Flea, the celebrated bassist of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, offered a captivating performance of Frank Ocean’s “Thinkin Bout You” on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon last night. The appearance coincided with the release of his debut solo album, Honora, a project that sees the musician exploring a different side of his artistry through jazz-infused instrumentals. The performance, featuring Flea on both bass and trumpet alongside a live band and orchestra, quickly resonated with viewers and sparked conversation online.
The cover of “Thinkin Bout You,” originally from Ocean’s critically acclaimed 2012 album Channel Orange, is a standout track on Honora. Flea explained in a prior statement that Ocean’s perform had a profound impact on him. “When that record came out, it really blew me away,” he said. “I listened to it ten million times. It was something I just couldn’t stop listening to. I loved it so much and still do. Just one of those real watershed moment records for me. ‘Thinkin Bout You’ is one of the many great songs on that record, and I thought it would be fun to play on trumpet.”
A Return to Early Musical Roots
Flea’s journey to Honora wasn’t a sudden pivot, but rather a return to his earliest musical passions. During his conversation with Jimmy Fallon, the musician shared a story about discovering the trumpet as a child. He even playfully demonstrated his entrance onto the stage with a handstand, a nod to his energetic stage presence with the Red Hot Chili Peppers. “I was in love with it,” Flea said, recalling his childhood ambition to become a trumpet player like Dizzy Gillespie. A clip of the interview, posted on YouTube, shows Flea fondly remembering meeting Gillespie as a young boy, describing the warmth and kindness of the jazz legend.
He recounted a particularly vivid memory: “He hugged me into his suit. I still remember the smell of his cologne, his nice suit, and his kindness with me. Trumpet was my first instrument.” While the bass would ultimately become his signature, the trumpet remained a constant presence in his musical imagination. Flea explained that he began seriously revisiting the instrument a few years ago, committing to daily practice. “A few years ago I decided I’m just going to play trumpet every day, no matter what, and after a couple of years of doing it I’m going to make a record and what comes, comes,” he said. “It wasn’t really about a means to an end. It was just the process, the learning process. And I’m so happy that I had the opportunity to do it.”
Honora: A Jazz-Inspired Exploration
Honora, released on March 27, is a deeply personal project for Flea, born from this renewed dedication to the trumpet and a lifelong love of jazz. As reported by Rolling Stone, the album is a tribute to the genre that first captivated him as a child. The album’s title, Honora, is a dedication to his mother, and the music itself reflects a sense of reverence and gratitude.
The performance on The Tonight Show offered a glimpse into the album’s sonic landscape. The instrumental rendition of “Thinkin Bout You” stripped away the original’s vocal elements, allowing Flea’s trumpet and bass lines to take center stage. The orchestral arrangement added a layer of richness and complexity, transforming the R&B ballad into a sweeping, atmospheric piece. You can watch the full performance on YouTube.
Beyond the Chili Peppers
For fans accustomed to Flea’s high-energy performances with the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Honora presents a different facet of his musical personality. While the band remains a central part of his career, this solo venture allows him to explore his artistic boundaries and delve into a genre that has always held a special place in his heart. The album’s creation also coincided with a period of personal reflection and growth for Flea, as he navigated the challenges and joys of life and fatherhood.
The album’s release is accompanied by a limited number of tour dates, offering fans the opportunity to experience the music live. Flea has expressed his excitement about sharing this new chapter with audiences, emphasizing the joy he finds in the creative process. He’s also spoken about the importance of embracing vulnerability and taking risks as an artist, themes that are clearly reflected in the music of Honora.
Flea’s appearance on The Tonight Show served as a compelling introduction to this new musical direction. As he continues to tour and promote Honora, fans can expect further insights into the inspiration and creative process behind this deeply personal and musically ambitious project. The album is available now on all major streaming platforms and in physical formats.
The next scheduled performance in support of Honora is April 2nd at the Troubadour in Los Angeles, California. Tickets are available through Flea’s official website. What are your thoughts on Flea’s new album and performance? Share your comments below and let us know!
