Cory Wong
The Lucky One
Roundwound Media (available now)
9/10
The man with the amazing rhythm chops is back!
The smiling dude with a Fender Strat is known for laying down some of the tightest 16th note patterns since legendary rhythm-ers Nile Rodgers, David Williams and Paul Jackson Jr. With The Lucky One being his fourth studio album, Cory is well on his way to cementing himself as the next funk master. But he’s very happy to surround himself with great musicians and take a back seat when necessary.
Intro track,is super funky in an 80/90s mix but youhas some lovely sustaining guitar but little of his 16th note chops. Then comes – this is more Wong with tight and dry instruments driven by thick drums and bass and Cory’s guitar strobe spitting deep within.implies DAW recording practice – with singer/drummer Louis Cole on board, tightness and dynamics is well to the fore and a corker of an animated rock guitar solo. The instrumental has great chord work and lead melodies while the ballad-esque has a broad palette from clean violining guitar through to Prince-esque rocking leads. As for rhythms and chords,is almost like a missing track off George Benson’s album, produced by Quincy Jones. Cory’s 16ths are so tight and so focused it makes you want to get down with a metronome and do some serious woodshedding!
