INTERVIEW: Cory Wong Returns To Jazz Fest This Weekend
06/28 & 06/29 @ Saratoga Performing Arts Center
Erin Harkes got the chance to interview Cory Wong before his upcoming performance at Jazz Fest at SPAC this weekend! Cory Wong is a Grammy-nominated guitarist, producer, variety show host, and podcast host. In addition to his skyrocketing solo career, he is also a member of Vulfpeck & Fearless Flyers. Even though he was in Japan at the time, he was kind enough to make this interview with Metroland happen and we can’t wait to see him this weekend at Jazz Fest!
[Erin Harkes]: You have collaborated with so many different, eclectic groups. I’m sure you wouldn’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings by picking one over the other in any way, but any of these experiences stand out more than others? I for one am partial to Dirty Loops.
[Cory Wong]: Collaboration is so great because each one draws out new aspects of my artistry, and it allows me to grow and be challenged. I would say the collaborations I've done with Metropole Orkest have been really special because it was a cross genre and cross cultural collaboration that challenged my depth of artistry in a unique way. It was also incredible because it expanded the palate of colors I could use for making music live in the studio. My band expanded from 10 people to 65 people. Was it daunting at times? Yes. That was immediately outweighed by how fulfilling and fun the whole project was!
[EH]: You performed at Caroga Lake last summer and now we’re lucky enough to have you in Saratoga. Being born in Poughkeepsie (even though you were raised in Minnesota) do you feel a kinship or homecoming draw to Upstate New York?
[CW]: I think there's something that draws me in more than other places. It's such a beautiful part of the country and I always have a great time there. It reminds me of Minnesota in certain ways of being able to escape into nature, but it's so unique in the aspect of vertical terrain and the beauty of the Adirondacks.
[EH]: You have a very unique, indeterminate style of playing (understatement of the century). Who are some of your biggest influences?
[CW]: Ah, thank you for saying that, I'm flattered! A lot of my biggest influences are people who have a singular and powerful voice with magnetic qualities that draw you in. Prince, George Benson, Pat Metheny. These are all artists who have made such an impact beyond just the instrument itself, and even past the genre that they play. They are true artists.
[EH]: Have you been asked to categorize yourself? What do you respond with and how do you feel about that type of question? I know it seems reductive to have to qualify, especially with your wide array of genres you’ve performed. So I’m not asking you to do that as much as I’m curious how you handle that conversation.
[CW]: It's hard to describe what I do because I have so many genres and versions of what I do. I normally describe my music like this. It's instrumental music that has: the groove of funk/r&b, the harmony of jazz, the energy of punk rock, the arranging of big band, and the production style of classic pop music.
[EH]: If you could collaborate with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be and what would you want to perform?
[CW]: I've thought about this so much and my answer changes all the time...based on how I'm feeling today, the band I would want to put together for an album and tour is... Jaco Pastorius, Claude Debussy, Bernard Purdie, Wayne Shorter, Cannonball Adderly, and Chet Baker. That would make for an interesting ride
[EH]: You’re an incredibly positive person. What is the source of this outlook on life?
[CW]: I've had some interesting life experiences that have shown me to be very grateful for life. Faith and a great support system of friends and family has been a big factor.
[EH]: Having been to Saratoga before -- what, if anything, are you hoping to do besides the festival?
[CW]: This time around I'm going to spend a bit more time at the Saratoga Spa State Park and there's also a couple of restaurants that people have recommended that I'm excited to check out. I'll be renting a boat and getting out on the lake which should be fun!
For tickets and more information on this weekend’s Jazz Fest, click HERE.
