Willow Celebrates Surprise-Dropped Album with Intimate Blue Note Show

The 25-year-old artist showcases her self-produced jazz-fusion evolution on 'petal rock black'.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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Willow Smith, the daughter of Will and Jada Pinkett-Smith, celebrated the surprise release of her new album 'petal rock black' with two intimate performances at the Blue Note Jazz Club in Hollywood. The 25-year-old artist, who doesn't use her last name, showcased her self-produced experimental jazz-fusion sound, which features collaborations with artists like Jon Batiste, St. Vincent, and Kamasi Washington.

Why it matters

Willow has grown up in the public eye and struggled to find her place in the music industry since scoring a hit at age 10 with 'Whip My Hair.' Her new album represents her continued creative evolution and desire to push boundaries, moving away from pop and rock towards a more esoteric, self-reflective sound.

The details

The new album 'petal rock black' opens with a spoken word intro from funk legend George Clinton and features tracks like the breezy 'Vegetation' and the emotive 'Hear Me Out.' Willow's vocals were on full display, ranging from soft and breathy to bold and ruminant. She gave her band members time to shine, including a drum solo, and spoke of the significance of performing at the iconic Blue Note Jazz Club.

  • Willow's new album 'petal rock black' surprise-dropped on February 16, 2026.
  • Willow performed two intimate shows at the Blue Note Jazz Club in Hollywood on February 18, 2026.

The players

Willow

A 25-year-old singer and musician who is the daughter of actors Will and Jada Pinkett-Smith. She has released several experimental albums and collaborations, moving away from the pop sound of her early hit 'Whip My Hair.'

Jon Batiste

A Grammy-winning musician who collaborated with Willow on her 2024 album 'empathogen.'

St. Vincent

An acclaimed indie rock artist who also collaborated with Willow on 'empathogen.'

Kamasi Washington

A renowned jazz saxophonist who appears on Willow's new album 'petal rock black' and the deluxe version of 'empathogen.'

George Clinton

The legendary funk musician who provides a spoken word intro on Willow's new album 'petal rock black.'

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What they’re saying

“My album is out and it was 100 percent produced by me. It was my first time ever doing that.”

— Willow

The takeaway

Willow's intimate Blue Note performance showcased her continued artistic evolution, as she moves away from pop and rock towards a more experimental, self-produced jazz-fusion sound that highlights her powerful vocals and songwriting skills. Her willingness to take creative risks and explore personal themes demonstrates her growth as an artist beyond the weight of pre-conceived notions.