Review of ‘COOK’ album: Lettuce mixes it up in a pot
Lettuce, the contemporary funk sensations, have returned with a fresh offering that unabashedly asserts their musical prowess. Goldmine delves into their latest double album.
Lettuce, a collective of musicians, traces its origins back to the early ’90s when its founding members were students at the Berkley College of Music, honing their craft in the realm of funk and soul. Drawing inspiration from iconic bands like Earth, Wind and Fire and Tower of Power, Lettuce’s music pays homage to the classic sounds of funk and soul, with intricate horn sections, rhythmic beats, funky guitar riffs, and freeform keyboard melodies that defined the soulful era of music. Their music is a fusion of genres, blending jazz-funk, afrobeat, and rock influences seamlessly.
Having witnessed Lettuce’s electrifying live performances or listened to their extensive discography spanning over a quarter of a century, one cannot deny the superior musicianship and synergy that defines their sound. With a discography boasting 11 studio albums and three live recordings, Lettuce has garnered international acclaim and collaborated with renowned artists such as Bootsy Collins and Lady Gaga, showcasing the breadth of their musical reach. Each member’s individual projects also add to the band’s legacy, with drummer Adam Deitch’s notable quartet and keyboardist Nigel Hall’s successful collaborations further solidifying Lettuce’s position as modern soul and funk icons.
Following a three-year hiatus since their last studio release in 2022, Lettuce made a triumphant return with “Cook,” their 11th studio album, released on December 3, 2025. This new double LP boasts a collection of 16 tracks brimming with funk-infused melodies that epitomize Lettuce’s signature sound. While we refrain from delving into a comprehensive analysis of each track, as experiencing an album firsthand is part of the joy of discovering new music, we’ve selected a standout track from each side of the record to offer a glimpse into the soulful magic encapsulated in “Cook.”
One such track, “Grewt Up,” serves as the album opener on the first side of disc one, captivating listeners with its infectious groove. Choosing between this track and “7 Tribes” was a challenging feat, but “Grewt Up” ultimately stood out for its melodic richness and rhythmic complexity, setting the tone for the album’s exploration of funk and soul genres. This carefully curated selection showcases Lettuce’s ability to infuse diverse musical elements into a cohesive, harmonious composition that resonates with audiences.
As Lettuce continues to push the boundaries of contemporary funk music through their innovative compositions and dynamic performances, “Cook” cements their status as trailblazers in the genre. With a rich musical tapestry that seamlessly weaves together elements of funk, soul, jazz, and rock, Lettuce’s latest offering is a testament to their enduring creativity and unwavering commitment to excellence in their craft. “Cook” is a musical feast that invites listeners to savor the intricate flavors of funk and soul, served up by the masters of modern-day funk revival.