Andy Wood, “Charisma” – Album Review

2024-08-10

Andy Wood. Here's Audio Ink Radio's Andy Wood, "Charisma," album review.

Andy Wood – Author: Anne Erickson, Courtesy Photo

Releasing an instrumental guitar album is no easy task. I always believe it takes extra creativity and talent to keep the listener engaged with no vocals in the mix. Only a few of the greatest guitarists can really pull it off, and Andy Wood is one of them. On his new album, “Charisma,” Wood really does show off a sense of charisma. It’s an engaging set that keeps the listener interested from start to finish. Here’s Audio Ink Radio’s Andy Wood, “Charisma,” album review.

Andy Wood, “Charisma” – Album Review

Knoxville-based Andy Wood takes his music seriously, and you can hear that on “Charisma.” The album opens with the groovy, slow-burning guitar anthem “Shoot the Sun Down,” which treats the listener to more than six minutes of guitar playing bliss. On “Shoot the Sun Down,” and throughout the album, Wood shows off his ability to make riffs and licks come to life, while also displaying some serious soloing chops. The next track, “Free Range Chicken” featuring Brent Mason is a super jam-y, happy number that almost made me want to get up and dance.

While it’s easy for an instrumental album to sound the same, “Charisma” never falls into that pitfall. Each song on the release has its own character, voice and story. While all of the songs on “Charisma” are strong, the real stand-out is Wood’s cover of “Rooster.” His guitar take on this classic song gave me goosebumps. So many different artists have covered “Rooster,” but this is truly an imaginative, unique take on the popular song. He seems to slow down the track a bit and really lean into the bluesy side of it. I can’t imagine what this would have sounded like with Layne Staley on vocals, but it would have been incredible. “Rooster” also starts off soft but builds into a rock ‘n’ roll masterpiece, with Wood’s lead guitar playing driving the track.

Elsewhere, “Cherry Blossoms” and “Copperhead” are more highlights, which each bringing a totally different flavor and style to the set. While the guitar playing throughout “Charisma” is special, what really stands out is Wood’s ability to play a variety of styles of music. It’s not surprising, since this is a guy who’s played with everyone from Jelly Roll to Christina Aguilera.

Wood has been around a while, but he’s new to many in the rock world. “Charisma” is a fantastic introduction for Wood, and I’m looking forward to what he does next.

Andy Wood, “Charisma,” Track Listing:

Shoot The Sun Down
Free Range Chicken feat. Brent Mason
Rooster
Storms and Sparrows
Charisma
Cherry Blossoms
Master Gracey’s Manor
Hylia
Moaning Lisa feat. Joe Bonamassa
Copperhead
Believe

Anne Erickson
Latest posts by Anne Erickson (see all)
Posted by Anne Erickson | Music, Rock, Rock News