Lettuce
The album, Cook, isn’t just a nod to Lettuce’s musical heat; it’s an invitation to join the band at the table, where funk, soul, jazz, rock, and hip-hop come together in one rich, flavorful dish.
For these six life-long partners: Adam Deitch (drums), Adam “Shmeeans” Smirnoff (guitar), Erick “Maverick” Coomes (bass), Ryan “Zoid” Zoidis (saxophones, synths), Eric “Benny” Bloom (trumpet), and Nigel Hall (vocals, keyboards), Cook marks a bold expansion of their ever-widening musical palette. Released on their own Lettuce Records label, the album arrives on the heels of tours with rap icon GZA of Wu-Tang Clan and reggae legend Ziggy Marley, as well as the release of their live album and concert film Lettuce with the Colorado Symphony. Still, there’s a generous dose of Lettuce’s signature funk throughout paying homage to James Brown and the JB’s while honoring longtime mentors like Tower of Power and Maceo Parker.
More than just a figurative title, Cook debuts alongside Lettuce Red Crush and Orange Crush wines in collaboration with Aquila Cellars, plus a limited-edition recipe book of pairings included with the vinyl and digital release.
With Cook, the band feels like their concepts and ideas can come to fruition with an innovative team and devout fan base behind them—they're in a fresh new headspace ready to savor a new chapter.
Opening Act: Special DJ Set from Nigel Hall
GRAMMY-winning Soul provider Nigel Hall is an artist who needs no introduction. Throughout his career, he’s built a mighty foundation of funk, onstage and in the studio, proving himself to be a true student of the music. His unique sound, built upon pages torn out of the golden-ages of R&B, funk and soul, have made him the musician he is today; an accomplished vocalist, keyboardist, studio musician, and member of the GRAMMY-nominated funk-jazz-soul-hip-hop-psychedelic-jam-experimental titans Lettuce. Legions of fans are already well in the know about Hall’s copious keyboard chops and powerful vocal style.
Nigel Hall grew up in Washington, D.C., in a highly musical family. His fingers touched the keys before he was even five years old and his ears were always wide open.ace of b “I grew up with records,” he said. “That’s why I’m obsessed. My father had a vast collection. I’d be in third grade with my Walkman and everyone’s listening to Ace of Base, and I’m listening to Return to Forever, Chick Corea’s fusion project with Stanley Clarke.
Since relocating to New Orleans in late 2013, Nigel Hall has quickly made a name for himself among the city’s world-class music community. Offbeat enthusiastically welcomed Hall as “a perfect fit” for the vibrant city and its singular culture. The Times-Picayune’s review of his solo debut at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival the same year crowned him with a comparison to Southern funk godfather Art Neville.
“It’s the best decision I ever made for myself in my life and musically,” Hall said of the move. “I’m surrounded by the most amazing, incredible musicians in the world at all times. The big picture, the sincerity is very present here at all times. It’s a breath of fresh air. Everybody’s in the vibe. Everybody’s feeling something.”
“I like to sing songs that reflect my being and who I am as a person,” he said.