Beth Orton: Five Essential Songs

Last year, singer, songwriter and pianist Beth Orton returned with the haunting majesty of Weather Alive, the first of her albums that she's produced and one that finds her exploring rapturous space, muscular simplicity, and spare fragility. She collaborated with musicians that innately understood the particular atmospheric textures and temperament that she sought, including saxophonist Alabaster DePlume, drummer Tom Skinner (of The Smile and Sons of Kemet), bassist Tom Herbert (The Invisible) and multi-instrumentalist Shahzad Ismaily.

From the contemplative tidal drift of the title track to the cantering "Fractals," meant for skygazing in a meadow, Orton's vocals murmur, tremble and soar with a disarming vulnerability. Her first album in six years, Weather Alive finds Orton at her most experimental and free. “I think what’s happened with this record is that through being cornered by life," she said in a statement. "I got to reveal myself to myself and to collaborate with myself, actually.”

Ahead of Beth's shows in the New York area this week, including including the Sacred Heart University Community Theatre in Fairfield, Connecticut on September 7 and Tarrytown Music Hall on Saturday, September 9, we reached out to her for "Five Essential Songs" — and Beth calls these five choices her "songs of inspiration whilst making Weather Alive." 

Beth Orton: Five Essential Songs:

Alice Coltrane, "Journey in Satchidananda," Journey in Satchidanada
I remember when I first heard Alice Coltrane. My husband, Sam, was playing her, like it was just one of many of the mind-altering jazz adventures he has taken me on by accident through the music he plays as we go about our days.

I was blown away that he was listening to something that sounded so psychedelic, music so drawn from meditative worlds I was more used to being drawn to. I became obsessed with her music and listened a lot whilst I was writing the songs for the record. She had been a beloved secret for many years for many; for me, as a first-time listener, I was amazed people weren't shouting about her from the rooftops.

Talk Talk, "April 5th," The Colour of Spring
I find it hard to listen to Talk Talk, except for when I am in a certain frame of mind. Mainly because I associate them with a boyfriend I had once who was obsessed with them and I find the memory of him depressing.

But ... When I can allow the beauty that is Talk Talk in. it goes deep. I found myself referencing Mark Hollis at times and that was curious to me, I wasn't sure why. I went back, checked them out again, and let all the beauty flood me with all the tricky feelings — and realized I could have my own relationship with the music. I did not consciously try to create music that reflected them, so it was surprising when people would comment on some similarities between my record and Talk Talk. That blew me away.

Frank Ocean, "Solo," Blonde
It was Grey (Mcmurray), who plays on my record, that really got me listening to Frank Ocean. This track, its spare simplicity, and all the complexity. Incredible songwriting, stunning music; feels so good to listen to. Like falling in love with someone who has many parts that don't make sense to you exactly, but when it all comes together there's something beyond thought that I'm able to comprehend.

I just have to give in to the brilliance and know I don't stand a chance.

Solange, "Cranes In the Sky," A Seat at the Table
A song that became a starting reference when I went into making the record. I wasn't sure how.

I was introduced [to it] by a lovely record label friend when I was trying to describe how I wanted to make this beautiful, spare music. The record doesn’t sound like this would be a reference. Such a beautiful song, the words and the melody. I relate deeply to this song on so many levels at once.

Alabaster DePlume, "Visit Croatia," To Cy & Lee: Instrumentals Vol. 1
Heard To Cy & Lee and there it was! THE SOUND I was hearing in so many of the records that had been moving me most. I contacted him to ask if he would play on a couple of songs and he said yes...

- Beth Orton
September 2023