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Music motivates at the most primal level.
You instinctually hum a tune in order to get pumped up in the morning, for fuel on the treadmill, to soundtrack your commute, or as the pre-game to a big night out. As much as he treasures his roles as a guitarist, composer, and producer, Cory Wong fashions himself "a hype man," first and foremost. Living up to this classification, he slings a Stratocaster and hurls "dad jokes" from the stage with the same panache, poise, and power.
"For me, it's all about the listener's experience," he explains. "I want them to have a visceral response like: 'I feel better,' 'That was really fun,' or 'I got to escape for an hour.' You'll hear my voice through the guitar, but I'm just a hype man. To uplift audiences with instrumental music that has no singing or lyrics is a fun challenge. I'm trying to solve the riddle. If I can get one person to feel good this way, it's a success.
Straight out of Minneapolis, Cory positioned himself as music's answer to motivational speakers like Tony Robbins since emerging in 2011. Head-spinning rhythm guitar wizardry, technical ebullience, laugh-out-loud jokes, and radiance on stage established him as both a sought-after collaborator and celebrated solo artist alike. He lent his talents to television programs such as The Voice at the dawn of his career. After an impromptu meeting at the weekly jam hosted by Prince's rhythm section (where the Purple One often either performed or watched), he crossed paths with Vulfpeck who welcomed him as a frequent collaborator and member of the band. Solidifying a fruitful partnership, the group named their most popular instrumental track "Cory Wong," in tribute. Lighting up the stage in the band everywhere from Red Rocks Amphitheatre to Madison Square Garden, he remains a cornerstone of Vulfpeck's storied gigs.
"I try to feature the guitar, but I don't force myself into being the star of every song," he says. "The instrument plays an appropriate role. It's not all flash. I'm bringing rhythm to the forefront where it's not so shreddy. I refer to it as 'Covert chops.' I'm doing things that are sneakily hard, but they lay in the cut. I allow the song to breathe and present myself as more of a composer rather than a guitar player."
In the end, Cory transmits joy in its purest form through the guitar.
"The guiding light is to impart a feeling of joy," he leaves off. "I want people to experience instrumental music in a different way. This is hype. It's more than just guitar."
Encore
Encore
Show was amazing from start to finish. High energy the entire time. You can’t bear a 6 piece horn section, one bad ass drummer and the legendary Victor Wooten on bass.
Super talented people on stage sounding great. Live that Stay Human musicians were sitting in. All seemed like they were having a great time as well as the audience. With 11 plus people on stage it was some big sound. Hope they come around again soon
This was one of the most amazing concerts I have been to. The venue was incredible and the sound was some of the best I've heard!!
Easily the best show I’ve seen! The energy, talent and overall experience was stellar. If you missed this show you missed out big!
Great performance, but the GA mezzanine area was terrible. It was impossible to see the stage unless you were right on the railing. The venue should open up the empty vip area to all or add risers so all can see
One of the greatest concerts that I have attended. Cory Wong, his band especially the amazing horn section and Victor Wooten were great. Purchase of the tickets was pretty simple.
Could not see the stage at all. The mezzanine at House of Blues is standing room only and un-sloped, so if you're not in the front row (right up against the fence), you'll be staring at the back of people's heads. I don't know why it's so hard for this venue to grasp simple geometry. Not to mention the two hanging murals each blocking about 40 square feet of the already limited view. So unless you're about 2 heads taller than average, want to get to the venue an hour early to grab one of the few front-row spots, or don't mind not actually seeing the act you paid to see, save yourself the disappointment and get floor tickets. Or better yet, go to a venue that doesn't oversell their capacity and actually cares about the quality of their services. Not sure if this comment is linked to the Cory Wong show, but he and his band sounded incredible. Would've been great to have seen them!
First, opening act, Trousdale, was a pleasant surprise. Cory Wong's show was high energy and all of the musicians are superbly talented. As for the venue, it was our first time at The Fillmore and everything was perfect. I had trouble walking due to sciatica attack and upgraded to a box seat. Process was easy.
Either Cory or Victor are great by themselves. Put the two together and you have magic. If you have a chance to see them on one of the few dates they have left, buy tickets now!!
I saw Cory at a small venue in NOLA during jazzfest 22 and was blown away. I had to see him again and bring my band mates. They were blown away as well. The musicianship on display is unsurpassed. Cory has a great time during his concert which translates into a blast for the audience. I can’t say enough about the experience, and it truly is an “experience”
Loved the atmosphere and employees were friendly and helpful. I was never at the fillmore and didnt know the seating arrangements but now I do!! I did pick good seats for not knowing anyway but will be better the next time
Great show. Definitely will try to go again in the future
Cory Wong & his band & his show are AMAZING. I am a huge fan & think these guys are the most exciting act around. The music is insanely good. LOVED every minute. Will go see them every chance I get!
Even if you don’t like the style, you’ll be entertain out of your mind ! Top notch performance with unparalleled energy!
Super jazzy with surreal bass playing by Victor Wooten. Horns were incredible. Whole show was alive and exciting.
James Brown energy- hard working band. Neo soul funk and its core Props.
Cory Wong and co. are brilliant musicians, performers, and entertainers to perfection. Trousdale too. I want to see them back. However, the sound in the Beacon Theater venue could use some improvement. The mix was a bit muffled and the bass was very, very hard to hear. I do not know whether this was due to the acoustics of the space or due to an imperfect mix. This did make it difficult to enjoy Sonny T and Victor Wooten's amazing playing when they weren't soloing, which is too bad. But overall, the show was STELLAR.
The show was perfect. It was so good that it has spend too fast…that’s why almost perfect: too good ! My kids (14 and 16) did’nt want to come to the show. Not happy the days before… But after the show, they said that it was the best moment of our week in New York. Even back in France they said again and again: the theatre, the musicians, Cory Wong… it was the top moment of our week. Thanks for that! Thanks also to the team of the theater.
I don't think Cory's band missed a note, really, they are all impeccable musicians. However, the show was so loud that it physically hurt us. We left exhausted from the bass notes and the piccolo was amplified so loud that many people in the audience grimaced and plugged their ears with their fingers. I imagine that people left the show with hearing damage. I don't know why this type of loudness is thought to be a good thing. I'm sure the show would have been more entertaining at 25% fewer decibels. Trousdale was magnificent! These three performers are truly real singers with a knowledge of harmony that rivals CSN. We were astounded by their great sound, downplayed costumes (they weren't selling sex, just music), and wonderful stage presence. True professional entertainers! I can't compliment them enough!
Amazing ensemble and show. Ton of fun and the band sounded fantastic- Cory absolutely ripped. Agree with folks here - might be one of the best touring gigs to see this year.
