I WANT TO JAM WITH CARLOS!

[JEFF MAKOR]

When I was young, I heard a sound and it turned my head.
I knew right there that I was going to play guitar.
"It was like the sound of my mother and father talking to me", was how I put it.
I was 12 years old.
Now, almost 48, I have stayed true to keeping the sound of Carlos alive in the UK, even though Latin (and all it's shades seems to come in waves or fads in the UK).
I've played up and down this land, but it's the USA where i have most of my support and I want to be there to celebrate that knowledge by playing...one day, I hope.
I've made many friends through my versions of Santana tunes and with my original material, which is close in style to Carlos.
Imagine then how happy I was to hear Santana is to play at Silverstone, England in July!
I wrote to the management but apparently, I cannot fulfill an outstanding wish of playing/jamming a song on stage with Carlos and the guys, because Carlos "never grants this kind of request".
This saddens me.
After keeping the flame alight and dedicating my entire adult life to playing and promoting this music, I feel cheated.
You may think it's childish to even want such an opportunity, but you have to walk in my shoes to understand how I now feel.
Also, I too have heard that, Michael Jackson has sadly passed away.
The sad news has made me think of my own mortality.
I have no idea how long I can continue with making music, but one thing seems certain, not being a corporate figure, celebrity and 'connected' is a stigma.
shalom
Jeff Makor
www.myspace.com/jeffmakor

[Silja Saareoks-Kaldre]

You're playing so great, for sure you can go on with it. If you want. You can do anything.
I like Slabo Day, this is really awesome. With best wishes, Silja

[William L. Kimmel Jr.]

Shalom Jeff,
I Play guitar also and started when I was about 12. Now I am 49. I was influenced by Carlos as well as David Gilmore, Eric Clapton and Eddie Van Halen. Everyone says I sound like Carlos Santana when I play. Its that dang Minor scale blues thing I guess. We have a lot in common except I was raised in Los Angeles, California (North Hollywood) and remember seeing Santana at CalJam 2..(way back in 76 or so). I did some gigs and been round a bit but never really got signed or anything. I made friends and have impressed many people with my guitar. Hell, It even got me married and divorced twice and 6 kids to boot! Now that I am older and hopefully wiser I don't want to be some famous rock star or even to especially jam with one. Instead, I want to give what I can to this world by being who I am. I don't know much about Eddie Van Halen but David Gilmore gives back to the world and Carlos.....Look at this website! Michael Jackson gave back too I might add. The Whole world needs to start to wake up and hear this music. Seven notes are all there are and look at what can be done with that. Peace, Understanding, Tolerance, Friendship, Respect, Dignity and Love are the notes and the whole world needs to play. What a song that would be! Never stop playing man because without us the kids will never learn how to play them blues. Namaste'~Bill

[JEFF MAKOR]

Thank you very much for the kind words, sweetie.
Your page and photos are beautiful.
Jx

Silja Saareoks said:

You're playing so great, for sure you can go on with it. If you want. You can do anything.
I like Slabo Day, this is really awesome. With best wishes, Silja

[JEFF MAKOR]

Listening and playing in the language we can commonly call 'Latin Rock' is one of the purest joys of my life, and I'm glad you play, too.
regards and shalom
Jeff

William L. Kimmel Jr. said:

Shalom Jeff,
I Play guitar also and started when I was about 12. Now I am 49. I was influenced by Carlos as well as David Gilmore, Eric Clapton and Eddie Van Halen. Everyone says I sound like Carlos Santana when I play. Its that dang Minor scale blues thing I guess. We have a lot in common except I was raised in Los Angeles, California (North Hollywood) and remember seeing Santana at CalJam 2..(way back in 76 or so). I did some gigs and been round a bit but never really got signed or anything. I made friends and have impressed many people with my guitar. Hell, It even got me married and divorced twice and 6 kids to boot! Now that I am older and hopefully wiser I don't want to be some famous rock star or even to especially jam with one. Instead, I want to give what I can to this world by being who I am. I don't know much about Eddie Van Halen but David Gilmore gives back to the world and Carlos.....Look at this website! Michael Jackson gave back too I might add. The Whole world needs to start to wake up and hear this music. Seven notes are all there are and look at what can be done with that. Peace, Understanding, Tolerance, Friendship, Respect, Dignity and Love are the notes and the whole world needs to play. What a song that would be! Never stop playing man because without us the kids will never learn how to play them blues. Namaste'~Bill