In a bold departure from his funk-rock legacy, Flea, the iconic bassist of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, has unveiled ‘A Plea,’ an eight-minute jazz composition that serves as a heartfelt call for unity and love amidst societal divisions.
This release marks the first glimpse into his forthcoming solo album, slated for a 2026 release under Nonesuch Records. ‘A Plea’ showcases Flea’s multifaceted musicianship, featuring him on electric bass, vocals, and notably, the trumpet—a return to his first musical love.
The track is enriched by contributions from a cadre of modern jazz luminaries, including double bassist Anna Butterss, guitarist Jeff Parker, drummer Deantoni Parks, percussionist Mauro Refosco, alto flutist Rickey Washington, trombonist Vikram Devasthali, vocalist Chris Warren, and producer Josh Johnson on alto saxophone.
The accompanying music video, directed by Flea’s daughter, Clara Balzary, features interpretive dance choreographed by Sadie Wilking, visually encapsulating the song’s emotional depth. Flea describes the lyrics as a ‘yearning for a place beyond, a place of love, for me to speak my mind and be myself.’ He emphasizes a desire to transcend political discourse, seeking a higher level of conversation that fosters harmony and productivity.
This solo endeavor is not Flea’s first foray outside the Chili Peppers. In 2012, he released the experimental EP ‘Helen Burns’ to support the Silverlake Conservatory of Music. However, ‘A Plea’ signifies a deeper exploration into his jazz roots, reflecting his early influences from legends like Miles Davis and Louis Armstrong.
Fans have responded enthusiastically to this new direction. Comments on the music video highlight the track’s unexpected yet welcome divergence from Flea’s typical style, with one fan noting, ‘When you know you needed something but didn’t know what, this shows up.’ As anticipation builds for the full album release in 2026, ‘A Plea’ stands as a testament to Flea’s artistic versatility and his commitment to using music as a medium for fostering connection and understanding in a fragmented world.