Flea ‘Morning Cry’ Review: The Jazz Evolution of a Rock Icon

After five decades of defining what it means to be a rock bassist, Flea is doing something nobody—and maybe even he—saw coming. He’s stepping away from the distorted slap-bass and neon energy of the Chili Peppers to give us Honora, his first proper solo album.

The lead single, “Morning Cry” isn’t just a career pivot; it’s a homecoming.

Back to the Beginning: Before the Bass

Before Michael Balzary was “Flea,” the punk-rock icon, he was a jazz-obsessed kid in L.A. with a trumpet in his hand. Influenced by his step-father’s jazz records, that brass instrument was his first true love long before he ever picked up a four-string.

With “Morning Cry,” he’s finally found the “time and space” to let that side of himself breathe. It’s a track that feels less like a studio product and more like a late-night conversation.

What “Morning Cry” Actually Sounds Like

If you’re expecting high-octane funk, you might be surprised. “Morning Cry” is atmospheric, melodic, and deeply soulful.

• The Vibe: It feels like a hazy Los Angeles sunrise—cinematic, slightly melancholic, but warm.

• The Trumpet: Flea isn’t playing with technical flash. His trumpet work here is breathy and emotive, leaning into a “cool jazz” aesthetic that prioritizes feeling over speed.

• The Blend: It manages to bridge the gap between vintage jazz and modern pop production without feeling forced or over-produced.

Why Honora Matters in 2026

In a music landscape that often feels hyper-processed, Honora (which literally means “to honor”) feels refreshingly human. It’s the sound of an artist who has nothing left to prove to the world, only something to prove to his younger self.

“Jazz was the first music that ever blew my mind,” Flea says. “To finally put that onto a record feels like completing a circle I started when I was twelve years old.”

At a Glance: The New Sound

• Instrument of Choice: Trumpet (The bass takes a backseat).

• The Genre: Ambient Jazz-Pop.

• The Mood: Reflective, soulful, and quiet.

Closing Thoughts

“Morning Cry” is proof that you’re never too far into your career to reinvent yourself. Whether you’ve followed Flea since the 80s or you’re just looking for some sophisticated, late-night jazz, this track is a must-listen.