Hello Cory, how are you?
I’m good, thanks! I’ve had had quite a bit of time off the road over the last couple of months, so I’ve been chilling and being creative in my studio everyday when my kids are at school.
Congratulations on the release of “Lost In The Wonder” how does it feel now it’s out in the world?
It feels so great to have this out in the world. This collection of songs was really fun to make because they were all collaborations that featured different performers, all with the backdrop and throughline of my production/arranging/writing/performing. This is one of those albums that really shows a different side of my artistry than what you see in a live show of mine.
What’s your favourite track from it?
It’s really hard to pick favourites on an album. When I’m this close to making it, it almost feels like having to pick your favourite kid. A couple years from now I think I’ll have a clearer picture, but if I had to pick right now I’d probably say “Lisa Never Wanted to be Famous” because it’s been so many years in the making.
What are your favourite memories of recording it?
The fun thing about this album is that it was recorded in so many different places. I think one of my fondest memories is hanging out at Benny Sings’ studio in Amsterdam and writing/recording “Lost in the Wonder” in one day. I sent Benny a handful of songs and ideas before I flew out to Amsterdam; but when I got there, it was clear that we were meant to come up with something together on the spot. We had coffee and talked for a couple of hours in his studio which is basically underneath a bridge next to a beautiful canal. We talked life and artistry and career stuff, and then this song just came out of us.
What was the easiest and most challenging part of recording it?
The challenging part of that one was just finding some time in both of our schedules that was open that allowed me to fly out there. The easiest part was the collaboration and recording. He’s a true artist who knows his own voice and instincts, and we drew things out of each other that hadn’t been explored before.
It’s your 19th project what’s changed in your writing and recording process since the first one?
I’m always growing and evolving both in my personal and artistic growth, so it continually shapes my writing and playing. As far as my writing, I’ve learned to trust my instincts a bit more and be more open in my collaborations. For recording, I’ve never stopped studying the engineering and technical side of things, so I’m mixing and producing all of my albums now.
You’re also going out on the road, on a scale of 1-10 how excited are you?
It’s always a 10. I love playing live. I’m a live guy. My music goes from being meticulously arranged to having jumping points into improvised exploration. The fun part is when that line gets blurred for both the audience and us as a band.
How are preparations going?
I’ve been working on a bunch of new arrangements for songs off of the new album, and also new arrangements for stuff deeper in my catalog. I also worked on a bunch of new music for a residency I did at the Blue Note in NYC with Joshua Redman and Kenny Garrett. I’d like to try a few of those tunes with my full band too.
You’re a virtuoso guitarist, who are your 3 favourite guitarists?
Prince, George Benson, Pat Metheny
How do you like to warm up?
I separate my warmups by physical, musical, and mental.
I try to make sure my body is warmed up and loose by doing some light exercise and stretches (gotta stay limber). The ideal guitar warmup includes about 5 minutes of coordinating my hands together and getting them to cooperate/move with each other, and then about 5 minutes of practicing some tough lines or phrases that I’ll be playing that evening. Mental preparation usually consists of clearing my head of distractions, and focusing on being present. I also try to absorb some sort of art in the day that will get my mind curious or provoke lateral thinking.
What are you listening to at the moment?
I’m on year two of a Henry Mancini obsession.
What three things are you looking forward to doing in 2026?
Continued exploration of writing and recording.
Playing shows in places I’ve never been before.
Trying to get Donald Fagen to return my phone calls.
