When Vulfpeck played at Tipitina’s this past spring, they sold out two nights in a row. Numerous friends went both nights. I had never even heard of the band, so when the sophomore solo effort from the band’s guitarist Cory Wong popped onto my radar I immediately popped it in. Though I listened to a pre-release download, the album will be released on vinyl today.
Wong surrounds himself with great musicians on The Optimist. The opening song, “Jax,” features members of Prince’s horn section. It is funky in a way that the Purple One would certainly have enjoyed.
“The Hornheads are best known as Prince’s horn section,” explains Wong, “and their leader, Michael Nelson, did most of the horn arrangements for Prince. The guys are all 20-30 years older than us, but we fit right in as friends because they love seeing young musicians with such passion.”
Though much of the album is instrumental, guest singers are peppered throughout the collection. “Light As Anything,” another standout track, features soulful vocals from Ripe frontman Robbie Wulfsohn. Antwaun Stanley,Wong’s bandmate in Vulfpeck, tears up “Jumbotron Hype Song.”
The tunes on The Optimist span the gamut from hardcore funk to melodic instrumental pop. Wong’s guitar work centers all of the songs and his skills range from searing solos that would once again make Prince proud, to tasty licks that would be home in a jazzier context.
With his second solo release, Wong has established himself as the best guitarist you haven’t heard of yet. Check him out on tour this fall and get the album.
