Funky virtuoso
By
Jack Massarik
25 Jul 2007
Bankable near-jazz stars are the face of the new Ronnie Scott's, and singer-guitarist Jose Feliciano is the latest artist to benefit. "I kinda wish Ronnie was still alive," he mused last night, "because I was never booked here before, though I used to sit in, and at other London places, too. Anyone remember the Scotch of St James, or the Bag of Nails?" Nobody but me, it seemed, but Jose was more than welcome.
Funkier than most full-time jazz singers, this super-soulful blind virtuoso has been thrilling audiences for 35 years, during which his street-tough Spanish Harlem voice has developed an attractive slow vibrato and salsa music has become big business worldwide. Everything he does is imbued with Hispanic fire, his acoustic-guitar solos having a stinging precision that reflects both jazz and flamenco.
Oye La Guitarra Mia, sung in Spanish, opened a versatile set by Feliciano's tightknit quintet. Numbers from his current album, Soundtracks of My Life, were dutifully plugged before old favourites (California Dreamin', Listen to the Rain), a rock medley (Knockin' on Heaven's Door, Sunshine of Your Love), a modern classic (Concierto de Aranjuez) and three hilarious Spanish impressions (of Nat King Cole, Julio Iglesias and son Enrique).
His monster hit, Light My Fire, and killer encore, First Time Ever I Saw Your Face, were just icing on the tortilla.
• Tonight. Information: 020 7439 0747.
Details are correct at the time of publication - please check with venue before booking.
Reader views (1)
I saw Jose Feliciano at Ronnie Scott.. and was fantastic! Superlative concert! Over any, Jose Feliciano is a true genius and talent, is incredible how easy he changes any music any type in his style, a true genius but more.. the most incredbile guitarist I saw in my life He's the most underrated artist of this world, and again his latest english album "Soundtrax of My Life" (a true gem) confirms this: He and this Album deserve any accolade
- Marc, London-Uk, 29/07/2007 15:40
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