Cory Wong // Live at First Avenue FEB 2022

sampler of some tunes from this gig
COME SEE US ON TOUR! - www.woooong.com/tour
check out my music here → woooong.com/spotify
learn guitar from me → woooong.com/guitarcourse
buy charts of my music → woooong.com/sheetmusic
Archetype Cory Wong GUITAR PLUGIN → woooong.com/plugin
Cory Wong Signature Fender Stratocaster → www.fender.com/corywong
BAND:
Cory Wong - guitar
Sonny T - bass
Kevin Gastonguay - keys
Petar Janjic - drums
Nêgah Santos - percussion
Eddie Barbash - alto sax, soprano sax
Kenni Holmen - tenor sax, soprano sax, flute
Sam Greenfield - bari sax, bass clarinet
Jay Webb - trumpet, flugelhorn
Jon Lampley - trumpet, flugelhorn
Michael Nelson - trombone
Antwaun Stanley - vocals
Sierra Hull - mandolin
FOH - Grant Hartford
Mix - John Fields and Cory Wong
Video - Michael Bowden
0:00 - 20th Century Fox/Assassin
4:54 - St. Paul
10:01 - Smokeshow
20:36 - Bluebird (feat. Sierra Hull)
24:20 - Intermission
25:53 - Introducing Antwaun Stanley
27:50 - Work it Out (feat. Antwaun Stanley)
34:40 - Where Are We Now (feat. Antwaun Stanley and Sierra Hull)
42:00 - Stevie Wonder Medley (feat Sonny T, The Hornheads, and Antwaun Stanley)
48:29 - Dean Town

[@skuciemba]

The level of musicianship in this band - top to bottom - is ridiculous. This is a dream team, I hope they keep going, more albums, more touring, for a long time to come. Thank you Minneapolis for providing the world with such incredible raw talent and chemistry!

[@voytecgrobor7576]

hard to belive. but reality is: try, practice, and achieve it!

[@theloniouscoltrane3778]

@@voytecgrobor7576 for those who are lawyers & doctors with wife & kids, how can they squeeze their practice time???

[@davidgoode7416]

Couldn't agree more 👏

[@ryanryan747]

@@theloniouscoltrane3778 look up the circumstances under which wes montgomery learned how to play guitar

[@stihi_songs]

@@voytecgrobor7576 yea but it should also be "your thing", practice what you love!

[@ClockworkDave]

Best Horns in the known funkyverse. I have never seen anyone put out such quantity of such quality like Cory. Wow man, your band is pure love.

[@MP5..]

Tower of Power might have something to say about that!

[@fang_uk]

You can thank Prince for their magnificent gloriousness! #NPGhornz #TheHornheads 💜 Check this out - a prime example (if one was ever needed!) of them at their best - showing their versatility over the space of ten choice funky, fOnky minutes: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rKGUi5hsZdx9jck (Play LOUD!) Even though Cory is forging his own path (and rightly so - and oooh boy is he ever doing so with style and panache…and then some!) I feel so much of Prince’s vibe in him in what he creates and how he presents it for others to enjoy. It’s participatory. Cory is the real deal and I know that Prince is looking on, so very proud. Cory knows what he’s doing, and he’s renewed my faith these past few years proving unequivocally that the Minneapolis Sound is still very much alive! That’s no small feat. REAL MUSIC BY REAL MUSICIANS! 💜 💜 💜 💜 💜 💜 💜 💜 💜 💜

[@poldidak]

Way to make them horns sing and ring, Michael Bone Nelson!

[@DanielRaffobluesguitar]

Thank You Cory Wong for keep this Sounds Alive. I was all the set jumping and screaming Wow ...Guau....yeahh....(in Spanish 😂)...hope to see you in Buenos Aires sometime....

[@warrenmorphis4208]

@@MP5.. Umm.....Yeah....

[@jon42689]

This is one of the crispiest mixes I've ever heard, hats off to the engineers!

[@gitsurfer27]

I'm amazed by their ability to make each instrument by itself sound so huge, but not have a muddy mix while they're all playing together. World class stuff.

[@joes4180]

DIALED IN!

[@samringwald]

They bring their own board, mics, etc. Then they they use pink noise to tune the PA (adjust a master EQ) so every venue has the same sound quality. It's amazing.

[@EvilSean62]

ive been playing for decades now ...started on the lighting rig on a tiny band ...literally light switches with the rocker latch filed down ... then sound engineer learning the mixer , learning to solder, learning to use a multimeter , learning to keep one hand in my pocket when working on live chassis ...learning sooo many diverse and drilled down things also touring as a bass player ... learning to cope with the people who just take the cheese out the fridge and bite a chunk out of it after all that ... this mix is angelic ...heavenly ..brighter than the sun and twice as funky

[@lethal_larry]

aux percussion is nowhere in the mix, stop fanboying

[@ExtraFancy96]

That Antwaun intro is huge hype

[@davewernli6348]

Well deserved hype, though.

[@talmagerichardson5575]

Saw his show 6 or 7 months ago. But that was, what, 35 albums ago? lol. Gotta see him again soon... Love it!

[@dumby88]

Funkmeter through the roof!

[@ItzTheFury]

God I just can't get over what an amazing drummer Petar Janic is.... A dream for any band.

[@timothyrixner]

Took me about 5 or 6 replays on the solo of his at the end of St Paul to figure out that 4 against 3 rhythm because of the odd part of the bar it starts on. Dude is on another level.

[@ImJustStandingHere]

I want to see Cory live more than literally any other person or band

[@bigbingus2234]

Its so worth it if you ever get the chance. Honestly one of the best concerts I have ever been too

[@jonah.mcminn]

@@bigbingus2234 just went to one a few hours ago and MAN WAS IT INSANE. That band is TIGHT. Soooo good. Had me moving the whole hour and a half

[@Mikri90]

@@jonah.mcminn I am so jealous :)

[@mjelves]

I’m seeing him next week!

[@daftnord4957]

i saw cory wong at First ave in november 2019. They played like 3 hours and had Antwaun Stanley for a good amount of song. The crowd cheered Antwaun so loud i couldn't hear, my ears were overblown lol, and for so long he had tears of joy and appreciation. The pro to NOT seeing Cory wong is that you won't have post show depression lol

[@KuuchWizard]

The way Cory goes so hard on stage when he’s home to the way he interacts with his band during the set, showcasing the sheer talent of every musician. This guy will go down as one of the greats. He is a better version of “The Entertainer” that Billy Joel sang about.

[@Mikri90]

With every released video Cory is cementing his place as my favorite musician in existence. Guy just owns his stuff, owns the scene and, first and foremost, freaking LOVES to do what he does. So full of excitement, passion, and child-like enthusiasm. The rest of bend is following suit as well. The chemistry of this band is off the charts.

[@robddrumbasement2803]

This band is awesome

[@Sam_Perman]

Live *Smokeshow* is chefs kiss

[@jamespye2975]

Very little brings me more joy than watching these guys play, enough energy to birth a village.

[@robjackson9758]

Can't wait for Toronto - just watched this whole show instead of doing all the things I shoulda been doing lol.

[@dustinsanboeuf]

I was at this concert, absolutely worth the 3+hour drive each way. Thanks for a killer sound all night!

[@josegaravito7644]

Cory winning in life

[@Psychedelicide]

Iconic. Get this man a funky Star ⭐️

[@jules_borel]

hahaha antwaun does really always has his big entrance but he really deserve all the hype !! what a joy seing him doing his thing

[@abcismusik]

Cory leads, Cory solos , horns solos , piano solos, bass solos, drums solo !!haaaaaaaaaaa, i love it !!

[@leomarco7181]

I feel like I should pay for watching this. Blew my socks away, man.

[@abramjohnson903]

I'm definitely going to pay to see this one day :)

[@kimiixDD]

bro same

[@normg2242]

I know, the socks ended up over here...!!! 🤣🤣🤣

[@kimiixDD]

@Norm G lol

[@christopherbee7223]

Saw the Band at the North Sea Jazz Festival in Rotterdam few weeks ago and it blew my mind.

[@nathanstoerzinger728]

0:00 - 20th Century Fox Opener 0:30 - Assassin 4:54 - St. Paul 10:01 - Smokeshow ft Eddie Barbash 20:36 - Bluebird ft Sierra Hull 24:20 - Look at backstage (including 1000 pull ups) 25:53 - Introducing Antwaun Stanley 27:50 - Work it Out ft Antwaun Stanley 34:40 - Where Are We Now ft Antwaun Stanley and Sierra Hull 42:00 - Love's In Need Of Love Today ft Sonny T and Antwaun Stanley 44:04 - Stevie Wonder Medley 48:29 - Dean Town

[@Miami_99]

Hero status thanks my guy you got on that quick.

[@danpeterson6157]

Nathan!! Were you there dude?? Would have loved to catch up.

[@nathanstoerzinger728]

@@danpeterson6157 I was! My wife and I were tucked upstairs away from the crowd

[@JK-js2td]

@@nathanstoerzinger728 thanks for the setlist, kind sir! 🙏

[@richardg9719]

I hear me some Road Trip Music !

[@DoctorWho8]

I await this greatness to watch this during my lunchtime (cue the music)!

[@Trippsy05]

I want this album pressed on vinyl. Would buy in a heartbeat

[@coryleman7438]

No freaking joke. Fell in love with the vulf-verse with Live at MSG, and this one may top it for me. Would be over the moon to have this on vinyl.

[@mrbgrow]

@@coryleman7438 very likely it will be made. I have the pressing of his first ave show in like 2019?

[@nicholaspalacio9672]

Jesus…the start of Eddie’s solo made me rewind like 4 times. So good.

[@stevezentner4161]

I gotta say I just watched a sweetwater music video with Cory in it about 3 mistakes rhythm guitar players make. In my 58 years on this planet I have never heard of this man.I sure have now. This entire band is nothing short of amazing. I am smiling ear to ear at 4:18 in the morning listening to this. As soon as the sun comes up, rest assured, I will be calling friends and telling them of my chance discovery.

[@kaitobellamy7172]

So what did your friends think??

[@LogansPage]

It's impossible to watch this and not smile the whole time. Everyone is having so much fun.

[@AaronNGray]

One of the happiest bands, they love their music and each others playing.

[@user-se8wi1gt4t]

Incredibly Great！！！ I was so moved to tears at Where Are We Now ft Antwaun Stanley and Sierra Hull Remember, I am Japanese, but I have fans in Japan too! Cory Wong and friends. Great.

[@alpswen2651]

The best things about Cory, except for his guitar skills, are how humble he is and how much he thinks about his fans - it's really thoughtful to record every single show! Honestly, I don't know of any musicians I like better than Cory in his age bracket. Maybe not even in the age bracket. One of my heroes!

[@aakkoin]

How is he humble? :D He's in the spotlight and his name is on the marquee and everywhere. Gotta have balls and confidence to do this stuff, not so much humility.

[@alpswen2651]

True lol. But he is one of those awesome people who don't boast even though he is so good.

[@Jinkinzzz]

@@aakkoin Fair fair... but he shares the spotlight, literally

[@Supardanil]

the smokeshow intro was SMOOTH!!! Eddie was gunning for Kenni's sax key-noise gold medal spot!

[@CritterJason]

my man out here rocking like Phill Collins David Byrnes and Billy Joel with that suit. another CRUSHING performance dude

[@lucianvogel7939]

The keyboardsolo by Kevin Gastonguay on "smokeshow" is great. The whole band is great!

[@thmsrttg]

I second that! His solo was very different from his usual style actually! Lots of polytonality and also some pretty avant-garde sonic effects.

[@homersimpson5964]

hell yes

[@ianmoore5502]

@@thmsrttg kevin is so under recognized and I love that you pointed that out!

[@mattmattson7152]

I had no idea Sonny T had voice chops like that... unreal

[@Jonnysh]

Kevin really shining here early, Love it!

[@maxruffino22]

This group is just the definition of a power house. 120 percent from first downbeat to the last it’s mind blowing

[@magicmacify]

What Cory showed at 14-16 is the most beatiful guitar solo I ever heard.

[@ValiantTono]

I had a work trip for MN during those dates. My boss told me last minute the trip wasn't happening and that broke my heart. I hope to see your show one day. Come to Costa Rica!!!, just sayin...😎

[@eoinej]

I have never watched Cory Wong before. I don't think I have every actually laughed out loud so many times during a live performance! The sheer energy and precision of the whole band, who really looked like they were having fun themselves, was nothing short of extraordinary. And what a band! I have been to many, many live gigs and have seen many of the best in all sorts of venues, but with the camera work here, I didn't feel at the gig, I felt I was walking round the stage! And following the band off stage for breaks - brilliant! No sign of any prima-donnas there. For an overall experience, it was literally the best live recording I have ever seen. It just supersedes my former No.1 ("Donny Hathaway - Live) because of the video, but it took 50 years to get there! Cory Wong deserves all the recognition he gets. He just makes people feel good. And to acquire a bass man of such calibre as Sonny Thompson couldn't be better for his funkredentials.

[@auliktechnologies9051]

I can't even begin to tell you how refreshing this is. Real, BadAss Musicianship front and center.

[@cjorg16]

Musicians having FUN! Yes.

[@Miami_99]

The bass player is so detail-oriented. Good God 51:17 those trills on Dean Town

[@fang_uk]

Sonny T is pretty much the Godhead of Bass Players, and taught Prince his way around the instrument at an early, formative age. It should come as no surprise that Prince adored him and considered him a good friend his entire life. Also, if someone could bottle Sonny’s laugh, they’d be a rich person. It’s everything 😎

[@colinwallace5286]

I’d like to see Sonny and Joe Dart double up on Dean Town, or anything else they felt like. That would be “jaws on the floor” good stuff.

[@scottymckay2813]

Been waiting for this - I was at this show. What a long awaited, amazing night! Wow - was that place packed!

[@reen3495]

This is just unreal. So much talent, unbelievable

[@peterhowardmn]

The energy at First Avenue that night was electric! Cory has assembled a group of incredible musicians that let their fun personalities shine on stage. I've never had so much fun at a concert- pure joy! Thanks for capturing this incredible night on video.

[@DavisSchulz]

this is insane!!! you guys are all legends

[@MakimaMelee]

I'm so early this is still only 360p, and it still slaps

[@fang_uk]

LOL 😂

[@zoranvasilic]

Smokin' !!! Thank You All For that !!!

[@GordonPavilion]

One of the finest guitarists of our time.Cory Wong is the complete package. And a nice guy to boot.

[@Nannada1212]

The combination of the incredible skill and just the pure amount of fun the whole band is having is amazing. I'm literally laying in bed and teared up a few times

[@chrisnolte2277]

Dang….. this almost 70 year old sax player cannot get enough Cory Wong/Vulfpeck! Nice little homage to Richard Tee Kevin! To say “you guys ROCK,” just isn’t enough! Thank you!

[@JK-js2td]

Im a sax player of 40 years...and ice seen many badass musicians...and after seeing Cory and his band...this is way up there on talent level....like Earth Wind Fire, Bela Fleck...James Brown...and others! Keep the fire, guys and dolls!!!

[@rupinnagireddy5719]

Sonny T’s voice is just so good, I can’t stop listening to the first part of the medley

[@jj5jj5]

Damn “Where Are We Now” is beautiful.

[@Mix3dbyMark]

the mix here is crazy

[@eliassolomon5038]

I’m flying out to Minneapolis for his next show there. Hometown shows are always the best!

[@k-whebert4792]

Let's go! in 360p even haha

[@kronik907]

I'm so sad I couldn't find a way to fly to go see one of these shows. So freaking cool I can see one on KZbin!! Still hope to see a live concert someday!

[@ClingTenaciouslyToMyButtocks]

I'm on my 7th or 8th cup of coffee for the day, and I'm pretty sure the first five minutes of this got my heart closer to death than ever before.

[@jules_borel]

You know what cory, if you were someone in the crowd, not cory wong, and you'd see and hear this momba jomba of funky energy and music, well i'm sure you'd really admire this. All and all just to say that you should be (and i'm sure that you are) proud of yourself :) peace and sonder

[@danielclawson5113]

OK ... the drummer and bass player are totally off the chain amazing!

[@josephroorda4410]

OH MAN! I was in the front row for this concert - great view, but the audio quality is much better here XD So excited to watch this again! I ran into Sam Greenfield at the bar down the street right before the show - tried my best to not totally fanboy.

[@TruckPuzzles]

Sweet! I was front row as well! You're right, sound quality here is killer compared to the show but holy hell what a great performance, right?

[@EvilSean62]

YOU GUYS NEED TO TOUR THE WORLD !!!!!!!!!!! pleeeeeeeeeease

[@kyleyoungmusic]

3:11 PURE STANK!!! 👀🔥

[@knastera]

Cory is like a Big Band era front man doing modern funk, jazz, rock, and genres without names.

Maybe, this is the best concert that I've ever seen in the last 10 years, this is amazing, beautiful. I've felt the goosebumps with the horns, and I was dancing during almost all the concert.

[@littlerainyone]

That was delightful. I'm so damn jealous.

[@tuftyaurelius9062]

Cory! That super fast, metronomic left hand with the ridiculously loose wrist action could teach Nile a thing or too? The sheer energy of the execution is disco jazz funk to another level!😆🥰 Freak out? To Chic, to cheek!😆Comedic virtuosity of the super charged, motorised left hand. Nouvea extreme, energised funk to the limits of the Strat!🥰

[@slumsiren]

Its like they were all born to play this music in this band.

[@djbrowndog77]

Oh wow! Kicking horn section, kicking band. That first track is a direct line to the Brecker Brothers Skunk Funk...

[@ClarkKasheta]

Hearing Corey shred is a treat. It's like the quiet kid in class who never pipes in , but when he does, it's brilliant.

[@originalalienone]

That drummer is SUPER fun and engaging! I love him!

[@mangroovya]

WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW !!!!!!

[@GregLopes]

Got to see the show in DC in Feb and it was literally food for my soul! So damn inspiring! Every element of the show was ridiculously good. The whole band is so damn good. The horns were so tight, Sonny and Petar were so damn fun, and Antwaun is absolutely THE MAN and brought the house down. Totally a dream team of musicians. Keep doing what you’re doing, Cory. You’re making the world a happier, more fun place.

[@andrewrobin5969]

Cory Wong, Billy Strings,…….I just feel so fortunate to be able to grow old with these amazing artists. Cheers!

[@mattromano404]

The Bari taking the melody and walking a baseline in that Stevie is just magic.

[@mattwright466]

Just saw these guys live in Denver last Friday. This video absolutely lives up to the performance. One of my favorite bands to watch live. Holy cannoli. 👏

[@vernonhall6804]

Caught these Animalicious Ambassadors of Funk in Richmond Va 2/21/2023. Our minds were BLOWN! The vids, as good as they are don't do justice. You MUST go to a show. Energy and talent is over the top. Thank you guys!

[@hasunjeung6841]

Thank you so much for posting this! I wish that I could have gone there. I used to live in Minneapolis and have been to a few concerts. They have such a fantastic audience! Thanks Cory!

[@ottokriete1153]

Cory brings a level of band leadership ( and musicianship) not seen since the 30's and 40's., when the charts were ruled by Glenn Miller, Woody Herman, and other big bands. These musicians all virtuosos in their own right, and as a group, they're just a joy to watch and hear. My dream concert now would be Cory and the Wong notes with Snarky Puppy!

[@VAXHeadroom]

I'm new to the party, but a HUGE fan!! Bring this party to the DC area PLEASE!

[@aarons.]

Amazing doesn’t even describe this.

[@abnzg]

the realest in the game

[@thisisjer]

Smokeshow is a perfect live piece

[@johnventura1637]

Holy sh*t. what an incredible group of musicians.

[@grcornwe]

Jon sneaking in the Hargrove quote on Bluebird - love it!

[@RayFieldsRider]

Damn man!!! This is how all the live concerts had to begin!!! Please, come to Catalonia (Spain) soon!!!

[@bugkiv]

The track "Smokeshow" had major hints of 80s Larry Carlton.....sensational!

[@DavidThrift]

Killer recording. Cory Rocks

[@dannybrickwell]

I'm convinced that not one person on this planet loves what they do more than Cory Wong!

[@haydenrayner2214]

Petars fill at 50:20 is like what dreams are made out of

[@tychoshea]

Love how everyone is having such a blast on stage! Cory’s as great a sonic director as he is a player. What a wonderful assortment of musicians in the mix, can’t wait to catch them live!

[@robtowler]

London 2023, literally cannot wait, so excited :-)

[@dannybrickwell]

Mark my words this will be an iconic show in the canon of music history.

[@dexterj5615]

I discovered Cory Wong because of his amazing neural dsp plugin and I thought no way this guy could do wrong with an ear for tone like that and I was not disappointed in the least.

[@pabloprimo250]

My dream gig!!!

[@JBergmansson]

37:48 onwards has some of the most beautiful and effectice mandolin comp I've ever heard.

[@rezlets5017]

i'm in love with Nêgah

[@ElBeeEss]

This band is simply the perfect storm of groove. Watching/listening to you guys literally gives me a HUUUUGE spiritual high. I soooo wish you'd been able to bring all the Wongnotes over to the UK with you earlier this year, Cory. I loved your gig but I gotta be honest, it just wasn't the same without everyone. Obviously. But you know what I mean. Ahhh. Y'all are soooo immense!

[@RMGiles51]

The dude Kenny on tenor needs to be in some type of Hall of a Fame Bruh that note shook me to my soul

[@jamesbeard]

Just wanna shoutout to the camera person who filmed this - must be a pretty intense gig shooting a whole show with a single continuous camera take ...

[@borukhbrukhas4776]

Fantastic!

[@Petar_Nikolov]

Yes! Yes ! Yes! Love you, Cory! Hugs from Bulgaria!!!