Cindy Blackman Santana Band Set to Ignite the East Coast

Maxazine | June 20, 2024 | Tournews | No Comments

World-renowned drummer and bandleader Cindy Blackman Santana is set to embark on an East Coast tour with her highly acclaimed ensemble, the Cindy Blackman Santana Band. This vibrant group will perform in Philadelphia, Washington D.C., Portsmouth, NH, Baltimore, MD, and New York City. Audiences can anticipate an intimate and soulful musical journey as Cindy and her stellar band, featuring Aurélien Budynek (guitar), Felix Pastorious (bass), Emilio Modeste (saxophone), Zaccai Curtis (piano), and JD Allen (saxophone, for select NYC shows), delve into the realms of jazz, rock, and fusion, showcasing Blackman Santana’s signature drumming style.

The New York Sun praised last summer’s New York City shows at Birdland, noting Blackman Santana’s commanding presence and musical prowess. Her ability to lead and inspire her bandmates is evident in every performance.

“I’m thrilled to bring my band to the East Coast! We’re excited to connect with the audience and share the energy and passion we bring to the music,” says Blackman Santana.

This year, Blackman Santana balances her work with her ensemble and her role in the iconic Santana collective. She will be part of the Santana residency, “An Intimate Evening with Santana: Greatest Hits Live” at the House of Blues Las Vegas, and the “Santana and Counting Crows Oneness Tour 2024” across the U.S. this summer.

Looking ahead, Blackman Santana will return to the studio for her upcoming solo album, further solidifying her enduring musical legacy and commitment to pushing the boundaries of sound.

Cindy Blackman Santana is a virtuoso drummer whose artistry spans jazz and rock. As a bandleader and musician, Cindy is a sound innovator passionate about pushing creative boundaries. From her early career as a busker in New York City in the ’80s to her current global tours, Cindy has performed with renowned artists including Pharoah Sanders, Cassandra Wilson, and Joe Henderson. She writes, records, and performs with her bands, Cindy Blackman Santana Group and Another Lifetime. In 2011, she formed Spectrum Road with Vernon Reid, Jack Bruce, and John Medeski. Cindy was the drummer for Lenny Kravitz’s band from 1992 to 2007 and again in 2014 and 2015. Since joining Santana full-time in 2016, she has mesmerized audiences worldwide. Her drumming features on multiple Santana albums, and her solo work, including “Give the Drummer Some” (2020), highlights her incredible versatility.