Vito & Santana!

[OldTimer]

I just saw this article -- a New Year's party/performance in Maui, with Carlos Santana joining Rick Vito and the Mick Fleetwood Blues Band on stage for Black Magic Woman. That had to be great! Couldn't somebody have taped it? Anybody? Please?



Here's part of the article:
Taking the stage Friday night at Stella Blues in Kihei, Rick Vito will front a trio featuring bassist Lenny Castellanos and drummer Kris Thomas. Focusing on the rock and blues roots music he loves, the acclaimed guitarist/singer brings a collective history to the gig that includes playing with an astonishing array of leading artists.

That extensive list includes Fleetwood Mac, Bonnie Raitt, Jackson Browne, Bob Seger, Stevie Nicks, John Mayall, John Fogerty, Roy Orbison, the Byrds' Roger McGuinn, Little Richard, Delany and Bonnie and most recently, jamming with Carlos Santana.

Vito was part of a little rock history- making on New Year's Eve at Mala Wailea when Santana sat in with Mick Fleetwood and his band playing "Black Magic Woman" together for the first time.

A huge hit for Santana and a staple in his concerts, the song was originally composed and recorded by Peter Green with Fleetwood Mac.

"Santana's early roots are in the blues and it was no trouble for him to step on stage with us," Vito reports. "It was a lot of fun trading guitar solos with somebody of that stature. We played our own version and Carlos joined in, and he did a fine job."

Now making his home on Maui, besides playing the occasional date with Mick Fleetwood's Island Rumours Band, Vito has been touring as the lead guitarist and singer with the new Mick Fleetwood Blues Band.

Paying homage to the blues-rock roots of Fleetwood Mac, the Maui-based quartet toured Europe in October, drawing rave reviews.

"The European tour was a total joy; we did 21 dates in 30 days," notes Vito. "It was a great turnout. People really missed hearing the early version of Fleetwood Mac, the blues years. They were very appreciative. It was a great experience. I think Mick was touched by the reaction. I expected it because I've been going over there for years. I know how people revere that music."

While on tour in Germany, the legendary drummer and guitarist appeared on the popular TV music show "Rockpalast" playing a snippet of "Oh Well" unplugged. With Vito on National Resonator and Fleetwood tapping away on some metal stairs, the duo launched into the classic Mac tune. The video clip is posted at:

http://www.rockpalast.de/konzerte/20...ues_band.phtml

"That was impromptu," says Vito chuckling. "They said, 'Play something,' and that was the first thing that came to mind."

With Fleetwood gearing up for a massive new tour with Fleetwood Mac, Vito reports he's fronting a spin-off band called Blue Again, without the drummer. "It's still a celebration of early Fleetwood Mac," he says. "And we actually have quite a few gigs for the Island Rumours Band without Mick. We intend to keep the flame going and carry on in his absences and welcome him back at every opportunity."

Here's the whole article:

http://www.mauinews.com/page/content....html?nav=5014