Jose Feliciano – The Gov Friday 16 March 2018.
Words Geoff Jenke
The great thing about music in general and especially live shows is, sometimes you just have to take a chance. I am not a particular fan of Jose Feliciano, in fact other than the few singles released way back in the 70’s, songs I never really cared for at the time, I do not know any of Jose’s work.You have to admire him though, being born blind, and grasping music as a way of life. But a review has to be done, someone has to go and as I actually remember those singles in the 70’s, I volunteered. Should be an easy night, there won’t be anyone there anyway, so just sit back at a table and scribble a few notes.
Surprise! The Gov was packed when I arrived, just as the support band was hitting the stage. The sound coming from the stage was surprising good with a 6-piece band playing some 70’s sounding rock/blues. I had no idea who they were but it didn’t take long to work out that this was in fact Jose Feliciano’s backing band, playing support band. A mixture of original tunes (Take me to Heaven and My Revolution) and a few covers, including a great version of Tina Turner’s Simply the Best held the crowds interest, a hard thing at the Gov. The lead guitarist, looking splendid in a fringed waistcoat and big American Indian style necklace and the female singer took it in turns to sing the songs.
As the band left the stage they said they will be back shortly. OK, there will be a 30-minute break so wander over to the bar for a glass of red only to hear the band start up within 10 minutes of leaving the stage and Jose being escorted on.
Jose opened the set with a version of California Dreaming, made famous by the Mama and Papa’s way back in the 60’s and he made it his own tonight. A long instrumental, showing his guitar picking ability melded into Billie Jean which had the crowd dancing along. (God, Please) Gimme 50 More followed with Jose explaining the song was used to help raise money for victims of the recent hurricanes in Puerto Rico.
Thank goodness Jose is an accomplished musician. Between songs he was cracking jokes that were more cringe worthy than laugh worthy. He said being blind is alright, except when he is driving. He had trouble picking up girls when he was younger, because they didn’t like going on a blind date. He thought he would marry a blind lady so they could save on electricity… and so they went all night. Ok, we smiled but we also appreciated his music more.
The Bee Gees To Love Somebody was powerful and up until tonight my favourite version was by Eric Burdon. Jose just nailed it. Knocking on Heavens Door was more Guns N Roses than Bob Dylan with a great guitar duet between Jose and his lead guitarist. In fact, one must complement the band highly. Jose’s son, Jonathon, plays the drums in the band. Jose said he asked him for the tour did he “want to play with three skins or four skins?” Yes they got worse as the night went on.
We got a lecture about giving up smoking, cigarettes that is and Jose is a strong advocate of medicinal marijuana.
During Santana’s Oye Como Va, each member got a chance to play a short solo as they were introduced and he did a duet with his backing singer during I’m Sorry, both having incredible voices. Then to show his versatility, he played a country and western number, One More Drink.
After showing his flamingo playing versatility during the songRain, he pulled out all stops for THE hit, the Doors, Light My Fire. Whilst probably the most popular song of the night, I felt a lot of the earlier songs were done better. Small quibble.
Jose returned for an encore (the band never left the stage), closing the night out with Que Sera.
I am happy to admit I was wrong about the evening. It was a thoroughly enjoyable night and I for one would have loved him to play for another hour, but I guess at 72 years old, 100 minutes is a good innings. Another thing I noticed this evening, how quiet it was between songs. People we listening to his every word, something that doesn’t happen at concerts these days. Perhaps it was because this was an older audience.
Come back soon Jose. I will be in front row.
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