Santana takes Fresh approach to CD sales (USA Today)

A serving of salsa from Carlos Santana might come as no surprise.But chips? For a limited period beginning July 13,the Mexican-born legend will sell his new album exclusively at all 300 Baja Fresh restaurants nationwide.

It's a first for both the artist and the chain.The 10-track 'Food For Thought' boasts four new songs,plus a previously unreleased track from Santana's archives,a tune penned by his son Salvador and selections by Etta James,Buddy Guy,Indigenious and Cesario Evora.

The Santana/Baja deal is the latest in a trend of music/corporate partnerships that enhance an artist's reach and circumvent conventional record-marketing avenues.Proceeds fromn each $8 disc will go to Santana's charitable Milagro Foundation.

and from his official website....



"Food For Thought"---Never-before heard Santana songs to be released to benefit the Milagro Foundation

In conjunction with Baja Fresh Mexican Grill,we are pleased to announce that a special CD containing never-released Santana songs and songs hand-picked by Carlos will be sold as part of a special promotion to benefit the Milagro Foundation.The new Cd entitled "Food For Thought" will be sold for a limited time exclusively at all 300 Baja Fresh Mexican Grill restaurants nationwide beginning July 13.The CD will also be available for purchase on the offficial Santana site on September 13,2004.

The cover artwork features a painting Carlos selected from his personal art collection.The artist is Jesus Angel Perez and the title of the painting is Alimento de los Recuerdos ("Food For Thought").

The tracklist is as follows...

Open Up Your Eyes (written and performed with Salvador Santana)
I Believe It's Time
Serpents and Doves (a mid-90s outtake from a planned album of the same name that was never released)
Biijo de Longe by Cesario Evora
I'd Rather Go Blind by Etta James
Let's Walk and Talk
Angelica Faith
Hold On by Indigenous
It's A Jungle Out There by Buddy Guy
Listen To My Rhythm (Oye Como Va) by Andy Vargas featuring Carlos Santana)



In other Santana news....he's currently on a world tour and plans to release a new album in early 2005.