Acclaimed drummer, composer, bandleader, and vocalist Cindy Blackman Santana will release her new solo album Coherence on July 31 via Mack Avenue Records. The project is introduced by its first single, “Illumination,” available now, offering an electrifying preview of a record that seamlessly blends spiritual jazz, fusion, rock, and improvisation.
Coherence brings together an extraordinary cast of musicians, including Carlos Santana, John McLaughlin, Matt Garrison, Ray Angry, Dave Eggar, and Blackman Santana’s acclaimed touring band. The album thrives on rhythmic interplay, expansive improvisation, and the dynamic energy of live performance, resulting in one of the artist’s most collaborative and adventurous works to date.
The lead single, “Illumination,” highlights the chemistry between Blackman Santana and her ensemble. Driven by her powerful and expressive drumming, the track unfolds through fluid exchanges between saxophone, guitar, and bass, creating a vibrant conversation that captures the spirit of spontaneous creation.
“It was actually our first time ever playing ‘Illumination,’” Blackman Santana explains. “To me, it brings a lot of freshness and energy. I hope you feel the cohesiveness of how we interact together. The title is about bringing brightness to the forefront of people’s minds and hearts. The coming together of the musicians represents the coming together of all people.”
Coherence arrives nearly four decades after Blackman Santana made her debut as a bandleader with 1987’s Arcane. Since then, she has forged one of contemporary music’s most distinctive careers, earning acclaim across jazz, fusion, and rock while continually expanding her artistic voice as a composer, drummer, vocalist, and performer.
Recorded at The Hideout Recording Studio in Las Vegas during late 2024, the album features Blackman Santana alongside her trusted touring band: Emilio Modeste (saxophone), Aurelien Budynek (guitar), Zaccai Curtis (keyboards), and Felix Pastorius (bass). To further realize her vision, she enlisted a remarkable group of collaborators, including Carlos Santana, John McLaughlin, Matt Garrison, Ray Angry, Dave Eggar, and others.
In support of the album, Blackman Santana will perform at BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! at the Lena Horne Bandshell in Prospect Park on July 24 as part of the festival’s 2026 season. She will also spend the summer on the road as drummer for Santana on the Santana and The Doobie Brothers Oneness Tour, while continuing Santana’s residency at the House of Blues Las Vegas at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino with additional September dates.
Renowned for her fearless artistry, Cindy Blackman Santana has built a career that transcends genres, moving effortlessly between jazz, rock, funk, and improvisational music. Her extensive list of collaborators includes Santana, Lenny Kravitz, Pharoah Sanders, Cassandra Wilson, Joe Henderson, Vernon Reid, John McLaughlin, and The Isley Brothers. Since joining Santana full-time in 2016, she has appeared on multiple recordings, including Africa Speaks and Blessings and Miracles. With Coherence, she continues to push creative boundaries while showcasing the depth and versatility that have defined her remarkable career.
Coherence Tracklist:
- Illumination
- Blue Whale
- The Message is Love (feat. Carlos Santana)
- Coherence Tapestry
- Coherence (feat. Carlos Santana)
- Coherence Embrace
- Peace Please
- Psychedelic Movie House (feat. Carlos Santana)
- Guitar Love (feat. Carlos Santana & John McLaughlin)
- Capri (feat. Carlos Santana)
- SyZyGy
- Circe
- Eclipse
- Soon a Queen
- Sunday
- Music
- Sanctuary (feat. Carlos Santana)
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