Internationally renowned keyboard master, soul singer, composer, and producer Cory Henry will release his new solo album, Best of Me, on September 17th with the album’s title track releasing worldwide today!
STREAM “BEST OF ME” SINGLE HERE
Produced, arranged, performed and co-written by Henry, the 11-track album, largely instrumental, features the prodigious musician on vocals, Hammond B3 organ, Moog and Harpejji—a rare electric stringed instrument. With a sound that Cory has christened “future soul”—a groove-heavy fusion of funk, blues, gospel, jazz and R&B—Best of Me calls upon influences including Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Donny Hathaway, P-Funk, and James Brown. The album’s title references Henry’s appreciation for those who came before him, creators of the 70s soul that he cites as “the greatest era of music.”
“Music is a universal language, something we all can understand,” Henry says. “It’s amazing to witness people from all over the globe come together, despite having different backgrounds/views to experience the power of music. My new album Best of Me is a collection of songs written and inspired by my musical heroes. These songs capture the entire essence of my musical journey so far. I hope they inspire you on your journey. Much love!”
Not one to stand still when the world has stopped, Henry, whose early-2020 world tour with Lenny Kravitz was canceled, turned inward and recorded Something to Say, his acclaimed sophomore solo effort that addressed the social and emotional climate of the time. He and his band, the Funk Apostles, live streamed a special Halloween concert—their first since the shutdown—to mark the album release. He also released the powerful and unifying single “Rise,” with proceeds supporting the civil rights group Color of Change, and the holiday track “Christmas with You”—an instant hit with fans and critics. Henry performed the track, and other Christmas classics, on NPR’s Tiny Desk ‘Home’ Concert last December.
Most recently, Henry contributed to multiple tracks on Kanye West’s streaming record-breaking album Donda, including “24” (aka “Run to Glory”) which premiered in a Beats by Dre ad starring track star Sha’Carri Richardson.
Showing his depth as the ultimate creative, Cory also contributed to two songs, “Follow You” and “Cut-Throat,” on the most recent Imagine Dragons album Act -1.
Last night, Henry took on something entirely new---performing the national anthem with Michelle Williams in front of over 20 million viewers at yesterday’s NFL’s season opener in Tampa Bay, FL: Link
With the release of Best of Me, Henry will perform live in the following locations:
09/17 - Xponential Music Festival - Philadelphia, PA
09/18 - Sea Hear Now Festival – Asbury Park, NJ
09/19 - Indy Jazz Festival - Indianapolis, IN
09/20 - Space - Evanston, IL
09/22 - Blue Note Jazz Club - New York, NY (two shows)
09/23 - Blue Note Jazz Club - New York, NY (two shows)
09/24 - Blue Note Jazz Club - New York, NY (two shows)
09/25 - Blue Note Jazz Club - New York, NY (two shows)
09/26 - Blue Note Jazz Club - New York, NY (two shows)
09/30 - Gold-Diggers - Los Angeles, CA - Album Release Underplay
10/09 - Shakori Hills Grassroots Festival of Music and Dance - Pittsboro, NC
12/02 - Boulder Theater w/ Robert Glasper - Boulder, CO
12/03 - Cervantes Masterpiece Ballroom w/ Robert Glasper - Denver, CO
