Jazz Trio Scales, Flanagan & Grasso Release 2nd New Single “Play Me” | LISTEN!
Jazz Trio Scales, Flanagan & Grasso Release Their Second Single, “Play Me,” On Bandcamp
First Release from Forthcoming Album Many Rivers,
Available August 8, 2025 via Truth Revolution Records Collective
Vocalist Lauren Scales, saxophonist Mike Flanagan, and pianist Chris Grasso—a bold new jazz trio blending tradition with modern soul—announce the release of their second single, “Play Me.” Now available exclusively on Bandcamp, the track marks the second single from their upcoming album Many Rivers, slated for release on August 8, 2025 via Truth Revolution Records Collective. The track also features drummer Charles Haynes and bassist Luques Curtis.
Originally featured on D’Angelo’s Voodoo—a hallmark of the neo-soul movement—the trio’s take reimagines the groove-driven track through a straight-ahead jazz aesthetic. With tight interplay, soulful improvisation, and Scales’ charismatic vocal delivery, this version straddles homage and invention.
Vocalist Lauren Scales on the inspiration behind “Play Me” : “It felt like a song I could sink my teeth into, because it was so sincere,” she says. “I could feel how I could play around in it — it gave me space to breathe.” — Lauren Scales
“Roy Hargrove’s presence on the original made it feel like a bridge into our world,” says saxophonist Mike Flanagan. “There’s a groove and lyricism that spoke to all of us. Our version lets us honor that while interpreting it through our shared jazz lens.”
A Band Born in Provincetown
The group came together in Provincetown, MA, where Mike Flanagan, then serving as Entertainment Director for two local venues, brought Scales and Grasso together for a series of shows. The performances quickly gained traction, leading to a summer-long residency and a 6-city U.S. tour in 2023. Along the way, they played celebrated venues such as Scullers Jazz Club, City Winery Boston, The Carlyle Room (D.C.), Green Room 42 (NYC), and The Side Door Jazz Club (CT), eventually headlining Town Hall in Provincetown.
The natural chemistry that developed on stage convinced the trio to collaborate in the studio, resulting in Many Rivers, their debut album and a powerful introduction to their collective voice.
ABOUT THE LABEL: Truth Revolution Records Collective
Many Rivers will be released via Truth Revolution Records Collective, an artist-run independent label founded by brothers Zaccai and Luques Curtis. Known for cultivating a diverse roster of forward-thinking jazz musicians, Truth Revolution is home to critically acclaimed artists including Orrin Evans, Ray Vega, and Sheila del Bosque. The label recently celebrated a major milestone with their 2025 GRAMMY® Award for Best Latin Jazz Album for Cubop Lives! by Zaccai Curtis, Luques Curtis, Camilo Molina-Gaetán, Willie Martinez, and Reynaldo de Jesús.
Album Release Show at 54 Below, NYC
Thursday, September 11
Doors at 9PM Show at 9:30PM
254 West 54th Street, NYC
Buy Tickets
The Band
Lauren Scales – vocals
Mike Flanagan – alto saxophone
Chris Grasso – piano
Luques Curtis – bass
Charles Haynes – drums
Scales, Flanagan & Grasso · Many Rivers
Truth Revolution Records · Release Date: August 8, 2025
For more information on the album and Scales, Flanagan, and Grasso click here
For more information on Lauren Scales, please visit:
For more information on Mike Flanagan, please visit:
www.mikemrf.com | Facebook | Instagram
For more information on Chris Grasso, please visit:
www.chrisgrassomusic.com | Facebook | Instagram
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