Photo: Denise Truscello

Cindy Blackman Santana’s latest album will be released on July 31. On Coherence, the adroit drummer and vocalist is joined by her touring band, as well as some celebrated musical company. Along with her stalwarts: Emilio Modeste (saxophone), Aurelien Budynek (guitar), Zaccai Curtis (keyboards), and Felix Pastorius (bass), guest musicians include Carlos Santana, John McLaughlin, Matt Garrison, Ray Angry and Dave Eggar.

Blackman Santana has just released a new song from Coherence. “The Message Is Love,” is an apt sentiment for tumultuous times. As the artist explains, “‘The Message Is Love’ is about evoking that feeling. The greatest thing you can feel is the energy, appreciation, and the act of just love for love’s sake. Not for any agenda, just because it’s beautiful, and that’s what the creator is: complete love. Love for love’s sake, no other reason. That’s where the title came from and where the energy of the song comes from.”

This track features some combustive guitar leads from Carlos Santana. In addition, Snoop Dogg contributes a spoken word introduction. Blackman Santana and Snoop Dogg previously collaborated in 2023 on ESPN’s Monday Night Football anthem with Chris Stapleton, in which they delivered a powerful new arrangement of Phil Collins’ “In the Air Tonight.”

The drummer is currently touring with Santana on the Oneness Tour, which also features The Doobie Brothers. She will support Coherence with a special one-off gig at BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! in Prospect Park on July 24. Additional dates will follow, including the Detroit Jazz Festival on September 7, Keystone Korner in Baltimore on October 24 and 25.

“The Message Is Love” is streaming on multiple platforms, while Coherence can be pre-ordered and pre-saved.