Jun 9, 2026 10:54 AM
In Memoriam: James Blood Ulmer, 1940–2026
With deep sorrow and profound love, we announce the passing of James Blood Ulmer, a boldly innovative guitarist,…
This year, Wong is releasing a new album, going on tour, debuting a new season of his podcast and bringing back his online musical variety series.
(Photo: Courtesy of artist.)Grammy Award-nominated songwriter, producer and guitarist Cory Wong is set for a busy year. He’s releasing a new album, going on tour, debuting a new season of his Wong Notes podcast and bringing back Cory and the Wongnotes, his online musical variety series showcasing live performances, original sketch comedy, special guests and interviews.
The series’ second season premiered April 12 on the Minneapolis, Minnesota-based artist’s YouTube channel, with new episodes set to debut each Tuesday. The new season of Cory and the Wongnotes will feature extended episodes showcasing long-form interviews, new sketches and collaborations with musical guests including Chromeo, Billy Strings, Big Wild, Victor Wooten, Béla Fleck, Lindsay Ell, Mark Lettieri, Sierra Hull, Larry Carlton, Joey Dosik and Nate Smith.
“This season of Cory and The Wongnotes is exciting for me because I got to invite some of my musical heroes on to the show, and even write music with them,” Wong says. “The guests on this season are incredible musicians; each with an interesting and unique journey with how they’ve arrived where they’re at. I got to dive deep with them both musically and personally with extended interviews and recording live in the room together. Each episode has its own theme and I was able to explore how those themes relate to everyday life as a musician. The sketch comedy plays off of each theme and how my mind sees the world through the musician’s lens.”
The new season of Cory and the Wongnotes will also showcase Wong’s upcoming new album, Power Station, which came out on April 29.
Additionally, Wong is touring in 2022. North American dates began April 29 with two late-night sets at New Orleans, Louisiana’s Republic NOLA as part of the 9th Annual Nolafunk Series During Jazz Fest. See complete dates here. DB
To the world, James Blood Ulmer was a legend, a visionary and a musical force whose sound was distinctive and unique. To his family, he was their teacher, their storyteller and a source of strength.
Jun 9, 2026 10:54 AM
With deep sorrow and profound love, we announce the passing of James Blood Ulmer, a boldly innovative guitarist,…
Clockwise from top left, Mary Halvorson, Patricia Brennan, Adam O’Farrill, Keith Jarrett’s At the Deer Head Inn: The Complete Recordings, Sheila Jordan and Jaki Byard.
Jul 16, 2026 1:34 PM
The DownBeat Critics Poll never ceases to amaze! And the 74th Edition offered plenty of accolades for poll veterans and…
Ibrahim was an early jazz acolyte, studying the music via 78s he would buy from soldiers stationed in South Africa — who also gave him the nickname “Dollar.”
Jun 30, 2026 3:19 PM
Pianist Abdullah Ibrahim, the NEA Jazz Master from South Africa who helped fuse the folk music of his home country with…
A drummer’s drummer, Rodney Holmes gigged with everyone from Joe Zawinul and Carlos Santana to Steve Kimock and the Brecker Brothers.
Jul 22, 2026 12:37 PM
Drummer Rodney Holmes, a powerful presence behind the kit who emerged as an in-demand player on the New York scene…
“There was something about her tone and sound and phrasing — an intimacy, a vulnerability, an honesty,” says Joshua Redman, who produced Cavassa’s record after she toured with his band.
Jun 16, 2026 1:27 AM
Gabrielle Cavassa is an avowed perfectionist. So when she failed to place despite becoming a finalist in the 2018 Sarah…