When Cory Wong took the stage at Boston’s Roadrunner on November 9, the attendees at the packed-to-the-walls venue knew they were in for something special. This show was not just a concert, but a masterclass in both musical excellence and technical proficiency.
A local opening act makes good
The evening began with Couch, a Boston-bred ensemble that has earned their spot on Wong‘s tour. The seven-piece outfit, complete with a horn section and keyboards, channels the sophisticated pop-funk fusion of acts like early Lawrence and Lake Street Dive. Their lead vocalist, Tema Siegel, commanded the stage with both presence and vocal prowess, leading the band through a set of crowd favorites. A particular highlight came with their cover of Schoolhouse Rock’s “Conjunction Junction” – a delightful nostalgia trip that had every ’90s kid in the audience grinning ear to ear.
When guitar titans collide
Wong‘s set featured a special treat for guitar aficionados: the appearance of Mark Lettieri, whom Wong himself considers “the best guitarist of this generation.” The Grammy-nominated Lettieri, known for his work with instrumental powerhouse Snarky Puppy, added another layer of virtuosity to an already stellar evening.
Armed with his signature Stratocaster, Wong showed why he’s earned a reputation as one of music’s most dynamic performers. His playing style combines blazing speed with immaculate precision, but what sets Wong apart isn’t just his technical prowess – it’s how he makes it all look so effortless and fun.
The Avengers of funk
Wong‘s band lives up to his own incredible standard, functioning as a team-up of some of the best in funk and jazz music. A standout among standouts was bassist Yohannes Tona, whose Ethiopian roots and experience playing with international legends across funk, jazz, and reggae brought an extra dimension to the group’s already rich sound. Every member of the band displayed the kind of musicianship that reminded the audience they were watching some of the world’s finest players assembled on one stage.
A playful finale
Wong concluded the evening with an unexpected twist: staging a mock press conference where he and his band critiqued their own performance, turning even the smallest imperfections into moments of comedy. This theatrical touch, characteristic of Wong‘s approach to entertainment, led into not one but two encore performances.
The night served as the perfect example that at the highest levels of musical performance, technical excellence and pure entertainment aren’t mutually exclusive. Wong and his band proved that you can push the boundaries of music while keeping the audience thoroughly engaged and entertained.
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