9. Peace Power (featuring Corey Glover)
10. America for Sale (featuring Kirk Hammett & Marc Osegueda)
11. Breathing Underwater (featuring Stella Santana, Avi Snow, MVCA)
12. Mother Yes
13. Song for Cindy
14. Angel Choir (featuring Gayle Moran Corea)/ All Together (featuring Chick Corea)
15. Ghost of Future Pull II

Santana and his band are on the road right now, as well — the remaining dates:

9/21/21 Jacksonville, FL Daily’s Place
9/22/21 Simpsonville, SC CCNB Amphitheatre at Heritage Park
9/24/21 Tuscaloosa, AL Tuscaloosa Amphitheater
9/25/21 Augusta, GA The James Brown Arena
9/26/21 Brandon, MS Brandon Amphitheater
9/28/21 Chattanooga, TN Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Auditorium
9/29/21 Franklin, TN First Bank Amphitheater
10/1/21 Tulsa, OK Paradise Cove at River Spirit Casino Resort
10/2/21 Durant, OK Choctaw Grand Theater
11/3/21 Las Vegas, NV House of Blues
11/5/21 Las Vegas, NV House of Blues
11/7/21 Las Vegas, NV House of Blues
11/10/21 Las Vegas, NV House of Blues
11/12-14/21 Las Vegas, NV House of Blues
12/1/21 Las Vegas, NV House of Blues
12/3-5/21 Las Vegas, NV House of Blues
12/8/21 Las Vegas, NV House of Blues
12/10-12/21 Las Vegas, NV House of Blues

In related news, Santana and Earth, Wind & Fire also rescheduled their anticipated Miraculous Supernatural tour for the summer of 2022. The trek was supposed to take place this past summer before being pushed a year to Summer 2021 — but now that, too, has been rescheduled for 2022 due to the logistical uncertainty of mass gatherings in the coming months.

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