Cory Wong at 2021 Newport Jazz Festival Adam Kissick/Newport Jazz
Grammy nominated multi-instrumentalist Cory Wong was introduced to classic rock and jazz by his father as a pre teen. Starting piano lessons at 9, Wong had an interest in the Red Hot Chili Peppers, leading him to learn to play the bass and start a band. Moving on to the University of Minnesota, Wong focused on jazz, recording two albums with Minnesota based jazz ensembles.
Wong worked as a studio musician and toured with a variety of artists before meeting the members of Wulfpeck at a house party in 2013. Recognizing a connection, Wong has appeared on all of the bands’ records following that session.
In 2016 Cory Wong released his debut solo album. The eclectic mix of jazz, funk, R&B and rock was mostly instrumental but featured another Wulfpeck collaborator, vocalist Antwuan Stanley on a few tracks. The record established a pattern for following releases from Wong – mostly instrumental but featuring a special guest artist. This has included keyboardist Jon Batiste. The pair collaborated on 2020’s Meditations, which earned a Grammy nomination.
Wong’s latest studio release Power Station is influenced by 80’s funk and pop and features his current tour band mate Victor Wooten.
