José Feliciano’s- Feliciano! (RCA-Victor)

José Feliciano’s Feliciano! (RCA-Victor)Released June 1968Bonus: 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)