Note: This post is part of a series where I listen to an album each day in December. Past posts can be found on my substack. All hyperlinked songs go to Spotify links, Youtube links can be found at the end of the post.
I always thought it was unfortunate the only representation of Hispanophone Christmas music we have on mainstream radio stations is Jose Feliciano’s “Feliz Navidad.” There is a surprisingly large canon if you’re interested in branching out into more obscure Christmas music inspired by Puerto Rican celebrations. You can check out Willie Colon, Hector Lavoe, and Yomo Torro’s Asalto Navideño Vol. 1 & 2 or Sonora Ponceña’s Navidad Criolla. If you’re in a Boogaloo mood, Pete Rodriguez’s Boogaloo Navideño will help to create a cheerful mood. The list goes on and on, but one in particular is a favorite of mine.
Cheo Feliciano’s 1973 album Felicidades is essentially an off-site meeting of the Fania All-Stars. The band features classic names like Ray Barretto on congas, Larry Harlow on Piano, Roberto Roena on bongos, and Barry Rodgers on trombone. The trumpet section is probably my favorite part of the band with Hector Zarzuela, Jon Faddis, Larry Spencer, and Luis Ortiz. Ismael Quintana rounds out the band on maracas while Bobby Valentin handles the bass and arrangements (the full personnel list will be at the bottom). Seeing these names on an album sleeve is essentially a guaranteed good time. Cheo is a wonderful lead singer and probably one of my favorite voices in the genre. He has a smooth clear tone and great intonation.
If you need something to dance along to while preparing Noche Buena dinner, this is the album for you. It infuses traditional Puerto Rican rhythms and singing with the hard-hitting salsa of the 70s. Feliciano uses this album to mention the quintessential elements of celebrating the holiday on the island. His ability to paint a distinct picture of island life in songs like “Aleluya De Los Campos” makes me yearn to experience the holiday like my ancestors once did. Albums that are themselves cultural touchpoints are important, but this work also preserves the cultural practices outside of music. Through lyricism, Feliciano shouts out all of the elements that make Puerto Rican Christmas celebrations unique. 50 years later, my family and so many others are still having a lechonito and celebrating.
These are my favorite tracks
If you’re interested in reading more about the album, the Fania website has a section of notes in Spanish that can be translated into English.
Until Tomorrow,
Emily
Listen to Felicidades on YouTube
Listen to Asalto Navideño Vol. 1 & 2 on YouTube
Listen to Navidad Criolla on YouTube
Listen to Boogaloo Navideño on YouTube
Personnel
Ray Barretto - congas
Tony Jiménez - congas (“Mapeyé”, “Aleluya De Los Campos”, “La Fiesta”, “A Las Alegres Campanas”)
Larry Harlow - piano
Roberto Roena - bongos
Bobby Valentín - bass
Nicky Marrero - timbales
Barry Rogers - trombone
Jon Faddis - trumpet
Héctor "Bomberito" Zarzuela - trumpet
Larry Spencer - trumpet
Luis "Perico" Ortiz - trumpet
Ismael Quintana - maracas
Yomo Toro - cuatro
Chorus - Adalberto Santiago, Tite Curet Alonso, Johnny Pacheco, Heny Alvarez, Justo Betancourt, Héctor Lavoe, Ismael Miranda, Ismael Quintana
Producers "Tite" Curet Alonso and Jerry Masucci
Recording Director: Johnny Pacheco
Arrangements - Bobby Valentin