Sy Smith’s rendering of jazz standard ‘Feeling Good’ is the perfect tonic to usher in the New Year.

First performed on stage by Cy Grant in musical The Roar of the Greasepaint – The Smell of the Crowd, ‘Feeling Good’ was given an iconic, richly orchestrated makeover by Nina Simone  – whose version became the template for future covers by Michael Bublé, Jennifer Hudson, and Lauryn Hill.

Enlisting keyboardist DominiqueXavier (Prince, MonoNeon, Snoh Aalegra), Smith refashions the song as a contemporary mantra of optimism to round off a year characterised by bleak uncertainty. She says: “If 2020 has taught us anything, it’s taught us to take pause, to slow down and be grateful for the life, love, health and happiness that’s directly in our view.”

Beginning with just Smith’s vocal and finger snaps, the track soon slinks into a jazzy, neo-soul groove buoyed by DominiqueXavier’s sensitive touch. Smith’s vocal is playful and beguiling – the featheriness of her voice allowing her to glide over the production. She finally drops the refrain (‘I’m feeling good’) after four minutes of build-up, revelling in ad-libs and jazzy scats which guide the listener to Smith’s endearing sign-off: ‘Feeling so good from the top of my head, down to the bottom of my feet, in the tips of my fingers – I’m feeling good!’

Listen to the song below and read The House That Soul Built’s interview with Sy Smith here!