The Calling / Day of Celebration

The album Supernatural, released in 1999, was the result of an effort by Carlos Santana and Arista Records president Clive Davis to create material with a more pop and radio-oriented focus. Santana, who had originally founded the band as Santana Blues Band in 1966 in San Francisco, California, already had a long career, having gained recognition at the 1969 Woodstock festival. Following that initial momentum, the band released their first self-titled album in 1969 and continued with hits like Abraxas in 1970. Over the years, the band's lineup underwent many changes, but Carlos Santana always remained the leader. In the latter half of the 70s, the band explored more experimental sounds, although albums like Amigos in 1976 marked a return to their roots. For Supernatural, a collaboration with various contemporary artists was sought, resulting in a commercial success that revitalized interest in Santana's music and led it to reach number one in eleven countries. The album's production was overseen by Carlos Santana, with the assistance of recording engineers such as Ben Conrad and Mike Couzzi, and mixing by Ben Conrad and David Frazer.