If you have followed the live performances of Paramore or Vampire Weekend in recent years, you have likely spotted Brian Robert Jones, the guitarist known for his distinctive stage presence. While he has built a reputation as a premier sideman for some of the most influential acts in modern pop-rock, Jones has spent his recent time crafting a massive, ambitious project of his own.
Today, Jones officially released Weezyana: The Louisiana Purchase Musical, a nearly two-hour audio odyssey that explores the historical narrative of Thomas Jefferson. The project is a sprawling 42-track collection that blends Broadway-style compositions with narrative interludes. While the album is categorized as comedy on digital streaming platforms—and invites inevitable comparisons to Hamilton—Jones maintains a committed, deadpan delivery throughout the work. The narrative ranges from bizarre prologues involving alien civilizations to humorous, irreverent depictions of historical figures like Napoleon Bonaparte.
Despite the comedic premise, the musicality is remarkably serious. Jones has clearly invested significant effort into the production, ensuring the project functions as a legitimate piece of musical theater. Notably, the album also features a guest appearance by Hayley Williams.
Jones shared his vision for the project on Instagram, noting that it serves as a complete concept album that guides listeners through the story with songs and plot summaries. He encouraged fans to experience the work via a long-form lyric video on YouTube, which includes captions to help navigate the two-hour runtime.
This is a concept album. It will tell you the whole story of the musical with songs and plot summaries in between each track.
I sing all the lead vocals (lol) and I got an amazing cast of friends to help me fill out the sound of the ensemble.
It will be available on all streaming platforms but the suggested method of listening is the long form lyric video on YouTube which will have captions you can read along with and clocks in at about 2 hours (lol) so get all your friends together for a watch party this weekend and let ‘er rip.
The project leaves one lingering question: does the title imply an appearance by Louisiana’s own Lil Wayne? Listeners will have to dive into the full two-hour experience to find out. You can watch the official lyric video below.
Weezyana is available now via LXIX Records.
