Santana North Sea Jazz Festival Statenhall, The Hague, The Netherlands July 9, 2004

Live Nuggets on JamFest: Santana Ignites North Sea Jazz Festival with Transcendent Performance
📍 Statenhall, The Hague, The Netherlands | 🗓 Friday, July 9, 2004

This week on Live Nuggets, JamFest dives deep into the archives to bring you an unforgettable, full-concert performance by none other than Santana, recorded live at the 2004 North Sea Jazz Festival. Taking the stage at Statenhall in The Hague, Carlos Santana and his powerhouse ensemble delivered a spiritual, electrifying set that fused Latin rhythms, rock fury, and jazz soul into one transcendental evening of music.

A Masterclass in Global Groove

Opening with the pulsating tribal rhythm of “Jin-go-lo-ba (Jingo)”, Santana wasted no time transforming the festival tent into a communal celebration. The setlist was a brilliant journey across his expansive catalog—moving from the infectious calls of “Spread Love (Da Tu Amor)” to the haunting modern rock pulse of “Put Your Lights On.”

Standout medleys like “Concierto de Aranjuez / Maria Maria” and “Taboo / (Da Le) Yaleo” displayed Santana's unique ability to blur genres—seamlessly weaving classical Spanish guitar, Afro-Cuban percussion, and jazz improvisation into a sound both timeless and now.

The audience was sent into full sway during “Foo Foo” and “Roule,” where the Demon Band-style rhythm section laid down a relentless groove. But it was the climactic fusion of “Apache / Smooth / Dame Tu Amor” that showcased Santana’s enduring flair for melodic hooks and spontaneous energy. The encore performances of “Evil Ways” (a fiery Willie Bobo cover) and a spiritual rendition of John Coltrane’s “A Love Supreme” were pure transcendence—deeply emotional and sonically adventurous.

An Icon with No Expiration Date

Formed in 1966 and led ever since by Carlos Santana, the band has morphed through decades of shifting styles, always anchored by Santana’s unmistakable guitar tone—soulful, searing, and spiritual. From his Woodstock debut to his Supernatural-era global resurgence, Santana has never stopped evolving.

At North Sea Jazz 2004, he wasn’t just looking back—he was testifying to a musical philosophy that bridges generations, cultures, and genres.

The Lineup That Brought the Fire:

• Carlos Santana – Guitar

• Andy Vargas & Michael Tait – Vocals

• Bill Ortiz – Trumpet

• Jeff Cressman – Trombone

• Myron Dove – Rhythm Guitar

• Chester Thompson – Keyboards

• Benny Rietveld – Bass

• Dennis Chambers – Drums

• Raul Rekow – Congas

• Karl Perazzo – Timbales

Why This Show Still Resonates

Whether you fell in love with Santana in the '70s or rediscovered him in the Supernatural renaissance, this performance reminds us why he remains a giant. Santana doesn’t just play music—he channels it.

So tune in, turn it up, and let this Live Nugget transport you to that summer night in The Hague where jazz, soul, rock, and Latin fire danced as one.

🎥 Explore more legendary sets from the North Sea Jazz Festival at the official archive: northseajazz.com
🎶 Want a curated playlist from this concert? Just say the word.