Cory Wong and the Wongnotes Jazz Up Fonda Theatre (LA) With Help From Dave Koz (SHOW REVIEW/PHOTOS)

Cory Wong and his band the Wongnotes hit the Fonda Theatre in Hollywood, CA on November 13 and were joined by vocalist Antwaun Stanley as well as surprise guest Dave Koz.

Wong is a prolific songwriter, bandleader, and guitarist who released a shocking eight albums in 2020. He is best known for his work with Vulfpeck and solo projects, but he put together the Wongnotes originally for an online variety series that he created and hosted. The eight-episode series featured live performances, original sketch comedy, special guests, and interviews, which can be seen on Wong’s popular YouTube channel.

Members of the Wongnotes include Sonny T (Thompson) on bass, Michael B. Nelson on trombone and Kenni Holmen on soprano/tenor saxophone. Those three musicians were members of Prince’s New Power Generation band. The other talented brass musicians are Jay Webb on trumpet, Sam Greenfield on saxophone, and Eddie Barbash on alto saxophone. Barbash is a founding member of Jon Batiste’s Stay Human and is in the house band for The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. The horn section is collectively known as the Hornheads and they have recorded with a multitude of artists over the years.

Wong began 2021 by releasing the self-titled Cory and the Wongnotes album which collects music from Season 1 of the web series. The Fonda Theatre show included a few tracks from that album as well as material from his earlier releases, a few choice covers, some Antwaun Stanley songs, and a Vulfpeck track. 

Wong was full of energy, smiles, and clever comments during the first set. It was all instrumental funk, soul and jazz-influenced rock music as the band showed their abundant talent on tracks including “Bluebird,” “Smooth Move” and “Welcome 2 Minneapolis.” Wong played some super funky riffs with wild guitar effects and keyboardist Kevin Gastonguay offered several melodious organ solos. The horn arrangements were extremely tight throughout the show as each horn player had opportunities to play intricate solos complemented by the other’s synchronized rhythms. That was demonstrated especially during “Welcome 2 Minneapolis.” 

“Heist” featured an instrument swap by Sonny T and Wong. The horn-heavy track is a tribute to Tower of Power – Wong said he wrote the song by thinking about that band being ripped off by their record label and deciding to rob a casino. The synchronized horns dominate the track, but Wong also played a wild bass solo that eventually had Sonny T join him on guitar for a heated duet.

The big surprise of the show came near the end of the first set as Wong introduced Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum selling smooth jazz saxophonist Dave Koz. Wong said they had recorded an album together (“The Golden Hour” was released in June 2021) and Koz proceeded to go ballistic with his saxophone on “Feed The Id” and “Getaway Car,” two tracks from their new album. Wong quipped, “I thought you were supposed to be a smooth jazz guy” which he jokingly said, “would piss off Koz.” Koz let it slide and told the audience, “You guys have given me so much energy the past couple of years. Thanks for supporting instrumental music.” 

The second set opened with a few more impressive instrumental tracks before Wong brought out R&B vocalist Stanley. The soulful and affable frontman sang lead on Wong’s “Work It Out” as well as on Stanley’s “Lost In Translation” and the politically charged “Where Are We Now.”

The last few songs capped the performance as Stanley led the band through a “Stevie Wonder Medley.” It included memorable versions of “Love’s In Need Of Love Today,” an all-instrumental, harmonious horn rendition of “Isn’t She Lovely” and finished the medley with Stanley belting out “Sir Duke (Feel It All Over).” 

Stanley ended the show by singing “Coming Back Around” which featured another instrument swap by Sonny T and Wong. Vulfpeck’s crowd favorite “Dean Town” was the encore and Wong encouraged the audience to chant along with the hypnotic, rumbling bass line. 

Wong may not be playing radio-friendly, mainstream music, or anything particularly “trendy,”  but he has definitely hit on something that attracts a niche audience and therefore he’s now a solo success.

Live photos courtesy of Andy J. Gordon ©2021.

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One Response

  1. Antoine is high energy, but not nearly as interesting as the band—pained me to see a vocalist take over the stage.

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