Moby Unveils Orchestral Rework Of Natural Blues Featuring Gregory Porter And Amythyst Kiah
Friday, 30 April 2021
Written by Jon Stickler
Photo: Travis Schneider
Moby has unveiled an orchestral version of his hit Natural Blues.
The soaring rework features soulful vocals from guests Gregory Porter and Amythyst Kiah, with assistance from the Budapest Art Orchestra.
It's the third song to be shared from the 55-year-old's upcoming album, 'Reprise', which comprises reinterpretations of his biggest hits. Previously shared cuts include Porcelain featuring Jim James of My Morning Jacket, and The Lonely Night with Kris Kristofferson and Mark Lanegan. Moby said:
"I’ve had songs that are very despairing, and some that are celebratory, but more often than not I guess my music lives in a bittersweet in-between. Gregory Porter and Amythyst Kiah’s performances bring a new sense of yearning to the song that encompasses both light and dark tones. Their thoughtful interpretations bring out deep nuances to the track only they could uniquely offer."
Porter added: "When I first heard Moby’s Natural Blues I had an immediate connection with the song. It sounded very modern, but at the same time, it felt a thousand years old. The different influences that flow through this music are brought to the fore again in this new version – amplifying the soul, spirit and voice of another time. It’s a pleasure to lend my voice to this classic tune, reimagined and renewed."
Kiah revealed: "I was honored to be asked to sing on this incredible remix of Natural Blues. I remember hearing the song as a child, but it wasn’t until I studied old-time music in college that I realized that I had been listening to the voice of Vera Hall, sampled from the Lomax collection. I’ve been playing ‘Natural Blues’ for years now and it’s the example I give when talking to people about the importance of field recordings and the places they transport us, musically. To come full circle in this way is more than I ever could have hoped for. Hearing my voice with Gregory Porter’s is just stunning and I’m so happy to share this song with such an incredible vocalist."
Head below to view the track's accompanying video, which features footage from the record's companion autobiographical documentary, Moby Doc, made in collaboration with director Rob Bralver.
'Reprise' is due out on May 28 via Deutsche Grammophon.
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