“Europa (Earth’s Cry, Heaven’s Smile)”
Written by: Santana/Coster
Recorded: 1976
Producer: David Rubinson
Engineer(s): David Rubinson, Fred Catero
Assistant Engineer: Susie Foote
Released: March 26, 1976
Available on:
Amigos
Personnel:
Carlos Santana – lead guitar
Neal Schon – rhythm guitar
David Brown – bass
Greg Rolie – keyboards
Michael Schrieve – drums
Armando Peraza – percussion
Jose Chepito Areas – timbales
Upon seeing a friend suffering a bad experience while high on mescaline, Santana composed a piece titled “The Mushroom Lady’s Coming to Town“. This precursor contained the first lick to “Europa“. The piece was put away and not touched for some time. When Santana was touring with Earth, Wind & Fire in Manchester, England, he played the tune, this time with songwriter Tom Coster who helped him with some of the chords, and a new song was born. It was renamed as “Europa (Earth’s Cry Heaven’s Smile)”.
The track was featured in the 2004 film “Shall We Dance?” and has become one of Santana’s most beloved songs with its combination of Latin rhythms, blues and jazz influences.
This is Santana with “Europa”
May your Saturday be smooth sailing. Thanks for stopping by.
See you on the flip side. 😎
NAR©2024
All text, graphics and videos are copyright for The Sicilian Storyteller, The Elephant’s Trunk and The Rhythm Section and is not for use by anyone without permission. NAR©2017-present.
The Elephant's Trunk 
Gato Barbieri covered this and did a great job of it. He and Santana played it together at some point.
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Gato Barbieri is a great sax player and hearing this song played by him takes it to a whole new level. Thanks, John!
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My favorite album of his. I love how “Fiesta” starts…
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I love that song, wonderful guitars
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It’s a real beauty!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
~ Nancy
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Definitely got me going..
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Me too. I love his music.
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incredible playing .. love it and I’m always up for dancing.. 💕
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A delicious slow dance
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That’s how to play the guitar – it puts my strumming to shame!
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And how! Fear not, Keith; I’m sure where Carlos is concerned you’re in good company.
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This track has a very similar groove to Gary Moore’s ‘Parisian Walkways’.
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Absolutely! This is one of my favorites by Gary Moore, featuring Phil Lynott’s haunting vocals. Sexy as hell.
Thanks for sharing this one!
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Santana can make his guitar scream and he does that quite well in this song. Richard Gere and Jennifer Lopez, how could you go wrong with that combination.
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That’s one scene burned into my brain. I think it needs to be shared!
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Dancing looks like so much fun when they are doing it.
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Love this one so much, one of my Santana favorites! Thanks N.!
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This one defines smooth. Enjoy the music, D!
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Speaking of “Smooth,” another of my all-time favorites. Never get tired of it.
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Wow! ‘Tis a long time since I listened to this. What a guitar! Oh boy! ❤️
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That’s why I’m here …. to make your Saturday special! 😂
Enjoy the music, Lesley! 🎶
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Very predictable , the Smoke On the Water. 💜.
What a jobsworth! On an empty highway too but there you go 💜💜
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Such an amazing group they always please and this track is my second favourite. Have a great weekend 💜💜
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Amigos was one of a handful of cassette tapes I kept in my glove box at all times and Europa was the song that was playing when I got my one and only speeding ticket. I got so caught up in the music, I didn’t realize how fast I was going; fortunately I was on an empty highway when I got nabbed. When the cop told me he was a Santana fan, I really thought he was going to let me go with just a warning; no such luck!
Yes, they are an amazing group who always please but now I’m curious …. which is your favorite track?
Thanks, Willow!
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