Feb 3, 2026 12:10 AM
In Memoriam: Ken Peplowski, 1959–2026
Ken Peplowski, a clarinetist and tenor saxophonist who straddled the worlds of traditional and modern jazz, died Feb. 2…
Flea has returned to his first instrument — the trumpet — and assembled a dream band of jazz musicians to record a new album.
(Photo: Clara Balzary)After a nearly five-decade career as one of his generation’s defining rock bassists, Flea has returned to his first instrument — the trumpet — and assembled a dream band of jazz visionaries to record an album that will be released next year on Nonesuch Records. Flea’s new original song “A Plea” is available for preview starting today. Further details of the album will be announced in early 2026.
Written and performed by Flea, “A Plea” urges listeners to “build a bridge, shine a light, make something beautiful and see somebody, give it to somebody.” Featuring Flea on electric bass, vocals and trumpet, the ensemble also includes double bassist Anna Butterss and guitarist Jeff Parker, as well as drummer Deantoni Parks, percussionist Mauro Refosco, alto flutist Rickey Washington and trombonist Vikram Devasthali. Chris Warren joins on vocals, as does the song’s producer, Josh Johnson, who also plays alto saxophone.
CLICK HERE to watch the music video, directed by Los Angeles-based photographer and filmmaker Clara Balzary, and featuring choreography by Sadie Wilking.
Flea describes the song’s lyrics as “yearning for a place beyond, a place of love, for me to speak my mind and be myself. I’m always just trying to be myself.” He continued, “I don’t care about the act of politics. I think there is a much more transcendent place above it where there’s discourse to be had that can actually help humanity, and actually help us all to live harmoniously and productively in a way that’s healthy for the world. There’s a place where we meet, and it’s love.” DB
Peplowski first came to prominence in legacy swing bands, including the final iteration of the Benny Goodman Orchestra, before beginning a solo career in the late 1980s.
Feb 3, 2026 12:10 AM
Ken Peplowski, a clarinetist and tenor saxophonist who straddled the worlds of traditional and modern jazz, died Feb. 2…
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