On Sunday night, guitarist Cory Wong and his band made a stop at Nashville, TN’s 3rd & Lindsley, and welcomed Dave Matthews Band saxophonist Jeff Coffin to add a dash of funk throughout the set.
A few songs into the set, following “Welcome 2 Minneapolis”, Jeff Coffin joined Cory and his compadres on a few tunes from the Cory Wong catalog, including the recent Dave Koz collaboration, “Friends at Sea”, as well as a cover of Steely Dan‘s “Peg/Aja” medley. The highlight of Wong’s high-energy set came with The Optimist favorite track, “’91 Maxima”, as inflatable “air dancers” began to pop up during Wong’s scorching blues solo, with Coffin harmonizing the melody underneath Wong’s brilliant guitar work.
Cory shared some thoughts on the collaboration, explaining:
It was such a dream to play with Jeff. He’s such a legend and holds a really special place in my heart. When I was a teenager trying to figure out what to do with my life, my friend took me to a Bela Fleck and The Flecktones concert and it changed my life. It’s my favorite concert I’ve ever been too and the most potent musical experience I’ve ever had as an audience member. After that show, it opened my eyes to music being a viable option not just as a profession, but as a way to express art and join eclectic styles and backgrounds to make something special.
It was a special moment to see the fans reactions and the whole audience light up. That’s why we do it! Hopefully what we’re doing is sparking inspiration to someone else out there as Jeff did for me when I was a teenager
Listen to full-show audio of Cory Wong’s recent Nashville show below:
Cory Wong – 1/13/2019 (Full-Show Audio)
[Audio: Lightning 100]
For ticketing information and a full list of Cory Wong’s upcoming tour dates, head to his website.
Setlist: Cory Wong | 3rd & Lindsley | Nashville, TN | 1/13/2019
Set: NFL sports theme // Overture, The Optimist, Welcome 2 Minneapolis, *Dial Up, *Friends At Sea, sales // jam band starter pack, Sidestep, Clouds, sales // smooth jazz starter kit, *Peg/Aja, *Jax, *’91 Maxima, Juke On Jelly
Encore: E Jam, Companion Pass
* featured Jeff Coffin