Billboard, by way of the KLIZ site, is reporting that there will be a new Santana album in 2008 that will be a 3-CD set of Carlos in a trio setting. He also plans to explore things which has influenced him greatly like Coltrane, etc.
Based on the descriptions in the report, it looks like we are getting good ol' Carlos back from the clutches of the overtly commercial stuff he's been releasing as product over the past few years. If it's true, then I'm breathing a big sigh of relief.
Oh and btw, for my friend Federico, I recall that the article said Wayne Shorter is going to be on the album as well.

Is he done with Clive Davis? Can't imagine such an album being released with Davis' blessings.

That really is good news. One of my favorite purchases this year was the Montreaux CD and DVD with those two.

I certainly welcome more serious music from Carlos, although a trio setting is a bit bare bones.

He was going down the deep path to commercialism, perhaps his change of life (divorce) has made him re-think his musical direction.

I may even consider buying this one if it is more real Santana music.

I forgot to add that the album is supposedly being called The Father, The Son and the Holy Ghost. The trio setting is the core band which will be fleshed out with extra musicians of his ilk (age). It does appear that the trio setting will be the root element of this work. I'm just amazed that he's going to be able to get away with releasing a 3-disc set.
Linda, I'd sure like to get a handle on what Clive Davis has to think of this direction by Carlos. Since I'm an old fan of Carlos, this is a very welcome coming home from an old-time fan point of view.

I hope he includes his percussionists, Raul Rekow and Karl Perazzo. Santana without percussion just isn't right. Santana has spread out before, remember the triple LP "Lotus"? But bearing in mind that Prince's 3-disc "Emancipation" bombed, maybe it's too much.

If we talk about a package as a commerce vehicle, Emancipation bombed - as a work of art it is a great collection of songs - if overreaching, as most multi-disc (particularly CD) recordings are...there is an incredible 2 disc set in there some where (and if confined to the time limits of 2 albums, a' la Sign Of The Times; there is enough prime material to be the 90s version of that masterpeice.)

BUT, I am surprised that there is a 3 disc set of new material being released by anyone at a major label...particularly Carlos. I am intrigued by the 3 person combo; it could make into a pretty good blues-rock power trio setting (Hey Prince, what about doing that!), but 3 hours worth...uhm...not sure...

I imagine Warren Hayes will be on there somewhere...maybe even Prince (would not that be something: they can trade "Variations of the Carlos Santana Secret Chord Progression").

I took a chance on "Emancipation" because I could get it dirt cheap for 4 Euros, and I was pleasantly surprised. I agree with NoURider, there's at least two discs worth of great material on it.

I nominate NoURider for Carlos' new A&R man.