On Tuesday, February 27th, Cory Henry hosted a last-minute birthday party at New York City’s Nublu, inviting friends and fans to come join him for an intimate celebration. Having decided to throw himself a birthday party the night before, word of this jam session didn’t make its way around New York City until 9 pm on Monday night. The “jam” started with DJ Alissia (also known as Al Boogie or Baby Z) spinning some dope funk and old-school hip-hop beats on the 1s and 2s. The larger “NewBlu”, a spinoff of the original Nublu Classic, had a fun atmosphere in anticipation of the birthday boy hitting the stage. During the DJ set, the ever-gracious and friendly Cory Henry walked through the crowd, thanking anyone he passed for showing up to celebrate his birthday. It was a helluva way to start what would be a fun night.
Once it was the birthday boy’s time to shine, Cory Henry opened his performance by addressing the crowd, thanking everyone for coming out on a Tuesday night despite the late announcement. The music began with a nearly 30-minute version of “Superstition”, with Cory imparting to the crowd that “when you believe in things that you don’t understand, then you suffer!” From there, the band launched into a 30-plus minute version of the Michael Jackson classic “The Way You Make Me Feel.” Cory was clearly having a good time on stage, at one point singing out “whiskey and gingers” for him and his vocalists as they performed. Two female guest vocalists came up on stage to sing backup, adding some lovely harmonies.
From there, the three-piece did a funky version of John Legend’s “Ordinary People.” The clear highlight of the night was when singer Chris Turner came on stage to do a lilting and beautiful, jazzy version of Prince’s “When Doves Cry.” During the jam, trumpeter Maurice “Mobetta” Brown joined the band and destroyed a trumpet solo, adding a fabulous sound to the track. The night continued with Cory inviting singer Abby Smith on stage. Before the end of the party, Brett Williams joined Cory at the keyboard rig, and the two of them went to town, keeping the crowd rocking into the wee hours of the morning.