Jose Feliciano: Six-String Lady (2005)

Jim Santella

Senior Contributor since 1997

Jim Santella has been contributing CD reviews, concert reviews and DVD reviews to AAJ since 1997. His work has also appeared in Southland Blues, The L.A. Jazz Scene, and Cadence Magazine.

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Published: December 2, 2005

Andres Segovia appears to have been a strong influence on the guitar mastery that Jose Feliciano places behind his popular vocals. This instrumental album, a dedication to Segovia, features the guitarist with an acoustic model in hand, expressing his gratitude for the inspiration. The songs, all Feliciano originals, feature his acoustic instrument out in front, interpreting with a classical feeling. He surrounds himself with electric bass, guitar synthesizers, and programmed drum rhythms.

Street Jazz plays out as a smooth jazz trip, allowing his guitar synth to imitate a sultry saxophone while the acoustic guitar strides with classical authority. "Six-String Lady lets his acoustic guitar parade with a soulful strut while synth waves of swirling colors surround him completely. "Acousto Rock drives with a heavy storm warning that lights up the night sky. The song's theme and texture recalls The Ventures. All the while, Feliciano weaves a consistent classical guitar signature into a work that honors the memory of Segovia's virtuosity and leadership.

Three pieces directly aimed at paying tribute to Segovia, plus one that Feliciano has named "España Verde, offer a pure look at the thrills that classical guitar can provide. With these selections, the guitarist catches fire. He demonstrates the virtuosic acoustic guitar technique that he's always made prominent, and he does not hide it among the circle of synths and mechanical rhythms that he employs elsewhere.

Track Listing: Segovia Part One; Catwalk; Millennium; Romantic Interlude; Street Jazz; Six-String Lady; Espa�a Verde; Segovia Part Two; Barn Funk; Not Yet; Acousto Rock; Snow Bird; Exaltation; Segovia Part Three.

Personnel: Jose Feliciano: guitar, guitar synthesizers, percussion, bass; Al Payson: drum programming, bass.

Record Label: Self Produced
Style: Contemporary/Smooth