At a time when music is becoming increasingly automated, polished and algorithmically optimised, Israel Portnoy is moving in the opposite direction.
His latest single, “Feelin’ Good”, isn’t built around a viral hook or a studio trick. Instead, it draws its strength from something far less fashionable and arguably far more difficult to create: genuine human connection. Featuring Jewish country artist Joe Buchanan alongside gospel singers and musicians spread across the United States, Israel and beyond, the track feels less like a recording session and more like a gathering of voices.
What makes “Feelin’ Good” particularly compelling is the unlikely meeting point at its centre. Jewish and Christian traditions intersect naturally throughout the song, not as a statement but as a shared musical language. Country, gospel, folk and soul influences weave together into something warm and welcoming, carried by performers who sound like they’re singing with one another rather than simply alongside one another.
The song began when businessman and songwriter Robert L. Stark shared an early version with Portnoy. What followed was not a straightforward production job but a creative partnership that gradually expanded in scope. From his New York studio, Portnoy reshaped the arrangement, brought together contributors from multiple cities and backgrounds, and transformed a simple song into a collaborative project spanning continents.
That sense of community mirrors the song’s message. Rather than focusing on external validation or achievement, “Feelin’ Good” explores a quieter idea: that self-acceptance is often the foundation for meaningful connection with others. It is a theme that resonates throughout the track’s gospel-influenced chorus, where individual voices come together without losing their individuality.
For Portnoy, whose career has long been shaped by faith, reflection and cross-cultural collaboration, the single feels like a natural continuation of his artistic journey. Yet there is something especially timely about its optimism. In a world that often feels fragmented, “Feelin’ Good” offers a reminder that some of the most powerful music still comes from people gathering around a shared idea and finding common ground within it.
Photo Credit: David Zimand
