to anyone who hasn't got any early Santana stuff go out and buy the first 3 CDs. Its' like listening to P at his best live. Forget Jimmi's influence Santana surely is his greatest inspiration in terms of tone, feel and originality, no doubt that's why he plays the Medely so much live and indeed he has admitted it in the past. I just don't get why they haven't done a whole project together?.
One scary thought though is that P plays Santana better than Santana does!.

Prince surpassed Santana YEARS ago.

I saw a photo of them performing together (circa 1999, Rave era) but have never heard it before. If anyone knows anything about this, fill me in, PLEASE!

Prince does his best work solo,imo.

funkyhead said:

Yes, Santana is a huge influence on P's playing. Always have been. But u can't under estimate Hendrix influence either. Musically or otherwise. I know many P fans never really like to credit Hendrix as an influence on P as not only a guitarist, but as a performer when he's playing guitar. But it's as clear as the sun in the sky. It's not like Prince named his film and most popular album "Black Magic Rain"? But sure, u can hear Carlos's style more often in P's playing than Jimi's. P evokes Jimi's style more so than actually playing like Jimi. Really, P plays more and more like Jimi the older he gets. I think he's more comfortable in expressing Jim in his playing now than when he was trying to make a name for himself.

Much as they admire each other, I think they both know that any song/album they record together would only ever be a disappointment, and not live up to what people (probably including them) see as possible.