Flea Performs Frank Ocean’s ‘Thinkin Bout You’ on ‘Fallon’
Flea, the renowned bassist of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, is set to release his debut solo album, titled Honora, this week. He made a notable appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, where he performed his interpretation of Frank Ocean’s acclaimed song, “Thinkin Bout You”.
Flea’s Musical Journey
During the show, Flea captivated the audience with his performance, accompanied by a live band and orchestra. He showcased his skills on both the bass and trumpet, creating a jazz-infused rendition of Ocean’s 2012 hit from the album Channel Orange. “Thinkin Bout You” will be featured on Flea’s upcoming album, Honora, which is set to release on March 27.
Inspiration Behind the Cover
Flea expressed his admiration for Ocean’s original track, stating, “When that record came out, it really blew me away.” He recalled listening to it repeatedly, which he described as a watershed moment in his musical journey. This deep connection to the song inspired him to recreate it, primarily through the trumpet.
Highlights from The Tonight Show
- Performance: Flea performed “Thinkin Bout You,” showcasing both his bass and trumpet techniques.
- Album Release: The debut solo album Honora is available on March 27.
- Musical Background: Flea shares his childhood experiences with the trumpet and his aspiration to emulate jazz legend Dizzy Gillespie.
During his conversation with Fallon, Flea reminisced about his early passion for the trumpet. “I wanted to be Dizzy Gillespie,” he shared. Meeting Gillespie as a child left a lasting impression on him, from the smell of the musician’s cologne to his warm kindness.
Returning to His Roots
After focusing on playing the bass through high school, Flea revisited the trumpet years later. He expressed his joy in deciding to practice the trumpet daily and emphasized the importance of the learning journey. “What comes, comes,” he explained, highlighting that his focus was not solely on the outcome but rather on the process itself.
Flea’s unique blend of jazz elements in his upcoming album, combined with his deep appreciation for Ocean’s work, ensures that Honora will be a significant addition to his musical legacy. Fans can anticipate its release as well as more innovative performances in the days to come.
