Santana

Abraxas

First released1970

Abraxas was recorded at Columbia Studios in San Francisco in 1970, following the massive success of Santana's debut album. The album was produced by Fred Lewis and Santana, with engineer Richard C. Thompson overseeing the recording sessions. The production showcased the band's signature blend of Latin percussion, rock guitar, and blues influences, with particular emphasis on multi-tracked percussion and instrumental layering. Released in September 1970, Abraxas became one of the best-selling albums of the decade, reaching number one on the Billboard 200 and spawning the hit single "Smooth" collaboration with Rob Thomas that came decades later. The recording sessions benefited from the band's tightened musicianship following their successful Woodstock Festival performance earlier that year.