Flea’s Jazz Triumph: Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Star Stuns with Trumpet Skills in ‘Honora’ Review

As some rock stars resort to questionable diversions during lengthy tours, Flea of the Red Hot Chili Peppers chose a different path during their 2022-24 world tour. Instead of falling into bad habits, the 63-year-old bassist reconnected with the trumpet, an instrument he played in his youth before his career in funky rock beckoned. His dedication and open-hearted approach have blossomed into a personal jazz journey filled with deep grooves and reflective moments.

Named after a beloved relative, “Honora” is an album that features a collection of talented artists from the LA jazz scene and beyond, across 10 tracks that include original compositions by Flea, chanted mantras, and creative covers. Flea not only plays the bass but also narrates and passionately yells on the track “A Plea,” a desperate cry for peace and love in a world of chaos. He also brings a new twist to Eddie Hazel’s iconic guitar solo from Funkadelic’s “Maggot Brain” with a moving trumpet rendition.

Thom Yorke, Flea’s bandmate from Atoms for Peace, co-writes and lends his vocals to the hauntingly rhythmic “Traffic Lights,” while Nick Cave delivers a rendition of Jimmy Webb’s “Wichita Lineman” that meets all expectations. “Honora” is an album of sincerity, exploration, and soulfulness. It features lively contributions from Tortoise guitarist Jeff Parker and bassist Anna Butterss on the track “Morning Cry.” The minimalist dub track “Frailed” gives space for Flea’s contemplative trumpet solos, and he plays a heart-stirring version of Frank Ocean’s “Thinkin Bout You” to a string accompaniment. While brief appearances are made by his fellow Chili Peppers Chad Smith and John Frusciante, it’s refreshing to see Flea exploring new artistic terrains beyond his usual role.