Customer Reviews

Feliz Navidad

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

RCA after 32 years decided to release this great album on cd, really hard to understand why so much time must pass for hear it again: Is THE real Christmas Album, songs, orchestral arrangements, voice and guitar of Jose... all is wonderfull, classic and on the same time new and creative, is absolutely un advice for all, fans, music lovers of the genres, listner of classic music, lovers of classical guitar and again on this cd, instrumentals tunes, english, spanish, Feliz Navidad, 3 bonus tracks never relesed before.... hard hear it only in Christmas time!
Below, this was the original Billboard Review in 1970 when the Album was released:

PICK - Originally reviewed for week ending 11/7/70
"Jose Feliciano applies his unique vocal and instrumental sylings to this recording of popular Christmas songs. Supported by a creative arrangement of strings, brass and percussion under the direction of Perry Botkin Jr., Feliciano adds interesting new dimensions to old Christmas favorites like, "Silent Night," "Little Drummer Boy," "Mary's Boy Child," and "The Cherry Tree Carol."

PS. Fans hope this nice gift from RCA can be the first of other for release originals LP of 60s and 70s of Jose in CD again.

What a pleasure it was to disover this album finally back in print after all these years. Thirty years ago, Jose Feliciano made "Feliz Navidad" a modern-day Christmas classic and it is, of course, the title song on this CD. But wait, there's more. Jose's mellow voice and expert classical guitar playing make every song a treat to listen to. And nearly every song is, to say the least, non-traditional.

A good example is Jingle Bells. Played as an instrumental with latin tempo, it becomes a real toe-tapper. Then there are the less common carols such as the "Cherry Tree Carol." Well sung, well played.

This is very simply a great Christmas album, ranking right up there with the holiday albums of Bing Crosby and Nat King Cole. At $11, what a bargain!

I don't remember exactly when or from who my mother received this album, but I know for a fact it was more than 20 years ago. I, along with my five siblings, couldn't get enough of the guitar and the vocals. We played it over and over from Thanksgiving until New Years Day, yet our parents never complained. I remember speeding it up to 78rpm on the "Show and Tell" record player and being disappointed when we had scratched it so badly it was useless.
This album holds many fond memories of my childhood and I am so grateful it is available once again. This is the Christmas present that i KNOW Mom will enjoy.

Finally, THE Xmas album has been re-released! Thanks to the powers that be! This is simply a must-have for all Feliciano fans everywhere and it should make some non-believers believe that "Yes, there really is a SANTA CLAUS!" The album is balanced with soft instrumentals showcasing Jose's great guitarmanship, such "White Christmas" and lively Xmas songs with Jose's unique vocals, such as his magnificent composition, "Feliz Navidad." The "Cherry Tree Carol" is a beautiful song that sends shivers up ones spine as you listen to it. Likewise, with "Little Drummer Boy"! Whether sipping some wine or mulled cider near the fireplace or entertaining family and friends, there is something on this album for everyone.

As a special bonus, this album has 3 never released songs on it. Jose's "Jingle Bells" puts a whole new rhythm and twist on this carol. Our holidays don't begin until we put this CD on!

No words can express the happiness
I found when I found this was FINALLY available after all these years. Now my old crusty gold 33 and a third album can rest assured there is back up! This to me as a true Feliciano fan is a wonderful dream come true to hear this wonderful Xmas music as only Jose can deliver come to life again in our cars, our hearts, our memories and forever! Feliz Navidad to all my fellow Feliciano friends!
Jan West

This is one of the best Christmas albums ever recorded. The amazing genius of Jose Feliciano shines thru in every song. This album is probably one of Jose's most special albums and for his fans as well. Longtime Feliciano fans (myself included) have long for this LP to be release on CD and after 32 years it finally became a reality. On this record Jose goes back to a style of simplicity which he's always been known for. All of the songs were recorded with very little instrumentation. In fact the only other instrument that appears on the album besides Jose's guitar is a little of percussion and very little drums too little to really notice. Jose's voice is smooth and clear as a bell and the emotion that he puts into everyone of these holiday standards is evident when you hear the album. I love the guitar instrumentals like "Jingle Bells" and "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town" which has Jose really rocking with the acoustic guitar really excellent. "Las Posadas" is a beautiful song like "Santa Claus" that was not included in the original LP released in 1970. Felciano's mellow and easy going style is pure and honest and you can't help but to be deeply moved by this beautiful song sung in his native tongue. This is a beautiful album that is a timeless classic and will be enjoyed from generation to generation. Now that RCA has finally made it available on CD it should reach a wider audience and makes a perfect gift during the holidays or just listening to Jose's beautiful voice and crisp and mellow guitar drinking a glass of Eggnog by the fire.

I'm so glad RCA Records finally decided to re-release this album onto CD. Besides the classic "Feliz Navidad", I enjoy the instrumental versions of "Jingle Bells" and "White Christmas", and I think Jose Feliciano sings the song "The Cherry Tree Carol" in the right tone. The previously unreleased tracks are also a bonus. A very enjoyable Christmas CD!

The VERY OVERDUE re-release of Jose's timeless Christmas album that first came out in 1970. The original has been a favorite of my entire family for over 30 years. I'm amazed that it took RCA so long to put this fabulous music out on CD. I've had this album in every format ... vinyl, 8-track, cassette, and now, at last, on CD.

Okay,so I must have a later CD release of this album, as I have only the 12 original tracks and not the three bonus tracks apparent here (and I bought mine just last year right here on Amazon--dang--I would love to have those extras). Nonetheless, like nearly each review here has cited, I was thrilled to find this wonderful holiday album finally available (it is almost impossible to find on vinyl, being long out of print). Jose Feliciano covers traditional Christmas tunes like "Jingle Bells" and "White Christmas" with a subtlety that is both hip and refreshing, dusts off a few war horses like "Silent Night" and "The First Noel" to infuse them with a surprising poignancy, and discovers more obscure material like "The Cherry Tree Carol" and "Mary's Little Boy Child" to place them at the center of this intelligent and gentle offering. I did buy three copies, two as gifts, as this one ranks as one of the best Christmas albums ever produced, and I love sharing my loves with my loves. Do not hesitate; find a copy of this treasure.

From the first time I heard this album in 1979, it has been my favorite Christmas album. I was never able to find the record, as it was already out of print, but my neighbor graciously made a tape of it from his very carefully taken-care-of record. I long ago wore out that tape. About three years ago I began searching for the record online, and though I saw a few on ebay, they nearly always sold for over $75, so I never bought one.

I am so thrilled that this album is again in print, and I hope that many more people find it as wonderful as I do. The extra cuts are fabulous.

Thank you, Jose!