Micah McLaurin (photo: Miguel Villalobos)Perfect for a mid-day brain break, out pianist and composer Micah McLaurin releases his refreshing and unhurried cover of the Henry Mancini/Johnny Mercer classic, “Moon River,” recorded with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra at Abbey Road in London.
Originally performed by Audrey Hepburn in the 1961 movie Breakfast at Tiffany’s, the song scored an Academy Award for Best Original Song and also won the 1962 Grammy Awards for Record of the Year and Song of the Year.
Did I mention it’s also one of my favorite songs…?
McLaurin’s take on “Moon River” (co-arranged by Micah alongside Grammy-nominated arranger Chris Walden and Grammy-winning composer David Campbell) is airy and light with just a whiff of wistful melancholy.
The new release is a creative counter-balance to his recent single “Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend.”
His “Rhapsody in Gaga” – a reimagining of Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance” and “Paparazzi” for solo piano – went viral garnering over a million well-deserved views. Click below to get a wider sense of McLaurin’s amazing virtuosity.
Growing up as a queer kid raised in a conservative, Catholic household in Charleston, South Carolina, left little room for his own voice to flourish. But Micah found respite in queer culture after moving to New York which saw his relationship with music and himself evolve.
Micah’s upcoming album Diamonds (out October 9) is a collection of songs with deep personal meaning – such as “Shallow” from A Star Is Born, “Can’t Help Falling In Love” which was the first song Micah ever performed live, “Over The Rainbow” from Micah’s favorite movie The Wizard of Oz, and more.
You can pre-save the upcoming Diamonds here and follow him on Instagram here.
