Peter Green was a renowned British blues guitarist who was best known as the founder of the band Fleetwood Mac. One of his most notable compositions was the song "Black Magic Woman." "Black Magic Woman" was originally released in 1968 and gained popularity when it was covered by the band Santana in 1970. The song is a seductive and mysterious blues-rock track that captivated audiences with its hypnotic rhythm and haunting guitar melody. Peter Green's version of "Black Magic Woman" showcased his exceptional guitar skills and unique musical style. He had a distinct ability to seamlessly blend elements of blues, rock, and jazz, creating a sound that was both powerful and soulful.
Don’t turn your back on me, baby
Don’t turn your back on me, baby
Yes, don’t turn your back on me, baby
Don’t mess around with your tricks
Don’t turn your back on me, baby
’cause you might just wake up my magic sticks
You got your spell on me, baby You got your spell on me, baby Yes, you got your spell on me, baby Turnin my heart into stone I need you so bad Magic woman I can t leave you alone. All in all, Black Magic Woman Gypsy Queen showcases some of the best features of the original Santana lineup, and remains, to this day, one of Santana s most popular songs.
He had a distinct ability to seamlessly blend elements of blues, rock, and jazz, creating a sound that was both powerful and soulful. The haunting guitar riff in the song is one of the most recognizable in rock music history, and it perfectly complements the dark and mysterious lyrics. The song tells the story of a man who becomes enchanted by a mysterious and alluring woman who possesses the power to control his emotions.
Santana: Black Magic Woman
Though most people identify the song “Black Magic Woman” with Santana, it was actually written in the late ’60s by Fleetwood Mac guitarist Peter Green. And, in fact, it become a hit in Britain for Fleetwood Mac before Santana ever recorded it.
The original version, however, is substantially different from Santana’s iconic recording (the first and most memorable version appeared on Abraxas in 1970). Fleetwood Mac’s Black Magic Woman is a simple guitar/bass/drum instrumental track with a vocal overlaid. Although there are hints of the melodic guitar riffs that Carlos later made famous, most listeners would barely recognize the song.
One of the most critical differences in the Santana Black Magic Woman, however, is the combination of that original Peter Green song with “Gypsy Queen,” by Gabor Szabo. Gabor was an innovative guitarist who combined elements of jazz, pop-rock, and his native Hungarian music. In Santana’s Black Magic Woman, Szabo’s Gypsy Queen actually bookends the song — inspiring the opening riffs, and providing the framework for the jam at the end.
Technically, the full name of the song on Santana’s albums is: Black Magic Woman/Gypsy Queen.
Latin-Rock Video
Check out the new video for this guitar and percussion-driven song by the leading Santana Tribute and Latin-rock band.
Besides the integration of Gypsy Queen, Santana’s Black Magic Woman differs from the original in numerous ways. First, is the addition of keyboards. Gregg Rolie uses electric piano and Hammond B3 organ to fatten the rhythm section, as well as contributing several standout riffs of his own. Second is the addition of percussion, with not only the usual timbales and congas, but also guiro and bongos in the mix.
Carlos, of course, takes some of the thematic elements hinted at by Peter Green and fleshes them out into memorable hooks. The subtle shadings of his Gibson SG guitar swing from soft clean tones to more raunchy sounds, including some that degenerate into feedback. He also makes good use of his volume control to, like a violinist, add drama by altering the volume and tone during held notes.
Both timbalero Jose Chepito Areas and conguero Mike Carabello are even more active than usual on Black Magic Woman. Areas, in particular, has a chance to open up and show some impressive chops during the end of the Gypsy Queen jam.
All in all, Black Magic Woman/Gypsy Queen showcases some of the best features of the original Santana lineup, and remains, to this day, one of Santana’s most popular songs.
[do_widget /> Black Magic Woman Video
The lyrics combined with Peter Green's soulful vocals create a mesmerizing and sensual atmosphere that draws listeners in. "Black Magic Woman" not only solidified Peter Green's status as a guitar virtuoso but also established Fleetwood Mac as a force to be reckoned with in the music industry. The song remains a staple in their discography and continues to be celebrated as one of their most iconic tracks. Peter Green's contribution to music, particularly through his composition of "Black Magic Woman," continues to inspire and influence countless musicians across the globe. His unique and innovative guitar playing style, coupled with his emotive and captivating songwriting, solidifies his legacy as one of the greatest blues-rock guitarists of all time..
Reviews for "Peter Green's 'Black Magic Woman': Unlocking the Mysteries of its Chord Progressions"
1. John Doe - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "Peter Green Black Magic Woman". I had heard so many great things about it, but it just didn't live up to the hype. The storyline was weak and the characters were underdeveloped. It felt like a cheap imitation of similar supernatural thrillers. I wanted to be captivated and on the edge of my seat, but I found myself getting bored and disinterested. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this book to others who are looking for a thrilling and well-executed supernatural story.
2. Jane Smith - 1 star - "Peter Green Black Magic Woman" was a complete waste of my time. The writing was cliché and the dialogue was cringe-worthy. The characters lacked depth and were completely unrelatable. The plot was predictable and offered no surprises. I struggled to make it through the entire book as I found myself not caring about the outcome. I would not recommend this book to anyone who values well-crafted literature and engaging storytelling.
3. Amanda Johnson - 2 stars - I had high hopes for "Peter Green Black Magic Woman" but was ultimately let down. The book started off promising, but it quickly lost its momentum. The pacing was incredibly slow, and it felt like nothing much happened for the majority of the story. The romance element felt forced and unrealistic. Additionally, the ending was unsatisfying and left too many loose ends. I would advise readers to skip this one and find a more compelling supernatural thriller to invest their time in.
4. Mike Thompson - 2.5 stars - "Peter Green Black Magic Woman" had an interesting premise, but it fell flat in its execution. The writing style was lackluster, lacking the descriptive flair and engaging prose that I was hoping for. The characters felt one-dimensional and lacked depth, making it difficult to connect with them on any level. The plot had potential, but it was filled with unnecessary and confusing subplots that distracted from the main story. Overall, I was left feeling underwhelmed by this book and would not recommend it to others.