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As was announced earlier this week, Dave Masonand The Quarantines have released one of Mason’s most iconic and heavily covered songs since its release in 1968 – “Feelin’ Alright” via Shelter Music Group/BMG. Dave assembled a bevy of heavy hitter friends to re-record the classic song: Mick Fleetwood, Sammy Hagar, Michael McDonald and The Doobie Brothers: John McFee, Tom Johnston, John Cowan and Pat Simmons. Dave’s longtime drummer, Alvino Bennett, also lends a hand as does Pat Simmons, Jr., Pat’s son, joining in the fun. The song is available on all digital platforms today in addition to a video featuring all of the players, performing their parts, in their own homes/studios during quarantine.
Listen to the new version of “Feelin’ Alright” HERE, watch the video, HERE
“Feelin’ Alright” is one of the most covered songs today, with well over fifty different acts giving their take to the international hit including such artists as: Joe Cocker, The Jackson Five, Lou Rawls, John Belushi, Three Dog Night, Gladys Knight and the Pips, Grand Funk Railroad, ELO, Freddie King, Widespread Panic, The Black Crowes and many more.
Mason penned the song at the young age of 22 while alone on the Greek island of Hydra writing new songs for the second Traffic album. “When I wrote the song, to be honest, it was about “not feeling too good myself,” explains Dave. “But more than 50 years later, the song has taken on an entirely new meaning, especially for younger listeners, and I hope this celebratory version helps give everyone a boost and a reason to look ahead with a positive spirit. If this situation has taught us anything it’s that we sometimes need to stop, slow down, reflect and yet still create. So many artists are stepping up to share their work in new ways. The magic of music endures. It just might look a little different for a while. Friendship and joy never go away and this is something to celebrate and remember as we move into what feels like another phase in this journey. We proceed with great love, great music and great care for one another. And we hope you’ll join us in singing along.”
As Mick Fleetwood expressed to Dave about contributing to this song, “How great to be ‘Feeling Alright”!! The timing to be playing with such a dear friend…This, I’ll say it loud and clear, is an iconic song!! That reappears in different musical interpretations…this is yet another, what a pleasure to be one of the ‘Quarantines’ and to be playing in such great company…just what the Dr. ordered… ‘in these strange times.”
Sammy Hagar echoes the same sentiments, “I’ve always been a fan of Dave Mason since Traffic. He’s written some classics that I’ve cut my teeth on…learning how to play and write songs myself. Feeling all right is one of my favorites. And this is a pretty damn cool version.”
Mason has been respectfully called a musical “gunslinger” for a reason; having worked with some of the biggest names in music, his trademark guitar licks and musical touches are all over some classic hits. He recorded an album with Mama Cass, played rhythm guitar on “All Along the Watchtower” with Jimi Hendrix, was a founding member of Traffic, recorded with Paul McCartney and The Rolling Stones, was part of Fleetwood Mac for a spell, as well as a guitar designer and a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductee …. Yep, that’s Dave Mason.
