BOSTON, MA | GRAMMY Award-nominated rhythm guitarist and songwriter Cory Wong, and special guests, elevated the sold-out House of Blues to soaring heights on February 25. The Power Station Tour is a showcase of top-tier musicians expressing their love for music, connections with each other, and the crowd. Fueled by high-energy grooves, impressive musicianship, and a band simply having a blast together, the Boston crowd danced and celebrated throughout the night.
Rhythm guitar and the limelight do not typically go together, but Cory Wong shines bright as the center star. Collaborating with musicians on albums and live shows has given his own discography a diversity and depth which has grown his fanbase. Through mastering technique and music theory, Cory continues to push the limits of what has been done and what is possible.
The East Coast dates of this tour feature legendary bassist Victor Wooten, winner of 5 GRAMMY awards and who was also named Bass Player of the Year by Bassist magazine multiple times. Backed by a full band consisting of a drummer, bassist, percussionist, pianist, and a six-piece horn section, this setlist was amplified to give an unforgettable experience. Each band member displayed a mastery of their instrument, including bassist Sonny Thompson and Michael Nelson on trombone—both of whom were members of Prince’s recording and live band for many years.
Supporting the show was pop-folk trio Trousdale, who Cory introduced as his new favorite artist. With a blend of upbeat and softer contemplative tunes, these women offered beautiful harmonies and heartfelt lyrics that warmed the crowd. Longtime fan Walt from Pittsburgh flew into Boston to attend this show, stating “Boston crowds are the best! Tonight I’m expecting incredible musicianship and to feel all the feels.”
Cory Wong also addressed that the Boston crowd stood out among other dates on the tour. “How many Berklee cats we got in the room? I didn’t have to ask, you made yourselves obvious by the way you look at our fingers and gear.” Cory continued, “We’re having a lot of fun and I sometimes can’t believe it’s what we do for our livelihood. It’s a true joy and absolute pleasure—pretty much everyday feels the best.”
What made this performance stand out was how much fun everyone was having. While walking around the packed and sweaty venue, fans from the front to the absolute back of the room were dancing with friends and strangers the entire night.
Cory and the band included many unique elements to give this crowd the best experience possible. A third of the way into the set, the band played songs “Bluebird” and “Saint Paul” within a lighthearted schtick: playing tiny instruments that would fit in a carryon while traveling. Seeing drummer Petar Janjic push a children’s drum set to the max and the band playing outside their comfort zone had everyone laughing and enjoying this special moment.
Highlighting the night were tunes “Crisis” joined by Trousdale, the jovial cover of a Béla Fleck track “Stomping Grounds,” the dynamic “Feed the ID,” and Cory’s moving solo work on “Meditation” proving his versatility as a guitarist.
At the end of the show Cory held a mock press conference complete with backdrop, tables, and microphones to dissect many songs that they played—what went wrong and what went right with each. The band also fielded questions from the audience, making this show even more personal and interactive. When drummer Petar Janjic was asked by the crowd what it felt like being the baddest man on the planet, he genuinely deferred the title to Wooten. Wooten then responded that it felt like “heaven on earth” to play along with Cory and the band.
The Boston House of Blues show was live streamed free on YouTube and can be relived again and again.
TROUSDALE
