Contemporary funk icons, Lettuce, have officially released their ninth studio album, Cook. The 16-track LP masterfully blends elements of funk, rock, and soul into their signature, yet fresh Lettuce sound. In contrast to their last two studio endeavors (Unify (2022), Resonate (2020)), they published this record under their own label, Lettuce Records. In a statement by the band, “[Cook] offers a menu of delights that marks the group exploring new sonic territory. This record is a little more three-dimensional than our past albums. It shows a lot more sides to the band, exploring further depths of production and arrangements.”
Lettuce’s current line-up consists of founding members Adam Deitch on drums & percussion; Adam “Shmeeans” Smirnoff on guitar; Erick “Jesus” Coomes on bass; and Ryan “Zoid” Zoidis on alto, tenor and baritone saxophones, and synths. It also features Eric “Benny” Bloom on trumpet, and additional horns; as well as Nigel Hall on vocals, Hammond B-3, Rhodes, clavinet, and keyboards.
The album instantly blasts-off with “Grewt Up,” a funk instrumental that features the incredibly tight horn section of Zoid and Benny, alongside Coomes’ and Deitch’s undeniable chemistry and groove (a recurring instance across the entire record). “Grewt Up” also features a ripping guitar solo from Shmeeans and is the perfect introduction of what’s to come. Lettuce immediately captivates you with the production quality and superb mix of this release. “Clav It Your Way” brings the clavinet to the forefront, and features solos by both horns. The way the band builds their groove and communicates is otherworldly. “Sesshins 1-4”, transitional 30-second snippets scattered across the record, appear to be choice selections of in-studio improvisation during the recording sessions.
“7 Tribes” brings out a darker, and more sinister side of the Lettuce funk. The pocket Deitch and Coomes’ are able to create with one another is *chef’s kiss*. The band segues into this floaty, trance-like atmosphere before the horn-section brings us home.
“Rising to the Top”, the second single released in anticipation of Cook, is heavily RnB-inspired and the first song on the album to feature vocalist Nigel Hall. They sing “Give it all you got – keep rising to the top, don’t you let nobody stop you now”, words that the band can still relate to this far into their impressive career. Coming up on 34 years as a band, Adam Deitch feels revitalized at the stage they currently find themselves at. “This is the best team we’ve ever had. We feel like the world is our oyster. Our concepts and ideas can really come to fruition now with our infrastructure. It’s beautiful to be in a headspace of feeling this fresh. It’s the start of a brand-new era for us.”
“Gold Tooth”, the band’s first single released alongside the announcement, brings a grittier edge to their signature funk sound. Channeling artists like Prince and Tower of Power, this track is the perfect fusion of their influences. “Breathe”, their third single, begins with a meditative intro before Deitch drives into an intense RnB groove, which settles into a more Lettuce-esque groove (if that makes sense). This allows for the horns to shine, and is followed by a tastefully crafted guitar solo by Shmeeans. “The Matador” immediately brings us back to the old-school Lettuce vibe, like that of their album Crush (2015).
“Cook,” the title-track, features heavy use of synthesizer. The tightest horn-hits alongside bassist Coomes create this impenetrable foundation that carries the song. In addition to intense rhythmic runs throughout, Zoid’s saxophone sounds like he could have been recording alongside Herbie Hancock & The Headhunters. “Storm Coming” showcases the more chill, laid-back side of their catalogue. Eerie, yet smooth, the feeling that they’re able to capture sonically pairs to perfection with their title choice.
“Keep On” is a love child of Tower of Power and James Brown. This is the second and final track on the record to showcase vocalist and keyboardist Nigel Hall. He sings a positive message of hope and perseverance. “The Mac” and “Ghosts of Yest” round out the album, featuring the band as tight and funky as can be. The cherry on top, if you will.
In addition to the new record, Lettuce has also announced their own Recipe Book to accompany the vinyl release. According to Deitch “Music and food are very related.. Use the wrong ingredients in either and you can ruin the sound and the meal.” They have also announced the release of Lettuce Red Crush and Orange Crush Wine to pair with the record.
Cook is officially available on all streaming services [here].
Find out more about Lettuce at lettucefunk.com
Lettuce hits the road this Winter in support of their new release, with tour stops in Syracuse, Albany, Port Chester and Huntington.
Upcoming 2026 Lettuce Tour Dates:
January 21st – Mr. Smalls Theatre – Pittsburgh, PA
January 22nd – The Wellmont Theater – Montclair, NJ
January 23rd/24th – Ardmore Music Hall – Ardmore, PA
January 25th – The Westcott Theater – Syracuse, NY
January 28th – Empire Live – Albany, NY
January 29th – Infinity Music Hall – Hartford, CT
January 30th – State Theatre – Portland, ME
January 31st – The Capitol Theatre – Port Chester, NY
February 1st – The Paramount – Huntington, NY
February 3rd – The Jefferson Theater – Charlottesville, VA
February 4th – Victory North – Savannah, GA
February 5th – Jannus Live – St. Petersburg, FL
February 6th – The Plaza Live – Orlando, FL
February 7th-12th – Jam Cruise 22 – Miami, FL
*As part of the 2026 run, fans can also access the exclusive “Cookin’ with the Band” VIP experience, a pre-show hang designed for funk lovers and foodies alike. Available for all January and February shows, the package includes soundcheck viewing access; setlist voting power; early merch shopping + discount code; and limited-edition keepsakes like a custom ‘Cook’ apron, a printed recipe zine, and a signed tour laminate. Access is limited to 75 VIP spots per night and can be purchased at lettucefunk.com/tour.*
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