Santana - Corazon, Live from Mexico: Live It to Believe It

Santana - Corazon, Live from Mexico: Live It to Believe It is a riveting 2014 documentary film that captures the radiant energy, profound musical talents, and the iconic status of Carlos Santana and his band. The film features prominent personalities like Elan Atias, Cindy Blackman, and ChocQuibTown among other members of the legendary musical ensemble. The film is not merely a concert; it is a multifaceted sensory spectrum that intertwines music, culture, personality, vision, and a sense of history in its unique narrative.

The film takes us back to the homeland of Carlos Santana, Mexico, and connects his music to the roots, rhythms, and spiritual energy of the nation, cast against the backdrop of the peerless beauty that is the Mexican landscape. Tapping into the rich reservoirs of Latin American music, Santana's tunes are deeply intertwined with passionate narratives about social issues, awareness, love, and unity.

The documentary aptly named 'Live It to Believe It', is built around Santana's thrilling, riveting concert in Guadalajara, Mexico which was held as a part of the ‘Corazon’ tour, an event celebrated for its musical vibrancy and resonance. Billed as a "once in a lifetime event," the concert resonated just as much with the local community as with international fans. With a seamless blend of rock, Latin, jazz, blues, salsa, and African rhythms, Carlos Santana's music is a testament to the unified diversity of musical traditions worldwide.

Performances by Elan Atias, a Moroccan-born Israeli musician best known as the lead singer for The Wailers, and the Colombian hip-hop group and Latin Grammy winners, ChocQuibTown, add to the diverse rhythms, enhancing the cultural fusion touted by Santana. Cindy Blackman, the brilliant jazz and rock drummer, best known for her works with Lenny Kravitz, also shines in the concert with her magnificent percussive skills and exhibits why she's a perfect fit for the Santana band.

Santana - Corazon, is just as much a visual spectacle as it is an auditory joyride. The film's makers expertly blend backstage footage, quick glimpses of rehearsal moments, personal narratives, interviews with band members, and electrifying stage performances to achieve an immersive experience. This engaging format captures the spirit and essence of a mammoth musical event and makes it an intimate, deeply personal journey for viewers.

Carlos Santana's music has always been about fusion and intermixing musical genres to create a unique, soulful sound. All throughout the film, you notice that this endearing quality is not just limited to his music but is evident in the entire ensemble’s approach. The Santana band, with its diverse multitude of artists from different cultural backgrounds, mirrors the cohesion and unity of diverse elements in Santana’s music.

The film beautifully illustrates that while Santana's music is deeply personal, nuanced with references to his own life, experiences, and heritage, it is also universal, transcending geographic boundaries, cultures, and generations with its emotion and spirit. We are offered the unique privilege of witnessing a legend at work, invoking magic with his music, touching hearts, and inspiring souls.

In all, Santana - Corazon, Live from Mexico: Live It to Believe It is more than just a documentary. It's a homage to one man's unwavering vision and commitment to the universal language of music. It’s a testament, a celebration, and a visual and auditory narrative, echoing a powerful message of unity and love through music.

The film serves as a chronicle of a musical event that brought together vibrant talent from around the world and a captivating journey through the magic of music and its potential to unite, heal, and transform lives. For fans of Santana, or any lover of great music and powerful live performances, this film is a must-watch experience. The magic of Santana’s ‘Corazon’ beats loud and clear throughout the film, reaching out to every viewer, inviting them to ‘live it to believe it’.