José Feliciano’s- Feliciano! (RCA-Victor)
About this episode
This episode discusses José Feliciano's transformative album 'Feliciano!' and its impact on music interpretation.
José Feliciano’s Feliciano! (RCA-Victor) Released June 1968 Bonus: Season Corrections and Omissions José Feliciano’s Feliciano! is a remarkable example of how a great interpreter can completely reinvent familiar material. Released in 1968, the album consists entirely of covers, but Feliciano transforms them through his distinctive combination of classical guitar, jazz, Latin rhythms, folk, blues, and soul. His versions of “California Dreamin’” and especially “Light My Fire” are the centerpieces, demonstrating his ability to make established songs sound completely new. The musicianship is exceptional, with jazz legend Ray Brown on bass, Milt Holland on percussion, and Jim Horn on flute and woodwinds supporting Feliciano’s extraordinary guitar playing and soulful vocals.The album reached No. 2 in America, while “Light My Fire” reached No. 3, helping Feliciano earn two Grammy Awards. Feliciano! is a masterclass in interpretation—proof that covering someone else’s music can become an original artistic statement. (S5-EP30)
People in this episode
Host: Jay Sweet
Topics covered
- music interpretation
- album review
- cover songs
- jazz
- Latin rhythms
- Grammy Awards
Keywords
- José Feliciano
- Feliciano!
- RCA-Victor
- California Dreamin'
- Light My Fire
- Grammy Awards
- jazz
- album review
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: RCA-Victor
Books & works: Feliciano!
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