Flea releases a jazz version of a Frank Ocean song

Flea released an instrumental reinterpretation of “Thinkin Bout You”, a song originally included in Frank Ocean’s “Channel Orange” (2012). The cover is the new single from “Honora”, the upcoming solo album by the Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist. The version proposed by Flea reinterprets the piece in an orchestral jazz key, transforming it into an instrumental ballad centered on the trumpet. The musician, who before establishing himself as a bass player had studied this instrumentthus returns to his formative roots, accentuating an interest in the jazz language which over the years has remained a constant component of his artistic career.

“Honora”, anticipated in December by the single “A Plea” and then officially confirmed with the publication of “Traffic Lights”, takes its name from a family figure dear to Flea. On the album the musician signs the composition and arrangements and, in addition to playing, he also contributes to the vocal parts. Collaborators include Nate Wolcottwho handled several arrangements for the album, including the string part of the Frank Ocean cover. Explaining his song choice, Flea cited the impact “Channel Orange” had on him upon its release, calling it a record he listened to obsessively and considers a personal turning point. The idea, he said, was to highlight the melodic structure of the piece through the trumpet and a stripped-down orchestral arrangement, focusing on the musical line rather than the vocal element. With this publication, Flea confirms that “Honora” will be a work distant from the funk-rock aesthetic of the Red Hot Chili Peppersoriented instead towards a more chamber and jazz style of writing, built around dynamics, orchestrations and the centrality of the melody.