Live

Cory Wong : Hammersmith Apollo 11/10/23

It was with steely determination that this European tour materialised at all. Wong’s leg injury was in the balance compounded by the bass player dropping 24 hours before heading out ! Suffice to say he was bouncing around with surgical boot attached and a fine sub on bass- nothing was going to stop the show and what a show he put on.

A little background is order beforehand so let’s take a look at this inimitable guitarist extraordinaire. Cory Wong is an American musician, guitarist, and producer known for his funky and groove-oriented style.
He has gained immense popularity for his work with the band Vulfpeck, as well as his solo projects.

In 2012, Wong became a member of the band Vulfpeck, a funk-inspired group known for their catchy tunes and tight rhythm section. He contributed his guitar skills to several of their albums, including "My First Car" and "The Beautiful Game." Wong's distinctive playing style, characterized by intricate rhythm patterns, melodic lines, and a funky groove, became a signature element of Vulfpeck's sound.

Apart from his work with Vulfpeck, Wong has released several solo albums, showcasing his versatility as a musician and producer. His solo projects, such as "Cory Wong and the Green Screen Band" and "Motivational Music for the Syncopated Soul," blend various genres, including funk, jazz, rock, and pop, creating a unique and infectious sound.

Tonight’s live performance was highly energetic and engaging, featuring an eight piece band with a five piece horn section.
It’s no wonder he has toured extensively, both as a solo artist and with Vulfpeck as he is gaining a dedicated fan base worldwide, especially here in the U.K.

It was a well paced set and it was good to hear his distinctive lead guitar that was soulful and hit the sweet spot. A welcome addition in the guise of soul singer Antwaun Stanley proved a winner too. This guy could sing the phone book and make it funky. He was full of energy rousing the crowd with rapid fire call and response which kept the dynamics flowing. Wonder’s ‘Love’s In Need Of Love Today’ was a highlight as was his Vulpeck vignette ‘3 And E’ plus the horn section playing unaccompanied to ‘Isn’t She Lovely’, that was a nice touch.

This was a powerhouse performance and Wong and his team weren’t at all bereft of ideas. His passion and unique playing style places him at the epicentre of where it’s all happening - you’ll find him there.

WORDS EMRYS BAIRD

PHOTO ELIOT HUBERT
Words Emrys Baird