Starting
with the school band, Corey's natural talent was evident. He
began dominating his peers in both group and solo competitions.
By the time he reached Rich South High School in Richton Park,
Illinois, his confidence and maturity had grown. It helped him
secure a spot in the Illinois All-State Honors Jazz Combo, the
only student to do so in the school's history.
Corey then
attended Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts,
studying trumpet under Tiger Okoshi and Charlie Lewis Jr. Corey
continued his studies in the home of jazz, Louisiana. He absorbed
the unique jazz atmosphere while frequenting local jam sessions
and playing with several different local bands in Baton Rouge
and New Orleans. Since then, Corey has shared the stage with
numerous heavyweights including Roscoe Mitchell, Fred Anderson,
Terence Blanchard, Clarck Terry, Harry "Sweets" Edison,
Wynton Marsalis, Wessell Anderson, Roy Hardgrove, Eric Reed,
Steve Coleman, Kenny Drew Jr., Brian Lynch, Curtis Fuller, Benny
Golson, Eric Alexander, George Freeman and Jason and Delfeayo
Marsalis. His soulful, shophisticated sound can be also found
on Roscoe Mitchell's CD "Song for My Sister". He was
invited to join the Art Ensemble of Chicago as guest musician
on 2004.
