Honora

Brilliant solo effort from Chili Peppers man.

A quietly accomplished jazz project.

The Los Angeles-based musician proves capable of holding his own in the company of such virtuoso luminaries from the International Anthem label family as guitarist Jeff Parker (also of Tortoise), bassist Anna Butterss and saxophonist Josh Johnson, who also produced the album.

In ‘Honora’, Flea has found a way to redefine his humble musical roots, far from a vanity project, it’s a deeply considered, richly textured body of work. His debut project is a captivating moment from a musician reconnecting with the very essence of why he started in the first place, and an artist still chasing new meanings in his rich age.

Imaginative interpretations of Funkadelic and Frank Ocean sit alongside starry collaborations and gorgeous instrumentals on the bassist’s brassy side project.

Maybe this could have been two different records: the big-name covers album and the back-room jam session. But in terms of conveying the passions, frustrations and intriguing contractions of its restless instigator, Honora is perfect.

Flea proves to be a nice rather than barnstorming trumpeter, allbeit a subtly ambitious sone: witness his Chet Bakerish take on Funkadelic's Maggot Brain. But ultimately, he respects the collectivist energies of the LA scene he's infiltrated.

'Honora' is a fine album which should certainly get plenty of attention and plaudits.

The Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist reignited his childhood love of the trumpet to make his first solo album: a mature, sophisticated collection of songs featuring stars of the L.A. jazz scene.

Ultimately Honora is bold and beautifully played, with atmospheric production adorned in warmth, soul, and passion.

Flea assembled a crack band of jazz masters for Honora, including Anna Butters, a bassist so good they can hang with him. Yet it's the more minimal, pensive tracks that really shine here, Flea's trumpet drenched equally in reverb and emotion.

As first albums go, Honora is a risky play, but it’s one that just about manages to pay off.

A fascinating, if sometimes flawed, labour of love from the Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist.

This is a reasonably entertaining album.