Known for his razor-sharp guitar chops and irresistible funk fusion, Cory Wong’s performance at History Friday night was nothing short of electrifying, blending elements of jazz, funk, rock, and electronic music into a dynamic, genre-defying experience.
Nothing shows a unified commitment more than a uniform. Team Wongair hit the hard court in their matching blue jumpsuits with orange and white pinstriping, game ready. The ensemble wasted no time in setting the tone with The Grid Generation, a high-energy funk track punctuated with blasting horns. The rhythm section locked in tight, with Petar Janjric’s drumming creating a propulsive force that pushed the tempo forward, while Yohannes Tona’s bass lines were as fluid as they were funky.
Wong’s signature sound, a tight, staccato guitar tone that feels both melodic and percussive, was on full display from the first note. Blending lightning-fast finger work with unexpected harmonic choices, effortlessly building tension and releasing it in the same breath. He moved across his fretboard with fluidity and poise, playing with such precision, having musical conversations with his bandmates, pushing everyone to their limits.
What made Wong’s set so unique was the seamless fusion of styles. He effortlessly transitioned from intricate, jazz-infused improvisation into straight-up danceable funk. There was a lot going on technically that was beyond my comprehension but the end result inevitably had me shaking my butt. Wong’s ability to get people to groove with him, even during complex time signatures or more experimental passages, speaks to his undeniable charisma as a performer.
Throughout the evening, Wong wasn’t just a virtuoso on guitar, he was also an engaging bandleader, dancing with his bandmates while roaming the stage. There was a sense of joy and camaraderie that filled the room. Wong’s infectious grin on his face when he sees the crowd fully immersed in the groove delivered by such a powerful band.
When the set broke and the band left the stage, a unique moment transpired. The crew brought out a Wongair background, a long table and some chairs to the front of the stage. It was time for the band’s post set press conference. The Team came back with their jumpsuits turned down to the waist, water bottles at the ready, prepared to answer questions from the audience. This was a lot of fun. I have never seen anything like it and I loved it! The band analyzed their set and how they could improve the next show and took suggestions for the encore.
A Vulfpeck cover kicked off the encore to the delight of the crowd. Most of the audience most likely first heard of Cory as a member of Vulfpeck. Another cover, Assasin, from the The Fearless Flyers, a side project of Cory Wong and Mark Lettieri, provided the last song of the night.
Cory Wong had once again proven that he’s not just a guitarist, he’s a musical architect, building bridges between genres and creating an immersive, celebratory experience. If you ever get the chance to see him live, do not hesitate. He’ll funk your face off!
Connect with Cory Wong: Website || Twitter/X || Facebook || Instagram
Be sure to check out Collective Concerts to see what other great acts they will be bringing to Toronto this year.
