It’s time to lighten things up with an early cocktail hour after serious posts by Jamie O, Cassandra, and myself.

The featured image is the cover of Traffic’s eponymous second album. It’s the album from whence Feelin’ Alright? came.

Dave Mason wrote Feelin’ Alright? in 1968. Mason had left the band but returned for the album.

The piano-forward arrangement most listeners are familiar with was first recorded by Joe Cocker. Dave Mason eventually started performing Feelin’ Alright? with the Cocker-like arrangement.

The switch caused some problems. Mason had a huge row with Steve Winwood when Traffic was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame. Winwood wanted to use the Traffic arrangement, but Mason did not. Oh well, what the hell.

We begin with the Traffic original.

Joe Cocker. The money arrangement:

Lou Rawls did it all: from jazz to blues to soul to rock.

Glady Knight & the Pips usually felt alright without a question mark.

The Bar-Kays began life as a Stax Records house band, toured with Otis Redding then went on to funk glory in the 1970’s.

Paul Weller. The Jam. The Style Council. Say no more.

What would the Friday Cocktail Hour be without instrumental versions of the week’s tune? This time, Hubert Laws followed by Mongo Santamaria.

That’s it for this week. Raise your glass and toast feelin’ alright even if you’re not feeling so good yourself. It’s what Bogie, Betty, and Frank would want. Never argue with them.