To say that this is a ‘feel good’ album is somewhat of an understatement, in fact, I challenge ANYONE to listen to Cory Wong’s new album Elevator Music For An Elevated Mood and not feel great by the time the dying embers of the final track disappear into the ether.

Having been introduced to the incredible sound of VULFPECK a couple of years back, I was keen to hear what Cory’s new solo album was going to sound like, I hit play and sat back, waiting for the action to begin.

Primarily instrumental, well, if you were Cory Wong, you WOULD produce instrumental records because his style and skill demand your attention and sometimes, having vocals on top could be classed as the straw that breaks the camel’s back.

Opening track ‘Golden’ features the vocal talents of Cody Fry, whose dulcet tones took me back to the golden age of New York discotheques circa 1975. The accompanying music is incredible, driving boogie beats, tight brass and enough funky stuff coming out of Cory’s guitar to defeat an army, what a way to open his new record….

‘Airplane Mode’ is a fat slice of jazz funk pie, covered in whipped cream with a cherry on top. With its melodic and super catchy opening, you might have thought that you purchased a ‘play along with Cory’ CD from your local music shop as you sit there willing the vocals to come in after a few bars. Enjoy it for what it is, absolute instrumental perfection!

Things slow down somewhat with ‘Restoration’, another instrumental featuring the silky smooth sax courtesy of the one and only Dave Koz. ‘Treehouse’ injects a healthy dose of shimmering light into proceedings courtesy of the playful vocal tones of Phoebe Katis who delivers an exquisite performance over Cory’s immense guitar work. ‘Meditation’ starts slow and features some superb guitar, a steady beat drops and allows Cory’s guitar to sing beautifully over the top of the bed. With gentle horns in the background, this is a track that builds, opening itself like a flower greeting the morning sun. Light jazz tinged piano notes tinkle over the top as you fight to isolate each base layer, a real treat for the senses.

‘Team Sports’ kicks off with a fat funky riff, plenty of wah-wah and Cory’s trademark loose-wristed ‘Vulfpeck’ guitar sound that has put him where he is today. ‘Julia’ is another multi layered track which showcases Cory’s delicious finger picked guitar, a 70’s sounding organ and a tremendous backline.

‘Watercolors’ sees the return of Dave Koz on sax as Cory lays down a very slow and deliberated melody over a sharp beat. Koz’s sax style is effortless and really shines through on this track.

‘Takeoff’ harks back to the classic mid 70’s vibe that Cory brings to the fore, vocal duties are provided by Rachel Mazer with the assistance of some sublime backing singers. Cory’s playful riff adds a lighter touch to the track.

If previous tracks brought things down a peg or two, the penultimate ‘Winslow’ puts things right back up there again. Sounding reminiscent of a mid 70’s Weather Report offering complete with Jaco on bass is exactly where I would place this track. The Hammond organ oozes cool and I feel that this will have a magical effect on a room full of people, getting them on their feet and cutting the rug in next to no time at all, this is what it’s all about folks!

The album closer ‘BBC News’ comes in with a gentle piano intro before Cory takes over with his blistering funky guitar sound that instantly puts a smile on your face. You find yourself drawn in with subtle strings and a guitar riff that’s catchier than a common cold.

All too soon, it’s all over but you know what the good thing is? You can hit play and enjoy the whole thing again from the top!

Cory Wong embarks on a USA/Canadian tour in January and lands on UK shores in February to play just 4 dates (Glasgow, Manchester, London and Bristol). Tickets are on sale NOW but don’t hang around folks, as soon as people catch on to Cory’s talents, they will be GONE, don’t say you weren’t warned

Review by Steve Muscutt