John Early’s 2023 special, Now More Than Ever, had a few key songs in its runtime. The closer of “I Feel Love†was particularly luscious. Early is now (more than ever) kicking out the jams with a full album. Supported by his band, the Lemon Squares, the album promises more takes on new classics. As a sneak peek, Early has dropped his cover of Aaliyah’s “Rock the Boat.†Finally, a “Rock the Boat†video that isn’t a total bummer to behold!
Early’s video starts with a discussion of “last night†with an unknown person who’s going to be at rehearsal. Oooh, band intrigue! The sexual politics, choreo, and silly little sailor hats all gel into a film that can only be described as “Fosse-esque.†Now More Than Ever the album drops September 13.