Cory Weeds Jerry Weldon

Biography

Cory Weeds is a Canadian jazz saxophonist and impresario based in Vancouver, known for his impeccable swing on tenor and alto saxophone. He studied at the University of North Texas and Capilano University, and has been a professional musician for over 25 years, recording more than 20 albums as a leader that showcase his dynamic playing on hard-swinging tunes and gentle ballads. Early in his career, Weeds was a member of the Vancouver band People Playing Music, touring Canada, the US, and Europe, and co-led the instrumental band CRASH with Jerry Cook, releasing albums like Crash (1998) and Candyshop (1999). In 2003, CRASH backed Hammond B3 organist Dr. Lonnie Smith on The Dr. Is In, leading to tours in the Pacific Northwest. Weeds founded and owned the Cellar Jazz Club in Vancouver, where he performed with icons like Joey DeFrancesco and Harold Mabern, and established the Cellar Music Group record label.[1][2][4][6][9]

"Cory Weeds Meets Jerry Weldon" refers to a collaborative project and 2025 album between Weeds and American tenor saxophonist Jerry Weldon, a New York-born veteran of the jazz scene (born September 27, 1957). They have performed together, including in the Cory Weeds Quintet featuring Weldon at events in Squamish, Canada. Weldon graduated from Rutgers University Jazz Program in 1981, joined the Lionel Hampton Orchestra until 2002, and worked with organists like Jack McDuff, Jimmy McGriff, Joey DeFrancesco, and Dr. Lonnie Smith. In 1990, he became a charter member and featured soloist in Harry Connick Jr.'s big band, touring internationally and appearing on Connick's TV show HARRY (2016-2018).[1][3][4][5]

Both artists embody soul jazz and hard-swinging tenor traditions, with Weeds embracing diverse situations and Weldon representing bar-walkin', blues-inflected phrasing. Their partnership continues a tenor saxophone battle tradition, as noted in reviews of their joint work.[1][4]

Fun Facts

• Cory Weeds owned Vancouver's Cellar Jazz Club, where he performed nightly with jazz icons before launching his Cellar Music Group label.
• Jerry Weldon appeared daily on Harry Connick Jr.'s daytime TV show HARRY from 2016-2018 as part of the house band.
• Weeds' band CRASH was booked to back Dr. Lonnie Smith in 2003 purely by chance, sparking a successful collaboration and tours.
• The 2025 album Cory Weeds Meets Jerry Weldon is described as a 'divinely inspired' tenor saxophone battle in the tradition of Gene Ammons-Dexter Gordon and Eddie Davis-Johnny Griffin.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Dr. Lonnie Smith - Hammond B3 organ guru who backed CRASH and influenced Weeds' soul jazz direction (The Dr. Is In (2003)) [2003]
• Lionel Hampton - Legendary bandleader for Weldon's early career post-Rutgers (Lionel Hampton Orchestra) [1981-2002]
• Jack McDuff - Master organist with whom Weldon had a long stint in 'Heatin' System' (Jack McDuff & his 'Heatin' System' band) [post-2002]

Key Collaborators

• Jerry Weldon - Tenor saxophonist in quintet performances and joint recordings (Cory Weeds Meets Jerry Weldon (2025), Cory Weeds Quintet events) [2024-2025]
• Jerry Cook - Co-leader of instrumental band CRASH (Crash (1998), Candyshop (1999)) [1998-2003]
• Harry Connick Jr. - Charter member and featured soloist in big band (Harry Connick Jr. big band, HARRY TV show, Thou Shalt Not Broadway) [1990-2018]
• Joey DeFrancesco - Frequent performance and recording partner for both (Live performances at Cellar, various albums) [2000s-present]

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia