Christmas is coming and the latest long play offering from Jools Holland has arrived, this time a collaboration with Latin musician legend José Feliciano.
A 14-track release, As You See Me Now, includes original songs and covers, many with the delightful Jools Holland boogie woogie piano trademark and this time with the added advantage of guitar maestro and vocalist Feliciano adding his own air of musical freedom to proceedings.
Feliciano paired with Holland and his band is actually a joy to savour as they cover a wide range of artists such as Stevie Wonder’s Treat Myself, Lead Belly’s Midnight Special and the timeless soul classic, Percy Mayfield’s Hit The Road Jack (also featuring a great vocal from Ruby Turner).
The proceedings also slow down a bit for a beautiful renditions of The Beatles In My Life.and Tracy Chapman’s ballad Baby Can I Hold You.
Listeners could be forgiven for thinking Elton John had stepped in on the session for the wonderful Let’s Find Each Other Tonight, while there is a fabulous ska update on Feliciano’s Christmas classic Feliz Navidad, with the Rhythm & Blues Orchestra.
A great album to enjoy and treasure and great to hear Jose Feliciano’s talents centre stage with Jools Holland on a collection of familiar but wonderfully reworked material.